Rice28 @FINAL 17Charlotte , Week 4, Sep 18, 2025

Rice improved to 3-1 for the first time since 2001, showing early-season success under first-year coach Scott Abell, who is the first Rice coach since 1967 to win three of his first four games.

Rice rushed for over 200 yards as a team, with Chase Jenkins (71 yards, 1 TD), Daelen Alexander (73 yards, 2 TDs), and Quinton Jackson (80 yards) all contributing, indicating a strong ground game that can control the clock.

Chase Jenkins completed 8 of 11 passes for 87 yards and a touchdown, showing efficiency and decision-making that limits turnovers and keeps drives alive.

Rice recorded key sacks on Charlotte's final two possessions to seal the win, demonstrating an ability to make critical defensive plays under pressure.

Rice avenged a heartbreaking 21-20 loss to Charlotte last season, where Charlotte scored a late touchdown with 47 seconds left, showing mental toughness and improvement.

Charlotte managed only 17 points, with their first touchdown coming late in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Grayson Loftis completed 15 of 31 passes for 186 yards but lacked consistency, while Conner Harrell, who had a strong game the previous week, was limited to 73 yards on 8-of-13 passing.

The defense allowed Rice to control the game, giving up 28 points and failing to stop the run effectively. Rice rushed for over 150 yards, and critical sacks on Charlotte's final two possessions sealed the loss.

Kicker Liam Boyd was a positive factor, converting 3 of 4 field goal attempts with a long of 40 yards, providing the only points for Charlotte until the late touchdown.

The recap does not highlight turnovers or penalties, suggesting these were not decisive factors, but the team's inability to generate big plays or sustain drives was evident.

With a 1-3 record, Charlotte must find a more consistent offensive identity. The quarterback rotation between Loftis and Harrell has not yielded consistent results, and the running game needs to step up to support the passing attack.