Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsTuesday, August 4, 2026

Southern Miss vs. Rice final score: Owls get past Golden Eagles, 44-17

Rice used a 24-0 run in the second and third quarters to defeat Southern Mississippi.

John Rieger-US PRESSWIRE

Southern Mississippi is still waiting on their first win of the year, and on Saturday they were no match to the Rice Owls, they lost 44-17. Rice went on a 24-0 run spanning the second and third quarters, which pretty much wrapped up the game for the Owls.

The Rice defense played a huge role in the win, forcing Southern Miss to turn the ball over five times. One of those turnovers led to a touchdown; Owls safety Paul Porras picked off Eagles quarterback Arsenio Favor, and returned it 75 yards for a score.

Rice scored only 14 points off those five turnovers, but their defense during their 24-0 stretch was able to hold Southern Miss from mounting any sort of drive.

As for the Rice offense, starting running back Turner Petersen had the big offensive day, as he rushed for 136 yards and had a touchdown.

The Owls deployed two quarterbacks in Driphus Jackson and Taylor McHargue, both of whom combined to complete 10-of-18 passes for 172 yards and three touchdowns. The two also are fairly mobile and combined for another 50 yards on the ground.

Box Score Hero: Rice running back Turner Petersen, who rushed for 136 yards, averaged 7.2 yards per carry and had a touchdown.
Rankings Ramifications: Neither team will have an impact in the rankings.

But Did They Cover? Southern Miss was a 3-point favorite, so they did not cover.

Next Week’s Schedule: Southern Miss will host UAB on Nov. 3, and Rice hits the road to face Tulane, also on Nov. 3.

Check out the SB Nation Channel on YouTube

College Football
College football rankings: Preseason top-25 teams, according to usCollege football rankings: Preseason top-25 teams, according to us
College Football

Here’s our top-25 teams in college football.

By Mark Schofield
NFL Draft beat
How NFL-ready is Arch Manning?How NFL-ready is Arch Manning?
NFL Draft beat

Arch Manning is the presumptive QB1 in the 2027 draft class that’s supposed to be generational. What does he need to improve in order to make that a reality?

By Doug Farrar
College Football
College Football 27 review: The greatest meal that leaves a bad taste in your mouthCollege Football 27 review: The greatest meal that leaves a bad taste in your mouth
College Football

Brilliant in so many ways, flawed in one key area.

By James Dator
NFL
Brendan Sorsby stuck as NFL announces NO Supplemental Draft in 2026Brendan Sorsby stuck as NFL announces NO Supplemental Draft in 2026
NFL

Another setback for the QB.

By James Dator
College Football
The NCAA can appeal Brendan Sorsby’s shocking reinstatement, but Texas law isn’t on their sideThe NCAA can appeal Brendan Sorsby’s shocking reinstatement, but Texas law isn’t on their side
College Football

A big can of worms has been opened in college sports

By Mark Schofield
College Football
Here’s your first look at ‘College Football 27’ and ‘Madden 27’Here’s your first look at ‘College Football 27’ and ‘Madden 27’
College Football

Mascot game! Tush push!

By James Dator