2009 NCAA - Rice
When David Bailiff went 3-9 in his first season in 2007 after the Owls made a 2006 bowl appearance (first since 1961), most observers thought the second-smallest I-A school would go back to anonymity. Chase Clement had other plans, though, and the Owls soundly beat Western Michigan in the Texas Bowl to end the season with 10 wins for the first time since 1949. A repeat will be tough - Clement ended his stellar career with 94 touchdowns and 24 touchdown rushes in the last three seasons. WR Jarrett Dillard broke the NCAA record for career touchdown catches with 60, and is a Jacksonville Jaguar now. TE James Casey was drafted by the Texans. Two four-year starters (including center Austin Wilkinson) depart from the O-line. And new offensive coordinator Ed Zaunbrecher comes in from Purdue to help usher in a new era of Rice offense.
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There's a three-man battle to replace Clement; Alabama transfer Nick Fanuzzi will be the likely QB when it's all said and done. Rice was able to run the ball effectively last fall, and if the middle of the O-line can jell, the Owls might again have success on the ground, even though Clement and the top two rushers are gone. Two senior receivers (Toren Dixon and Corbin Smiter) combined for 80 catches last fall and will contribute heavily. On defense, the Owls have been overmatched in size, speed and depth for years. In 2008, things started to change toward the end of the season. Rice won seven straight to finish the season, and held three of the last six foes to 17 points or less. Nearly everyone who contributed on defense will be back this fall. |
| ASK the bookie? - Rice, like Houston, plays Texas Tech and Oklahoma State in September. If the defense can get through those expected shellackings, then things look up from there. The Owls should be competitive in every game in October and November. If the offense can develop early, then the season-finale against Houston could be for a decent bowl bid, if not the West crown. |
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