Memphis rides Anderson, Thomas to 27-20 win over Rice

By The Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Mario Anderson ran for 144 yards and a touchdown and Brandon Thomas’ punishing 14-yard touchdown run with an offensive line escort helped seal Memphis’ 27-20 win over Rice. Thomas’ scoring run ended a 10-play, 92-yard drive that lasted a little more than four minutes that gave Memphis a 24-13 lead. Down 17-13, the Owls missed an opportunity to score points when on second-and-1, quarterback E.J. Warner misplayed a handoff attempt and Memphis’ Chandler Martin broke through the line to recover it. Warner threw for 246 yards and two touchdowns.