Rice vs. UTEP final score: Owls defeat Miners with ground attack

The Rice Owls outscored the UTEP Miners 13-3 in the fourth quarter to defeat the Miners, 33-24, in their final game of the regular season.

The game remained close throughout, as neither team maintained a lead greater than seven. UTEP clung to a one-point advantage after three quarters, but Rice posted 13 points in the fourth to even their record at 6-6 on the season.

The Owls did most of their damage on the ground, and running back Charles Ross led the way with 111 yards rushing and a touchdown on 18 carries. Running back Jeremy Eddington also scored a touchdown while rushing for 36 yards on nine carries.

Rice quarterback Taylor McHargue completed 17 of his 23 pass attempts for 175 yards.

UTEP was led by quarterback Nick Lamaison, who threw for 219 yards and two touchdowns while completing only six of his 12 attempts.

Total yards were close, as the Miners edged the Owls, 367 to 327. Rice committed the only turnover of the game but still managed to win the time of possession matchup, 26:52 to 18:08.