Texas overcame real adversity Saturday to beat Rice 36-26, win the inaugural Southwest Conference title and earn a spot in the DI-AA Sweet 16.

On their way to the game, three Longhorns were involved in a roll-over vehicle accident on I-10 in Houston. Ekongi Yancy, Peter Mahoney and Alejandro Marquez were carpooling to the game after spending Friday night in Houston. All three went to the hospital, and none suffered serious injury.

Their teammates found out about the accident about 90 minutes before kickoff.

“That was pretty tough to take, because good kids. They’re all good kids,” said Texas coach Butch Neuenschwander.

“Right before kickoff, the only update we had was they were all being taken to the hospital. There were no serious injuries, but still, that weights on you.”

Yancy was the only starter in the accident.

The Longhorns conceded the first try in the opening minutes, and Rice took a 7-0 lead. But Texas stormed back and held a 24-12 advantage heading into halftime. In the second half of an unseasonably warm and humid game, Texas’ stamina prevailed.

“Luckily, my boys hydrated well,” said Neuenschwander. “Rice’s players, in the second half, were dropping like flies from cramps. That had a big play in the game.”

Unfortunately for the Longhorns, they draw defending National Champion Davenport in the round of 16. Fortunately for the Longhorns, Yancy, Mahoney and Marquez will all be healthy and available for the postseason.