Rice Outlasts UConn in Double Overtime Thriller

By Isaiah Magar

Houston, TX – Saturday

The UConn Huskies failed to clinch a bowl berth after allowing the Rice Owls a walk-off touchdown in double overtime. The Owls won a contest that was back-and-forth the whole way through.

1st Quarter

Rice received the opening kickoff and made it near midfield, but the drive stalled and they were forced to punt, giving the Huskies their first chance on offense. UConn only needed one play and 13 seconds to go 80 yards for the first score of the game. Joe Fagnano found his receiver, Skyler Bell, over the middle, and Bell showcased his speed to put the Huskies on the board.

Both teams exchanged punts before Rice was finally able to move the ball down the field. The Huskies’ defense stood tall, though, and forced a Rice field goal, keeping the lead for UConn.

2nd Quarter

Following the Rice field goal, UConn’s drive stalled at midfield, and they punted the ball back to the Owls. Rice took full advantage of their next possession, giving it to the phenom running back Quinton Jackson, who burst free for a 73-yard touchdown run. The Owls now led the Huskies 10-7.

Both teams exchanged punts again before the Huskies finally put some offense together on a 13-play, 77-yard drive capped off with a Fagnano touchdown pass. UConn regained the lead 14-10 — but only for a moment.

Quinton Jackson struck again, this time on a 75-yard touchdown reception from Jenkins, stealing the lead right back from the visiting Huskies.

One more touchdown would come before halftime, as UConn connected on a 34-yard pass to Juice Vereen. The Huskies took a 21-17 lead into the break.

3rd Quarter

The 3rd quarter was slow and nearly void of offense. After exchanging punts, the Huskies were able to muster just enough yardage — 18 yards total — to set up a field goal, the only points scored in the quarter.

Both teams punted again, and Rice entered the 4th quarter trailing 17-24.

4th Quarter

The Owls drove 91 yards to find the end zone after struggling with offensive consistency through much of the 3rd quarter. The touchdown came on a 10-yard rush by D’Andre Hardeman.

The rest of the 4th quarter turned into a punt fest, aside from one UConn drive that ended in a missed field goal by Chris Freeman — with the slick turf playing a huge factor. The game ended tied 24-24, sending it into overtime.

Overtime

Overtime felt like an entirely different game as both teams found the end zone quickly in the first extra period. Quinton Jackson punched in his third touchdown of the night to give Rice the lead, but UConn answered right back with a 5-yard run by Edwards. The Huskies chose not to attempt a two-point conversion and instead kicked the PAT to force a second overtime.

In the second overtime, UConn’s offense crumbled and settled for a 41-yard field goal that Freeman nailed. But the Owls had victory on their minds — and who else but Quinton Jackson would deliver it? He burst up the middle for 23 yards and the game-sealing score.

Rice defeated the Huskies by a score of 37-34. The Owls improved to 4-4, while the Huskies fell to 5-3.

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