SMU Seniors on the football team pose with Head Coach June Jones after the game against Rice, which was their last of the regular season. (Jan Anderson/The Daily Campus)

The Mustangs sealed their final win 27-24 Saturday afternoon against the Rice Owls at Ford Stadium.

Offensive duo J.J. McDermott started the first quarter off with a 45-yard pass to junior wide receiver Darius Johnson.

The next generation of Mustang running backs made their statement against the Owls with the absence of junior running back Zach Line.

Freshman Jared Williams rushed for 52 yards in the second quarter.

Williams finished the game with a total of 81 total yards and one touchdown.

Freshman Rishad Wimbley scored a 39-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. Wimbley completed the game with a total 116 yards and two touchdowns.

After the game Coach June Jones expressed how proud he was of Wimbley’s performance.

“He’s a very good athlete and a very powerful guy,” Jones said. “Once he loses a little bit more weight where he can do a little bit more shake and bake light Zach can, I think we’ll be in good shape next year.”

The Mustangs allowed Rice to stay in the game until the last few seconds of the fourth quarter. SMU kicked an on-side kick, regaining possession of the ball. Down by only three points, Rice rallied to score but the SMU defense showed their talent tipping a ball on 4th down to regain possession and end the game.

SMU finished the game with five turnovers keeping the offense from gaining momentum.

After the game, the Mustangs bid fairwell to their senior players in a ceremony. Seniors were giving a rose and a picture while being escorted out by family.

Even though it is still unknown which bowl game SMU will get an invite to, Coach Jones says his team will stay ready for the quest.

“Well we’re just lifting and running, just trying to stay in shape and focus on our school work and just stay on top on our physical condition.”