Houston, TX
Sep 28, 2024
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Under the hot Texas sun, the Charlotte 49ers snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, edging the Rice Owls 21-20 at Rice Stadium to even the series between the two teams. Initially trailing by 10-0 at halftime, Charlotte turned up the heat in the second half with Deshawn Purdie taking over as quarterback. His entry sparked an offensive revival, leading to two touchdown connections with O'Mega Blake, whose 153 receiving yards evoked past heroics that are etched in program lore.
E.J. Warner, however, kept Rice competitive with two touchdown passes, including a fourth-quarter strike to Elijah Mojarro, who was a revelation with career highs in receptions and receiving yards. Rice's aspirations to clinch the game with a walk-off field goal were dashed as Enock Gota's 40-yard attempt went wide left as time expired, allowing Charlotte to seal a dramatic one-point victory in this American Athletic Conference clash.
E.J. Warner (Rice)
E.J. Warner opened the scoring with a precise 13-yard dart to Quinton Jackson, marking Jackson’s first career touchdown reception and giving Rice a crucial early lead.
Deshawn Purdie (Charlotte)
Deshawn Purdie connected with O'Mega Blake on a 32-yard bomb that not only got Charlotte on the scoreboard but also changed the momentum of the match, introducing a dynamic passing threat that Rice struggled to contain.
E.J. Warner (Rice)
In a pivotal response, Warner hit Elijah Mojarro for a spectacular 41-yard touchdown, showcasing Mojarro’s athleticism as he shook off multiple defenders to reach the end zone.
Hahsaun Wilson (Charlotte)
Hahsaun Wilson punched in a 1-yard run to cap a 77-yard drive, demonstrating Charlotte's resilience and setting the stage for the game-winning score.
Enock Gota (Rice)
Enock Gota's missed 40-yard field goal under intense pressure allowed Charlotte to escape with a victory, solidifying the 49ers’ stunning comeback.
Deshawn Purdie (Charlotte, QB)
Stepped in during the second half to ignite the offense with two long touchdown passes to Blake, securing Charlotte’s role in a memorable comeback.
O'Mega Blake (Charlotte, WR)
His 153 receiving yards, highlighted by two touchdown receptions, were instrumental in Charlotte's comeback effort.
E.J. Warner (Rice, QB)
Despite the narrow loss, Warner showcased his abilities with two TD passes, surpassing 7,000 career passing yards during the game.
Elijah Mojarro (Rice, TE)
Set personal bests with four catches for 73 yards, including a key touchdown that temporarily put Rice back ahead in the fourth quarter.
Dean Connors (Rice, RB)
Recorded a season-high 121 rushing yards, consistently challenging the Charlotte defense and contributing to the Owls' offensive production.
Charlotte 49ers
0
0
14
7
21
Rice Owls
0
10
0
10
20
