The Rice Owls could not keep up with the UCLA Bruins offense as they fell 49-24 in their sea on opening game on Thursday night. The first half saw a lot of scoring from both teams as it was 35-24 at the half, but in the second half the Owls offense was shutdown
What really hurt the Owls was their rush defense which allowed UCLA running back Jonathan Franklin to rush for 214 yards and three touchdowns on only 15 carries. For the game UCLA rushed for 343 yards and four touchdowns.
Owls starting quarterback Taylor McHargue did all he could to keep them in the game by rushing for for 95 yards, with a long of 40, plus a touchdown. As for throwing the ball, McHargue completed 17-of-28 passes for 172 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.
Owls linebacker Cameron Nwosu set a NCAA record as he blocked three extra points in the first half.
For more on Bruins football, go visit UCLA blog Bruins Nation, plus Pac-12 blog Pacific Takes and also SB Nation Los Angeles. Also visit SB Nation Houston's coverage for more news on the Owls.