Smith runs for TD in OT, Louisiana Tech edges Rice 23-20
HOUSTON -- J'Mar Smith ran for a touchdown in overtime that made the difference as Louisiana Tech edged Rice 23-20 on Saturday night.
Trailing 20-17 in the overtime period, Smith led the Bulldogs (4-1) downfield then took it in himself from 12 yards out for the win. Rice had scored first in OT on a 36-yard field goal by Chris Barnes.
Smith was 21 of 39 for 210 yards and a score passing. Justin Henderson ran for 64 yards and a score and Bailey Hale kicked a 31-yard field goal.
Trailing 14-7 at halftime, Louisiana Tech evened it up with Henderson's 24-yard touchdown run with 1:23 left in the third. Rice went ahead on a Barnes field goal late in the fourth and the Bulldogs replied on the ensuing drive with Hale's field goal that evened the score at 17-all with 1:10 remaining to force overtime.
Wiley Green threw for 128 yards for the Owls (0-5). Aston Walter ran for 112 yards and two touchdowns.
Game Information
2023 Conference USA Standings
Team | CONF | OVR |
---|---|---|
Liberty | 8-0 | 13-1 |
New Mexico State | 7-1 | 10-5 |
Jacksonville State | 6-2 | 9-4 |
Western Kentucky | 5-3 | 8-5 |
Middle Tennessee | 3-5 | 4-8 |
Louisiana Tech | 2-6 | 3-9 |
Sam Houston | 2-6 | 3-9 |
UTEP | 2-6 | 3-9 |
Florida International | 1-7 | 4-8 |
2023 American Athletic Conference Standings
Team | CONF | OVR |
---|---|---|
SMU | 8-0 | 11-3 |
Tulane | 8-0 | 11-3 |
UTSA | 7-1 | 9-4 |
Memphis | 6-2 | 10-3 |
South Florida | 4-4 | 7-6 |
Rice | 4-4 | 6-7 |
Navy | 4-4 | 5-7 |
North Texas | 3-5 | 5-7 |
UAB | 3-5 | 4-8 |
Florida Atlantic | 3-5 | 4-8 |
Charlotte | 2-6 | 3-9 |
Tulsa | 2-6 | 4-8 |
Temple | 1-7 | 3-9 |
East Carolina | 1-7 | 2-10 |