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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Driphus Jackson leads Rice to Hawaii Bowl win

Doug Ferguson Associated Press

HONOLULU – Driphus Jackson had his best game of the year by passing for 318 yards and three touchdowns, and Rice completed a remarkable turnaround with a 30-6 victory over Fresno State on Wednesday night in the Hawaii Bowl.

The Owls (8-5) started the season at 0-3 and ended it with their second bowl win in the last three years.

Jackson was accurate with his arm, especially on two deep sideline routes, and dangerous with his feet. He rushed for 41 yards and some key scrambles out of trouble. The Owls got plenty of help from their defense.

Fresno State (6-8), the only team with a losing record to play a bowl game this year, broke its Hawaii Bowl record for fewest points. Fresno State scored 10 points two years ago in a lopsided loss to SMU.

The Bulldogs lost to Rice for the first time – they had a 6-0 edge from their old WAC days – and dropped their sixth consecutive bowl game.

Rice piled up 463 yards and held Fresno State to 93 yards passing. Brian Burrell was 10 of 20 and didn’t complete a pass longer than 8 yards.