Late Catch Ends Tulane's Nine-Game Skid After Bus Ride

Tulane defeated Rice 20-17 on Saturday night at the Rice Stadium in Houston.

Bredell Richardson caught a 24-yard pass from Trace Johnson with about 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter. The play occurred just inside the left pylon and provided the final points of the game. Rice recovered a fumble at the Tulane 34-yard line three plays earlier, but the Owls failed to score on that possession.

The Owls arrived in Houston by bus around 2 a.m. on Saturday. A nationwide FAA air traffic ground stop on Friday forced the team to change its travel plans. The delay did not stop Tulane from securing its first win in three weeks. The victory improved Tulane's record to 5-5 overall and 3-3 in the American Athletic Conference.

Rice trailed 17-6 at halftime after Jamir Benjamin returned an interception for a touchdown in the final minute of the first half. Gael Ochoa passed for a touchdown to Max Mosey before the break. Tommy Bauchiero kicked a field goal for the game's first points. Rice held a 17-13 lead after DJ Dugar ran for a one-yard touchdown late in the third quarter.

Tulane outgained Rice 351-256 in total yards. Johnson completed passes for 190 yards and one touchdown while throwing two interceptions. Maurice Turner rushed for 90 yards for the Green Wave. Cooper Helmke made two field goals in the first half. Ochoa rushed for 82 yards for the Owls, who dropped to 1-9 overall and 0-6 in conference play.

Tulane plays at home against North Texas next Saturday. Rice travels to Temple on Thursday.