Rice spoils June Jones’ debut as SMU coach, 56-27

Chase Clement threw six touchdown passes, leading Rice to a 56-27 Conference USA victory over Southern Methodist on Friday night at Houston and spoiling the debut of new Mustangs Coach June Jones.

Clement completed 24 of 37 passes for 258 yards, helping the Owls overcome an early 13-point deficit. Three of his six touchdown passes went to Jarrett Dillard. Clement also had 87 rushing yards in 13 carries, helping the Owls win their first season-opening conference game since 2001.

Dillard caught seven passes for 89 yards, including scores of 21, nine and eight yards. Also catching touchdown passes were James Casey, Patrick Randolph and Corbin Smiter.

The Owls’ defense also got in on the act, as Andrew Sendejo returned a Bo Levi Mitchell interception 55 yards. Rice forced two fumbles and three interceptions.

Mitchell, a true freshman, completed 25 of 43 passes for 244 yards and three touchdowns. He helped the Mustangs to a 13-0 lead in the first 13 minutes of the game, throwing two touchdown passes.

The Owls scored three touchdowns in a 97-second span in the third quarter to take a commanding 49-20 lead.

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Adam DiMichele threw two touchdown passes and Temple took advantage of Army mistakes for a big early lead in a 35-7 nonconference victory at West Point, N.Y.

Playing their first opener in August in their 119th season, the Black Knights struggled with a new option offense and an inexperienced defense.

Temple capitalized on the Army miscues to take a 21-0 lead barely 15 minutes into the game. Jamal Schulters made it 28-0 when he returned the second-half kickoff 98 yards.

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Louisiana State has moved up the kickoff time of today’s home opener against Appalachian State from 4 p.m. Central time to 10 a.m. because of concerns over the approach of Tropical Storm Gustav.

Spokesman Charles Zewe said the switch was needed because of concerns over traffic. Evacuees are expected to head through Baton Rouge.