Texas State and Rice were locked in a tight game at halftime in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl on Tuesday, but the Bobcats pulled away for a 45-21 victory after holding the Owls scoreless in the second half.
The Texas State running back duo of Ismail Mahdi and Jahmyl Jeter won the day. Mahdi has 122 yards on 24 carries, leading both teams in rushing yards and yards per carry. Jeter only had 36 yards on eight carries, but he punched his way into the end zone three different times, including a 29-yard rumble in the game’s opening minutes.
Rice kept pace with the Bobcats early. Running back Dean Connors found the end zone twice in a three-minute span midway through the second quarter, the second touchdown tying the game at 21 points apiece. It was the last time Rice added to its point total.
Texas State kicked a field goal to retake the lead on the final play of the first half before completely suffocating the Rice offense for the final two quarters. The Bobcats took five minutes to drive down the field for a touchdown in the third quarter’s first possession, and Rice threw a pick-six to make the lead 17 just three plays later. The Owls’ final seven possessions included four interceptions and three punts, and they only gained 32 yards.
Here are the best photos from Texas State’s dominant victory.
