(04-26-2015 05:48 PM)MaronealOwl Wrote:  

(04-26-2015 05:37 PM)bobreinhold1 Wrote:  We're 16-7 and Middle Tennessee and Florida Atlantic are each 14-6.

No, we are 17-7 in CUSA, according to our website: http://www.riceowls.com/sports/m-basebl/...sched.html

Whatever it is, it needs to be divisible by 3, so a total of 24 games played works. 21 games played from FAU and MTSU.

(04-26-2015 05:58 PM)Tomball Owl Wrote:  Whatever it is, it needs to be divisible by 3, so a total of 24 games played works. 21 games played from FAU and MTSU.

Yep. We've got a bye week coming up, when the other conference teams will catch up in game totals.

Except, of course, USM & LaTech, whose March 22 game @LaTech was cancelled due to wet grounds and "will not be made up."

(04-26-2015 05:37 PM)smackdaddy Wrote:  

(04-26-2015 05:34 PM)seniorowl Wrote:  What are the standings now?

MTSU: 15-6
FAU: 15-6
Rice: 17-7

We owe a great thanks to ODU and Marshall; both won games to help pull FAU and MTSU within reach. FAU had a 2-1 weekend, and MTSU went 1-2 (very nearly 0-3). If this very dangerous WKU team that we just swept (but beat Louisville) can take out its frustration next weekend on MTSU, we will control our own destiny. We just need one WKU win; then it's up to us. :) Go Owls!!

MTSU should have been swept by Charlotte last weekend had they had a semblance of a bullpen; blew all three games late, and lost two in extra-innings. And Charlotte and Marshall are the two worst teams in the conference (even worse than FIU). At this point, I'm more concerned with FAU, who have the best offense in the conference (averaging 7.5 runs/game) and one of the best pitching staffs Having said that they've already lost 4 CUSA games at home (to lowly FIU, ODU and MTSU x 2). Both MTSU (home vs. WKU and USM, road vs. UTSA) and FAU (road vs. UAB and WKU, home vs. us) have a difficult road ahead. I'd expect each to lose at least 2 more, and likely 3+ more conference games before the regular season is over. If we can take at least 2 of 3 from FAU, then sweep lowly FIU the last weekend of the season (meaning we own the tie-breakers against both teams), I'd be shocked if we don't win the conference championship and #1 seed heading into the tourney. We just need to take care of our own business (easier said than done).

(04-26-2015 06:27 PM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(04-26-2015 05:37 PM)smackdaddy Wrote:  

(04-26-2015 05:34 PM)seniorowl Wrote:  What are the standings now?

MTSU: 15-6
FAU: 15-6
Rice: 17-7

We owe a great thanks to ODU and Marshall; both won games to help pull FAU and MTSU within reach. FAU had a 2-1 weekend, and MTSU went 1-2 (very nearly 0-3). If this very dangerous WKU team that we just swept (but beat Louisville) can take out its frustration next weekend on MTSU, we will control our own destiny. We just need one WKU win; then it's up to us. :) Go Owls!!

MTSU should have been swept by Charlotte last weekend had they had a semblance of a bullpen; blew all three games late, and lost two in extra-innings. And Charlotte and Marshall are the two worst teams in the conference (even worse than FIU). At this point, I'm more concerned with FAU, who have the best offense in the conference (averaging 7.5 runs/game) and one of the best pitching staffs Having said that they've already lost 4 CUSA games at home (to lowly FIU, ODU and MTSU x 2). Both MTSU (home vs. WKU and USM, road vs. UTSA) and FAU (road vs. UAB and WKU, home vs. us) have a difficult road ahead. I'd expect each to lose at least 2 more, and likely 3+ more conference games before the regular season is over. If we can take at least 2 of 3 from FAU, then sweep lowly FIU the last weekend of the season (meaning we own the tie-breakers against both teams), I'd be shocked if we don't win the conference championship and #1 seed heading into the tourney. We just need to take care of our own business (easier said than done).

Truer words were never written. Win your own games, that is all you can control.

