(12-24-2014 11:36 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(12-24-2014 11:33 AM)Buho00 Wrote:  I wouldn't compare Fresno and La Tech. Major differences between the two. Fresno gives up a very high number of sacks while La Tech was very good in pass protection (top 20). Also, against the run La Tech was stout (top 20) while Fresno yields about 200/game. La Tech's QB is also better than Fresno, more prolific, more accurate. Rice will be able to do what it couldn't vs La Tech - control TOP, run the ball, pressure the QB. Should be a good game.

Given how evenly these two teams appear to match up on paper, the game is likely going to be won by the team that is better prepared and more highly motivated. I give that edge to Fresno State, and it could be a decisive edge at that.

The previews I've seen give Fresno both the coaching edge and special teams edge. Rice got the "intangibles". Will need Callahan to have a strong game, and Driphus to outplay their QB.

Rice 31 - Fresno 24

Other than last year where Bailiff showed his typical conservative game plan against big name opponent, he's been very creative in bowl games. Lots of trick plays and things we haven't seen all year...lets the players have fun. I expect that once again, and Rice wins it 38-24

Rice 77
Fresno 2

The safety only happens because we have the ball backed up in our own endzone with 15 seconds left and Driphus has to run around for a while only to step out of the back with 4 seconds left on the clock. Surprisingly enough we recover the following muffed squib kick which is then dog-piled onto leaving Rice fans everywhere in tears as it reminds them of Omaha 2003.

I didn't even know Fresno was a state...

Rice 22
The Sovereign State of Fresno 18

(12-24-2014 01:20 PM)smackdaddy Wrote:  I didn't even know Fresno was a state...

Rice 22
The Sovereign State of Fresno 18

Similar to Nicholls

P.S This is not meant to start a discussion on the above. Its just a smartass comment

I will not compare the former WAC members with Bulldogs as their mascot.

A rested defense comes through. Owls 27 - 17

Rice wins and Bailiff tells the press that we are conquering the world with high fives and chest bumps. We lose and he tells the press that we have a higher graduation percentage

(12-24-2014 11:33 AM)Buho00 Wrote:  I wouldn't compare Fresno and La Tech. Major differences between the two. Fresno gives up a very high number of sacks while La Tech was very good in pass protection (top 20). Also, against the run La Tech was stout (top 20) while Fresno yields about 200/game. La Tech's QB is also better than Fresno, more prolific, more accurate. Rice will be able to do what it couldn't vs La Tech - control TOP, run the ball, pressure the QB. Should be a good game.

That makes me feel much, much better.

Owls 37-24

(12-24-2014 11:36 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  Given how evenly these two teams appear to match up on paper, the game is likely going to be won by the team that is better prepared and more highly motivated. I give that edge to Fresno State, and it could be a decisive edge at that.

TTT for a stupid comment.

(12-24-2014 11:36 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(12-24-2014 11:33 AM)Buho00 Wrote:  I wouldn't compare Fresno and La Tech. Major differences between the two. Fresno gives up a very high number of sacks while La Tech was very good in pass protection (top 20). Also, against the run La Tech was stout (top 20) while Fresno yields about 200/game. La Tech's QB is also better than Fresno, more prolific, more accurate. Rice will be able to do what it couldn't vs La Tech - control TOP, run the ball, pressure the QB. Should be a good game.

Given how evenly these two teams appear to match up on paper, the game is likely going to be won by the team that is better prepared and more highly motivated. I give that edge to Fresno State, and it could be a decisive edge at that.

At least when you are wrong, you are VERY wrong. The Owls were obviously better prepared and ready to play.

You know what Fresno's problem was? Coach wasn't yellin' and screamin' and spittin' and goin' ham on his boys.

Personally, I was very glad to be proven spectacularly wrong.

This was more than enough to get me over the pain of investing about 14 hours in the trip to the LaTech debacle.

3-OwlsInTheNest for the win

Quote:RICE 35

FRESNO STATE 14

(12-24-2014 03:52 PM)4GOwls Wrote:  A rested defense comes through. Owls 27 - 17

4GOwls Runner up.

Bonus points to smackdaddy and 2013 for calling scores that could indicate our holding FSU without a TD.

Great job OWLS