After taking an 18-point lead to halftime with a dominating defensive performance in the first two quarters, the Rice Owls had to pull off a rally in the fourth quarter to combat an offensive explosion by the Tulane Green Wave and managed to hold them off for a 49-47 victory.
Rice vs. Tulane final score: Owls rally in the fourth quarter for 49-47 win
The Tulane Green Wave was unable to convert a 2-point conversion attempt with less than a minute remaining to tie.
Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE
Tulane scored four touchdowns in the third quarter to take a 38-35 lead over the Owls but, with a 2-yard touchdown run by Luke Turner with 2:42 remaining in the fourth quarter, Rice earned an 8-point lead. That proved crucial as the Green Wave scored what could have been a game-tying touchdown with less than a minute remaining.
After Ryan Griffin found Wilson Van Hooser for a 33-yard touchdown, Tulane was unable to hit the game-tying 2-point conversion and the Owls were able to hold on to a 2-point win.
Box Score Hero: Ryan Griffin finished the game with 476 yards passing and four touchdowns, including a touchdown with less than a minute remaining. However, his two interceptions proved costly as one was returned for a touchdown in the second quarter.
Rankings Ramifications: Neither team was ranked and a 2-point victory over Tulane will not be nearly enough to give the Owls a spot in the rankings.
But Did They Cover? The Owls were 7-point favorites, but gave up a touchdown with less than a minute remaining to win by 2.
Next Week's Schedule: Rice will look to keep the wins coming when they head back home to host the SMU Mustangs after a bye week, while the Green Wave will look to bounce back on the road against Memphis.
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