Owls blitz Cowboys to pick up first win
After taking a pounding in its 52-point seasonopening defeat a week ago, Rice was looking for an opponent it could beat up on. McNeese fit the bill.
The Owls closed out the over-matched Cowboys early.
With T.J. McMahon at the controls, the Owls scored the first 31 points and had little trouble putting the Cowboys away 5210 on Saturday night at Rice Stadium, giving the Owls their first win of 2022.
“We’re a talented football team and I’m glad we finally showed that,” Rice coach Mike Bloomgren said. “It’s fun to be a part of.
“I look at McNeese, and we’ve been in their place and I know they’re rebuilding. But I don’t want to take anything away from our kids. We played hard.”
McMahon made his first career start at quarterback. He replaced Wiley Green, who suffered a right arm injury in last week’s defeat at Southern Cal. McMahon passed for four scores — two to Bradley Rozner — including a 75-yarder, and the signal caller’s 9-yard run in the second quarter was his first career rushing touchdown.
“The players have faith in me and are supportive,” McMahon said. “We have two great quarterbacks. The team has both of our backs. Wiley did a great job in (training) camp. I have to stay ready when opportunity comes knocking.”
McMahon made the most of the situation. Winning the turnover margin 5-0 helped the Owls’ cause.
“That changed the dynamics of the game,” Bloomgren said.
Gabe Taylor’s 91-yard interception return for touchdown was one of four first-half takeaways. It was the third longest pick six in school history.
Over three quarters, McMahon threw for 274 yards, completing 20-of-29 passes with no interceptions. He also threw scoring passes to tight end Jack Bradley and running back Juma Otoviano. Rozner had three receptions for 101 yards.
“It feels good to get the confidence back up, especially after the USC game,” McMahon said. “We know down the line we’re going to play some close games and I got to be ready to go. USC was a reality check. We got to dial in better.”
The Owls (1-1) were in sync on Saturday, outgained the Cowboys (0-2) 487-263 before an announced crowd of 18,629. The Owls secured the ball better with no turnovers. At USC, the Trojans returned three interceptions for touchdowns.
Ari Broussard had 71 of the Owls’ 209 rushing yards, including a 2-yard scoring run.
It was complete domination by the Owls.
“As good as it was in all three phases, it’s nowhere near our best,” Bloomgren said. “But a real step forward for our program.”
McNeese’s McMahon — Deonta McMahon — gave the Cowboys their biggest highlight. On the second play of the second half, McMahon weaved his way to a 62-yard touchdown, putting the Cowboys on the scoreboard for the first time after Rice built a 31-0 halftime advantage.