MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In an exciting matchup on Friday night, Mario Anderson showcased his skills by rushing for 144 yards and scoring a touchdown, while Brandon Thomas added a tough 14-yard rushing touchdown that ultimately helped the Memphis Tigers secure a 27-20 victory against the Rice Owls.

Thomas’ touchdown came at the climax of an impressive 10-play, 92-yard drive that took just over four minutes, extending Memphis’ lead to 24-13. A highlight of this drive was Anderson’s impressive 34-yard sprint along the left sideline, bringing the Tigers to the Rice 28-yard line while they faced a crucial third-and-3 situation.

The Owls, trailing 17-13, missed a key opportunity to score when, on a second-and-1 play, quarterback E.J. Warner mishandled a handoff. Memphis’ Chandler Martin capitalized on the mistake, intercepting the ball and recovering the fumble, thus maintaining their lead.

Rice initially took the lead in the first quarter with Tim Horn successfully kicking field goals from 25 and 28 yards, putting them ahead 6-0. However, Memphis turned the game around when Seth Henigan connected with Brendan Doyle for a 9-yard touchdown, giving Memphis a 7-6 lead with 6:21 remaining in the first half. Anderson then extended the lead, rushing in from the 10-yard line with just 1:28 left before halftime, making it 14-6.

Despite falling behind, Warner had a strong outing, throwing for 246 yards and two touchdowns. Just before halftime, he connected with Matt Sykes on a 27-yard touchdown pass that helped narrow the gap to 14-13. In the final moments of the game, with just 1:55 left, Warner found Elijah Mojarro for a 5-yard touchdown, marking the last score of the night.