RE: Rice minus 19
Look forward to a good game. Thought you would like a scouting report on Rice from Owl perspective.
We are 7-3 but would be 9-1 if we played Houston and NT like we did against La Tech on Saturday. The team looked the best they have all season. Unfortunately, Rice's loss at NT means it does not control its destiny in the West. We have historically not played well on short weeks or in Birmingham (or the road for that matter). Still remember Joe Webb schooling us up and and down the field a few years ago. 19 point road favorites seems a bit aggressive. Could see it in Houston but not under these conditions.
Here is how we breakdown by position:
Offense
We run spread but want to run first, pass second. Will see a lot of zone read action and speed option. Owls ranked 14th nationally in rushing and 16th in time-of-possession.
QB
Taylor McHargue (McH) is the starter and fifth-year senior. Solid, good kid who understands opposing defenses and calls a good game. He had a few bad games where his decision making was a bit suspect, however, over past three games, it has improved. Will make plays with feet. Driphius Jackson (DJ) we hope will get snaps and is future at QB. Has been banged-up last few weeks. Quick and mobile but still a bit raw. Most Owl fans would like to see him get more involved. Luke Turner who is former HS QB will run the Wild Owl (Wildcat) package. Has not been effective until last Saturday and had his best game ever against La Tech.
RB
Five guys (Ross, Petersen, Dillard, Davis, and Turner) will likely get touches. Ross is the best of the group and leading rusher. Had 200 yards and 5 TD's on Saturday. Big kid (240 lbs) who runs strong and is very patient waiting for hole to develop. Petersen also about 235 and will split out and get involved in passing game. Davis is shifty true frosh who looks like he will be a good one someday.
WR
Jordan Taylor is the class of the group. Has four Sportscenter top-10 plays in last two-seasons. Makes plays and will line-up in different spots. Other guys (Parks, Moore) are fast to keep defenses honest. Moore has 4.3 speed but not shown the hands to match the feet. Parks has emerged of late with some nice plays.
TE
A big strength last season but now those two primary guys are both now in the NFL. Young guy (Celia) and converted RB (Eddington) are there and have not done much this year.
OL
Historically a weakness for Rice and finally passing the eye test. Much improved. Have played together and come together as unit. All big (300 lbs average).
Defense
Rice runs 4-2-5 and has graduated from a bad D to now an average FBS D. The last six years, Rice has been around 90-105 in FBS overall D. This year the D is now #42 nationally. They play hard and seem to play much better on third down than first or second. Still give-up too many big plays.
DL
Two best DL are lost (Shahin and Mouchantaf). Covington is all C-USA guy and class of group. Others are young and a bit undersized. Bauer on DE is a playmaker and good leader. Group is thin. Would expect UAB OL to try to pound it up-the-gut.
LB
Average as best LB (Nwosu) has redshirted after knee surgery. Others have stepped-in (Radcliffe, Elder, Lyons, Kutzler) and play hard but not a 'dominate' area of the team.
DB's
The strength of the D. Both CB's will get NFL looks (Callahan and Gaines). Gaines was pre-season defensive player of year in C-USA. They will lock down on outside. The safeties are OK but have been known to get beat deep/over-the-top. Porras is best tackler but in schemes, Rice safeties find themselves in man covering faster receivers and 4.6 cannot cover 4.4.
Special Teams
Punting has been a pleasant surprise this season w/ Farrimond. Coverage teams are much improved but nothing special. Return teams have not shown anything and was a noticeable weakness compared to N. Texas. The strength of the group is at kicker. Boswell has NCAA record for most FG's greater than 50-yards. Amazing leg. If you are going to the game, you will enjoy watching him knockdown 60+ yard FG's in pre-game w distance to spare. All kickoffs will be touchbacks unless designed otherwise.
Coaching/Intangibles
Bailiff is in year-7. He is a likable guy, gets Rice, graduates almost 100% of his players, and finally is winning. Many Owl fans still criticize in-game adjustments, preparation, and the 'killer' instinct and 'hard' edge that he does not bring but overall things are improving albeit much slower than most would like. His father passed away last week and was emotional week for him and the team. We don't turn ball over much (are 17th nationally) and are 7-0 when we win turnovers and 0-3 when we don’t. Have had some stupid penalties this year which is uncharacteristic.
Should be a good game and closer than the experts think. On offense, we are going to run, run, run, and then throw in some deep throws when box is stacked. We have also run more trick plays than recent years which has had mixed results. On D, we will lock our CB's down in man coverage on outside and stack the box to stop Reaves and Howard since we are a bit thin up-front. Will force Perry to beat us over-the-top.
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Rice minus 19
