SAN ANTONIO (AP) — The Rice defense stifled the UTSA passing game and Darik Dillard’s 4-yard touchdown run in the second quarter gave Rice the lead for good in a 27-21 victory over UTSA on Saturday.
Going into the fourth quarter, Rice (4-2, 3-0 Conference USA) led 27-7 after holding Eric Soza to only 32 yards passing.
UTSA was able to close the deficit after the Owls switched to a prevent scheme, giving the Roadrunners room to throw the ball.
Taylor McHargue was 9 of 21 for 183 yards and one touchdown.
UTSA (2-5, 1-2) led 7-6 in the second quarter when the game turned on a muffed punt return. Crosby Adams collided with returner Kenny Harrison and Rice recovered on the Roadrunner 16-yard line. The Owls went ahead 13-7 on Dillard’s run three plays later.
The Roadrunners had 264 yards on the ground and outgained the Owls 434-340 in total yards.
