SMU Tops Rice 27-24

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The SMU Mustangs closed out the regular season with a home victory over the Rice Owls.  

SMU scored first with Darius Johnson reaching the end zone on a 45 yard pass from J.J. McDermott.  The Mustangs improve to 7-0 when making the first score.  SMU increased the lead to 14-0 on a Jared Williams 52 yard run.  

Rice keeps plugging and makes the next 3 scores to take the lead 17-14 late in the 3rd quarter.

SMU comes right back to regain the lead on a Rishaad Wimbley 1 yard run.  The Mustangs lead 20-17 after a failed extra point attempt.  SMU increases the lead to 10 on a Wimbley 39 yard run.  

Again, Rice battles back, scoring with 2:01 left in the game to close the score to 27-24.  After recovering an onside kick, Rice fails to convert on a 4th down, allowing SMU to run out the clock.

With star running back Zach Line out for the season, SMU used the duo of Rishaad Wimbley and Jared Williams to post the highest rushing total (189 yards) of the year.  Wimbley ran for 115 yards and 2 touchdowns on 20 carries.  Williams added 80 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries.

Quarterback J.J. McDermott threw for 179 yards, completing 16 of 25 passes.  Receiver Darius Johnson caught 8 passes for 123 yards and one touchdown.  It is his 5th 100-yard game of the season.  Cole Beasley had 7 receptions for 58 yards.  

SMU finishes the regular season 7-5, 5-3 in Conference USA play.  The Mustangs await a bowl invitation for the 3rd straight year. 

 

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