Rice Stomps Western Michigan at Texas Bowl

"Rice University" and "athletic success" are not words that often go together, at least outside of baseball season. Apparently no one passed this message on to Chase Clement.

The Rice QB threw, ran and caught touchdowns on Tuesday night as the Owls destroyed Western Michigan University in the Texas Bowl at Reliant Stadium. The rumbling Rice offense put up 455 yards of offense, forever banishing memories of the wishbone and that time we thought that Chase Clement was a member of the cast of Gossip Girl.

Clement and receiver Jarett Dillard hooked up for mutual touchdown passes, bringing Dillard's career total to 60, an NCAA record. Early turnovers ensure that the WMU Broncos never stood a chance against a Rice-friendly crowd.

We could belabor the fact that Rice used to really, really suck at football, but the fact is, we're happy for the little scamps. After a half-century of being a Southwest Conference doormat followed by migrations to the WAC and finally to Conference USA, the Owls have found their home and their identity as an exciting, pass-wacky team that can hold its own against any opponent. Let's see if UT wants another "home" game at Reliant Stadium anytime soon.
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photo: flickr user Johnjron1