2013 Conference USA Championship results: Rice wins, likely to Liberty Bowl

The first score of the game came on a halfback pass from Rice running back Luke Turner to Donte Moore. Turner also had a passing touchdown during his freshman season in 2012. Rice was up 14-0 on Marshall after the first quarter, and its lead was never much in doubt en route to a 41-24 victory. The Owls took the Conference USA Championship and with it, a berth in the Liberty Bowl.

Turner threw another touchdown in the third quarter. A running back throwing two touchdowns in a game may or may not have happened about every week in the 1940s.

Marshall tried to fight its way back in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough. Devon Johnson was stuffed on a 4th-and-1 run with nine minutes left while trailing 34-17, and that essentially sealed the Thundering Herd’s fate.

Rice’s offense went through its ground game. In addition to the two passing touchdowns for Turner, Rice had 248 yards rushing.

Box Score Hero: Rice running back Luke Turner: 2-for-2 passing, 43 yards and two touchdowns. He also had nine carries for 49 yards

Rankings Ramifications: Rice takes the Conference USA title and a berth in the Liberty Bowl. The game likely will have no effect in the BCS rankings.

But Did They Cover? Marshall came in as seven-point favorites. It did not cover.

Next Week’s Schedule: Rice will be playing in the Liberty Bowl, while Marshall will be awaiting word on its bowl fate.

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