Rice wins big over UTEP, remains unbeaten in C-USA

HOUSTON (AP) -- Taylor McHargue hooked up with Jordan Taylor on a 72-yard TD pass to help keep Rice undefeated in the Conference USA with a 45-7 victory against UTEP Saturday.

McHargue finished with four TD passes, three of which were caught by Taylor. The 72-yard reception occurred late in the third quarter to give the Owls (6-2, 4-0) a 31-7 lead. Taylor gained 185 yards off of just four receptions. Charles Ross broke past 100 yards on the ground for Rice, gaining 152 on 21 carries.

In a bright spot for UTEP (1-6, 0-4), Aaron Jones answered Ross's yardage with a game-high 186 yards rushing. His longest was an 81-yard run midway through the second quarter, but his fumble two plays later was recovered by the Owls.

Blaire Sullivan threw a 50-yard TD pass in the second quarter to give the Miners their only score.