Gael Ochoa takes triple option the distance in first start for Rice

Two first-quarter TDs put the Owls up 14-0 against FAU.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 1h1 min read

Triple option ➡️ house call! Gael Ochoa turned on the jets! https://t.co/KwDgusbXX1 Via @ESPNCFB on X

What happened: Ochoa capped Rice's opening drive of the game by breaking free for a touchdown on the option keeper. He struck again later in the first period with an untouched 52-yard scoring run.

Why it matters: The immediate breakaway production validated the decision to hand Ochoa the starting nod in this 2026 regular-season matchup. FAU surrendered containment twice in the opening frame, putting Rice in early command.

By the numbers: Both of Ochoa's first-quarter touchdown runs covered 50 or more yards.

What to watch: FAU must tighten its perimeter assignments against the option to slow Rice's ground game over the remaining three quarters.

Sources

@ESPNCFB 2026-10-24T16:43:49.366677+00:00

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