HOUSTON — Michael Pratt threw for 263 yards and accounted for three touchdowns as No. 22 Tulane held on to defeat Rice 30-28 Saturday for its sixth straight win.
Pratt, who finished 22 of 30, threw touchdown passes of 26 yards and 1 yard and rushed for a 1-yard score in the first half as the Green Wave (7-1, 4-0 ACC) built a 27-7 halftime lead. He finished with 40 rushing yards.
Tulane's Makhi Hughes rushed for a career-high 153 yards. Chris Brazzell II caught five catches for 75 yards, and Yulkeith Brown caught five catches for 57 yards and a touchdown. The Green Wave outgained Rice 457-271, including 194-82 rushing yards.
For Rice, JT Daniels was 18 of 29 for 189 yards and two touchdowns. Juma Otoviano rushed for two touchdowns (4-4, 2-2). Luke McCafferty caught five passes for 79 yards and a touchdown.
The Owls opened the second half scoring 14 straight points on a four-yard touchdown run by Otoviano. After a 72-yard interception return by Gabriel Taylor, Daniels found Boden Groen for a four-yard touchdown pass with four minutes remaining in the third quarter.
But after Valentino Ambrosio’s third field goal increased Tulane's lead to nine, Daniels connected with McCafferty for a 35-yard touchdown with eight minutes remaining to cut the lead to 30-28. However, Tulane ran out most the clock, and a last-second play by Rice was snuffed out to end the game.
THE TAKEAWAY
Tulane: The Green Wave won their eighth straight road game dating back to last season. … Hughes rushed for at least 120 yards for a fourth straight game. … Tulane finished 5 of 13 on third downs and were 2 of 3 on fourth downs.
Rice: The Owls fell to 0-2 against ranked opponents this season. … Rice dropped to 2-2 in games decided by seven points or less this season. … Daniels was able to pass the ball around, connecting with nine receivers. … Rice was 4 of 9 on third downs.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
Tulane should at least hold firm at No. 22 but could move up in the poll after the close win.
UP NEXT
Tulane: Travels to East Carolina Saturday
Rice: Hosts SMU Saturday.
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