COL FB: Houston 73, Rice 14

HOUSTON, Nov. 29 (UPI) -- Case Keenum passed for 323 yards with two touchdowns and ran for another TD as Houston crushed Rice 73-14 Saturday to capture the Conference USA West title.

Keenum, who completed 25-of-31 passes, led the Cougars on scoring drives on each of their first eight possessions.

Charles Sims ran for 87 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries, and Bryce Beall carried the ball six times for 65 yards and a score for the Cougars, who held a 59-0 lead at halftime.

Tyron Carrier scored on a 99-yard return on the opening kickoff and Brandon Brinkley scored on a pass interception. The defense forced three turnovers for the Cougars (10-2, 6-2 Conference USA), who racked up 684 offensive yards to 377 for the Owls.

Rice's Charles Ross ran for two touchdowns.

Tyler Smith rushed for 113 yards on 21 carries, and Ross added 105 yards on 10 carries for the Owls (2-10, 2-6), who split their final four contests.