HOUSTON >> Ryan Pollard returned an interception 60 yards for a third-quarter touchdown to give the Rice the lead for good and the Owls went on to a 41-21 victory over North Texas on Saturday.

The Mean Green (2-6, 0-4 Conference USA) led 21-14 at halftime with the help of a 100-yard kickoff return by Darvin Kidsy. But the Owls recovered the second-half kickoff, and a field goal by James Farrimond followed by Pollard’s score sent Rice (4-3, 2-1) on its way to its fourth consecutive victory. The Mean Green have lost four straight.

Rice scored on its first play from scrimmage on an 88-yard pass play from Driphus Jackson to Jordan Taylor, tying Jackson’s school record for longest passing touchdown. Taylor had 137 yards receiving and went over 2,000 for his career. Jowan Davis added two scoring runs and Darik Dillard one.

North Texas netted just 26 yards on the ground.