HOUSTON — Dean Connors showcased an impressive performance, rushing for 105 yards and scoring two touchdowns, leading Rice to a 24-10 win over Navy on Saturday night.

With this victory, Rice improved their record to 3-6 overall and 2-3 in the American Athletic Conference, marking their first win against the Midshipmen since 2002.

This loss also represents Navy’s second consecutive defeat, following their recent 51-14 setback against No. 12 Notre Dame, where they were ranked 24th.

Connors opened the scoring with a 4-yard touchdown run with just over nine minutes left in the first quarter, right after a lengthy weather delay lasting over five hours.

E.J. Warner contributed with a 17-yard touchdown pass to Matt Sykes, increasing the Owls’ lead to 14-0 at the end of the first quarter. Connors later extended the advantage to 24-7 with a 9-yard touchdown run as the third quarter came to a close.

Warner had a solid night, completing 28 of his 40 passes for a total of 239 yards.

Navy’s Blake Horvath struggled initially, throwing an interception on the opening play to Tyson Flowers. However, he managed to score on a 9-yard run midway through the second quarter.

Horvath ended the match with a completion rate of 10-of-21 for 120 passing yards, included two interceptions and 16 rushing attempts for 64 yards.

This game marked the 13th meeting between Rice and Navy and was the first encounter since 2009, when Navy dominated with a 63-14 victory, extending their winning streak in the series to four at that time.