Rice University survives late rally to defeat USF 35-28

In the United States, Rice University faced off against the University of South Florida on Saturday in a regular-season finale. E.J. Warner, the starting quarterback for Rice, showcased a stellar performance by completing 27 out of 42 passes, and accumulating 430 yards while throwing three touchdown passes. As the first half unfolded, Rice managed to establish a commanding lead with a score of 27-7, highlighting their offensive strength with 367 yards and 19 first downs by halftime. USF's prospects for victory appeared dim as they found themselves trailing 35-14 with just five minutes remaining in the game. The situation worsened when USF's quarterback Bryce Archie exited the game due to a late hit, prompting backup quarterback Israel Carter to step in. Carter managed to throw two touchdown passes in a valiant attempt to close the gap, bringing the score to 35-28. However, this late rally proved insufficient as Rice recovered an onside kick, allowing them to run down the clock, although they turned the ball over at USF's 28-yard line. Despite the intense late-game efforts by USF, including a final hook-and-lateral play that was foiled by a penalty, Rice's defense held firm to secure the victory. This game concluded with Rice boasting a record of 4-6 overall, including 3-5 in the American Athletic Conference, while USF finished at 6-6, with a 4-4 conference record. The result of this matchup was pivotal, as it demonstrated Rice's ability to maintain composure under pressure and highlighted the resilience of both teams during the game. Warner’s achievements, including impressive receiver performances from Matt Sykes and Dean Connors, not only underscored the offensive prowess of Rice but also reflected on the improving trajectory of their season. Meanwhile, USF’s Archie and his backup’s combined effort showcased the potential they had but ultimately fell short against a determined Rice squad. The outcome of this game leaves both teams with significant takeaways as they look toward future opportunities in their respective seasons.