2014 Hawai’i Bowl final score: Rice hammers lackluster Fresno State, 30-6

The Rice Owls jumped to a 16-3 first quarter lead and cruised to a 30-6 win over Fresno State in the 2014 Hawai'i Bowl, played Thursday night. Owls quarterback Driphus Jackson gave his team the lead with 23 seconds left in the first quarter, connecting with Jordan Taylor on a 14-yard touchdown pass. After Fresno State quarterback Brian Burrell threw an interception on the first play of the ensuing drive, Jackson pounced again with a 69-yard strike to Mario Hull. A third Jackson touchdown pass midway through the third quarter gave Rice a 17-point lead and effectively cemented the game away.

Jackson finished the game 15-of-24 through the air for 318 yards and the aforementioned trio of touchdowns. Jackson combined with running backs Jowan Davis and Luke Turner for 129 yards on the ground, as well. Rice's defense was as impressive as the offense, forcing two interceptions and four turnovers on downs from Fresno State and holding the Bulldogs to just 255 yards of total offense.

Burrell struggled throughout, completing just 10-of-20 attempts for 44 yards before being replaced by freshman Zack Greenlee. The offense was somehow worse under the newcomer, and the Bulldogs finished with just 2.2 yards per pass attempt.