DALLAS - Texas State linebacker Brian Holloway returned two interceptions for touchdowns as the Bobcats took advantage of five Rice turnovers to take a 45-21 win in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl Tuesday at Gerald J. Ford Stadium.

The Bobcats, who were playing in Bowl Season for the first time in program history, improved to 8-5 to finish with their most wins as an FBS program.

Texas State scored the final 24 points of the game by getting a field goal at the first-half gun and shutting the Owls out in the final 30 minutes. Rice had overcome a 21-7 second-quarter deficit to tie the game at 21-21 with 3:40 left before halftime.

Holloway's first pick-six came with 14:36 left in the second quarter to give Texas State the 14-point lead, while his 48-yard return for a TD came midway through the third quarter and gave the Bobcats a 38-21 cushion.

All-America running back Ismail Mahdi rushed for 122 yards on 24 carries while Jahmyl Jeter had three rushing touchdowns among his eight carries for Texas State. 

Rice saw running back Dean Connors rush for 64 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries. Quarterback AJ Padgett went 10-for-21 for 85 yards and a touchdown, but was intercepted three times. The Owls, who finish the season at 6-7, were denied their first bowl victory since 2014.