In the near future, the showdown between Rice and North Texas will transpire with American Athletic Conference signage, but on Saturday, the in-state battle belonged to Conference USA. A wild finish to regulation sent the C-USA opponents into overtime, where North Texas emerged triumphant with its first FBS win of 2021. Running back Ayo Adeyi punched the ball in from 1-yard in overtime to hand the Mean Green a 30-24 victory and snap their 6-game losing streak.
The Mean Green never trailed Saturday afternoon, but Rice responded to all four of their scores in regulation. However, a missed 46-yard field goal by the Owls on the opening drive of overtime provided North Texas an opportunity to pounce.