Rice 27, SMU 15

HOUSTON, Oct. 26 (UPI) -- Antwan Shell's return of a blocked punt Saturday jump started Rice to a 27-15 victory over Western Athletic Conference rival Southern Methodist.

Shell picked up a block of SMU punter Brennan Landry and ran 26 yards for a score 2:20 into the second quarter to give the Owls a 10-3 lead.

The Owls (3-5, 2-3 WAC) added touchdown runs of three yards by Ed Bailey and 33 yards by Robbie Beck to open up a 24-3 advantage with 10:40 to play in the third quarter.

Quarterback Gren Henderson had 90 yards rushing for Rice, which outgained SMU on the ground, 245 yards to 132. The Owls lead the WAC in rushing.

Keylon Kincade had 122 yards rushing for the Mustangs (1-8, 1-4), who notched their only victory of the season last week against Louisiana Tech, 37-34.

Richard Bartel went 30 of 42 for 267 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions for SMU, which had 86 more total yards than Rice and had a 7:24 edge in time of possession.