Tigers Fall At Rice Saturday Night

For the second straight weekend, TSU couldn't overcome a slow start as Rice claimed a non-conference win inside Rice Stadium on Saturday night.
 
The Tigers fumbled on the opening play and Rice needed only four plays to score as they led 7-0 after a 1-yard touchdown run and the PAT. TSU punted on its next drive and Rice scored in three plays as a 35-yard touchdown strike led to a 14-0 margin after the PAT. TSU punted once again on the ensuing drive and Rice scored on its first play from scrimmage to up the margin to 21-0 following the PAT. The Tigers were forced to punt again and Rice used a 44-yard strike on its fourth play from scrimmage to set up its fourth touchdown and a 28-0 lead with 5:55 left in the first quarter.
 
Early in the second quarter, TSU fumbled on its own 30 and Rice would capitalize once again via the run as they scored on a 3-yard rush for a 35-7 lead after the PAT. Midway through the second quarter, the Tigers would find the endzone as starter Jace Wilson led a five-play drive which culminated with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Jyrin Johnson.
 
Unfortunately, that would be the lone score of the contest as Rice added a late touchdown in the first half followed by two touchdown runs in the third and fourth quarters.
 
TSU finished with 185 yards of total offense as 104 came via the air and 81 was on the ground. Wilson passed for 104 yards on 9-of-19 attempts while LaDarius Owens rushed for 48 yards. Defensively, Elinus Noel, Calvin Henderson and Ja'Corey Benjamin led TSU with seven tackles apiece.
 
TSU is back in action next Saturday at Grambling State for a 2 p.m. kickoff.