In what was expected to be a great game on Saturday went awry shortly after takeoff. In the end, New Mexico’s defense did little to stop the ground and air assault from Rice.
Star Offense
The Rice Owls offense blistered the Aggie’s defense early, and New Mexico State was not able to catch up. At the end of the first quarter, the score was 21-3 in favor of the Owls, and they never looked back. Taylor McHargue, Rice’s QB, launched passes for 179 total yards and one touchdown through the air. He added three more hand offs for touchdowns during the day. Scoring 45 points was also a season high for Rice’s offense.
New Mexico was anxious for a win. Their anxiety showed – they allowed the most yards in a game this season. Their struggles were not only trying to stop Rice. They struggled on offense as well, watching one quarterback go down to injury and moved the ball poorly all day.
QB Troubles
Freshman quarterback King Davis III got his second-career start for the Aggies. Unfortunately, he was unable to finish the game due to injury. King Davis III left the field leading the Aggies with 113 passing yards and one touchdown on 6-of-14 passing.Who is to say what the rest of the game would have brought under King’s leadership? Senior QB Andrew McDonald added a one yard touchdown run late in the third quarter to make it 35-19, but by that time, it was too late. Rice would go on to add ten more points in the fourth quarter to seal their win.
Conference USA Special Teams Player of the Week
Conference USA gave The Special Teams Player of the Week award to Rice’s senior kicker Chris Boswell. He booted his 13th career field goal of 50 yards or longer this weekend at New Mexico State. Chris scored 9 points in the win and now has 4 consecutive seasons with 10 or more field goals each.
Rice hosts fellow Conference USA team U. Texas El Paso next weekend while independent New Mexico plays host to Abilene Christian on Saturday night. This week’s game of the week will be coming soon, and we are sharpening our focus on potential R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl competitors. This is where it gets really exciting!
