After being down at halftime by 7, the Rice Owls started to find their rhythm in the second half as they outscored Air Force 26-0.
The Air Force Falcons were in it for most of the game until they just fell apart in the fourth quarter and allowed 26 unanswered points in the second half. The Owls completely shut down one of the top rushing school's in the nation, by only giving up 166 total rushing yards and just allowing 3.5 yards per carry for the whole team. The Owls also caused a couple turnovers and also held the Air Force Academy passing game to just 48 total passing yards.
Due to Rice's defense keeping Air Force off the field, the Owls got a lot of time of possession and have a very productive day finishing with 503 total yards. Rice red shirt freshman quarterback Driphus Jackson filled in for the injured starter Taylor McHargue and played a very poise game as he finished the game completing 15 of 24 passes, and having 264 passing yards, with 2 touchdowns and no turnovers.
Another Player who shined for the Owls was the red shirt sophomore receiver Jordan Taylor. Taylor came into the game not having a single touchdown all year, and finished catching the ball 9 times and had 153 receiving yards and left the game with 3 touchdown catches, which were all career highs for the tall receiver. "He is ahead of his time, and has been the go to guy all season," said Rice Head Coach, David Bailiff.
Taylor being 6-5/210, knows he has an advantage over most defenders. "Well obviously I have a little confidence in myself being this tall but I'm just ready and when they need me to make a play I do my best to try to do that. I thought Driphus did an excellent job of coming in when Connor got hurt and stepped up and made a lot of plays," said Taylor after the game.
To go along with the big bowl game victory and great second half Rice performance, a new Rice record was set. Senior running back/receiver Sam McGuffie became the first Rice Owl player to reach 1,000 rushing and receiving yards in a career. McGuffie who started his college career at the University of Michagan transfered after his freshman year to Rice, has had a very productive college career and finished his career having 1,543 rushing yards, 1,234 receiving yards, and 21 total career touchdowns.
Rice finished the year with a (7-6) record, and a positive start going into the off season, as they have a lot of momentum coming into the upcoming season.
Hunter Sims
RF Sports Radio
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