Freshman QB Heard propels Texas over Rice 42-28
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Freshman Jerrod Heard passed for two long touchdowns and ran for 96 yards to lead Texas to a 42-28 win over Rice in his first career start Saturday night.
Heard, who couldn't take the job from 2014 starter Tyrone Swoopes in training camp, finally got his chance after a lopsided season-opening loss at Notre Dame that forced head coach Charlie Strong to pick a new play caller for his offense.
Strong gave the play-calling job to first-year wide receivers coach Jay Norvell and gave the ball to Heard, who delivered in a huge way.
Heard's legs set up Texas' first touchdown, his 32-yard pass to Armanti Foreman. He opened the third quarter with a 69-yard TD strike to freshman John Burt on the first play after halftime.
Daje Johnson scored on an 85-yard punt return for Texas (1-1).
Samuel Stewart led Rice with 130 yards rushing and two touchdowns.
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