(04-26-2015 06:27 PM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(04-26-2015 05:37 PM)smackdaddy Wrote:  

(04-26-2015 05:34 PM)seniorowl Wrote:  What are the standings now?

MTSU: 15-6
FAU: 15-6
Rice: 17-7

We owe a great thanks to ODU and Marshall; both won games to help pull FAU and MTSU within reach. FAU had a 2-1 weekend, and MTSU went 1-2 (very nearly 0-3). If this very dangerous WKU team that we just swept (but beat Louisville) can take out its frustration next weekend on MTSU, we will control our own destiny. We just need one WKU win; then it's up to us. :) Go Owls!!

MTSU should have been swept by Charlotte last weekend had they had a semblance of a bullpen; blew all three games late, and lost two in extra-innings. And Charlotte and Marshall are the two worst teams in the conference (even worse than FIU). At this point, I'm more concerned with FAU, who have the best offense in the conference (averaging 7.5 runs/game) and one of the best pitching staffs Having said that they've already lost 4 CUSA games at home (to lowly FIU, ODU and MTSU x 2). Both MTSU (home vs. WKU and USM, road vs. UTSA) and FAU (road vs. UAB and WKU, home vs. us) have a difficult road ahead. I'd expect each to lose at least 2 more, and likely 3+ more conference games before the regular season is over. If we can take at least 2 of 3 from FAU, then sweep lowly FIU the last weekend of the season (meaning we own the tie-breakers against both teams), I'd be shocked if we don't win the conference championship and #1 seed heading into the tourney. We just need to take care of our own business (easier said than done).

Gotta know, you making a post break road trip?

(04-26-2015 06:31 PM)13thOwl Wrote:  

(04-26-2015 06:27 PM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(04-26-2015 05:37 PM)smackdaddy Wrote:  

(04-26-2015 05:34 PM)seniorowl Wrote:  What are the standings now?

MTSU: 15-6
FAU: 15-6
Rice: 17-7

We owe a great thanks to ODU and Marshall; both won games to help pull FAU and MTSU within reach. FAU had a 2-1 weekend, and MTSU went 1-2 (very nearly 0-3). If this very dangerous WKU team that we just swept (but beat Louisville) can take out its frustration next weekend on MTSU, we will control our own destiny. We just need one WKU win; then it's up to us. :) Go Owls!!

MTSU should have been swept by Charlotte last weekend had they had a semblance of a bullpen; blew all three games late, and lost two in extra-innings. And Charlotte and Marshall are the two worst teams in the conference (even worse than FIU). At this point, I'm more concerned with FAU, who have the best offense in the conference (averaging 7.5 runs/game) and one of the best pitching staffs Having said that they've already lost 4 CUSA games at home (to lowly FIU, ODU and MTSU x 2). Both MTSU (home vs. WKU and USM, road vs. UTSA) and FAU (road vs. UAB and WKU, home vs. us) have a difficult road ahead. I'd expect each to lose at least 2 more, and likely 3+ more conference games before the regular season is over. If we can take at least 2 of 3 from FAU, then sweep lowly FIU the last weekend of the season (meaning we own the tie-breakers against both teams), I'd be shocked if we don't win the conference championship and #1 seed heading into the tourney. We just need to take care of our own business (easier said than done).

Gotta know, you making a post break road trip?

As you know, I was prepared to go to FAU had we swept last week, but after losing to UTSA on Sunday, I made plans to visit my Mom for Mothers Day. Still open to Hattiesburg if we need the conference tourney to keep The Streak alive, especially since I'll miss the Regional round due to my 35th B-School reunion. If we advance to the Supers, I'll definitely roadtrip wherever we're sent.

(04-26-2015 06:54 PM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(04-26-2015 06:31 PM)13thOwl Wrote:  Gotta know, you making a post break road trip?

As you know, I was prepared to go to FAU had we swept last week, but after losing to UTSA on Sunday, I made plans to visit my Mom for Mothers Day. Still open to Hattiesburg if we need the conference tourney to keep The Streak alive, especially since I'll miss the Regional round due to my 35th B-School reunion. If we advance to the Supers, I'll definitely roadtrip wherever we're sent.

Man, Walt, I hate to call you of all people disloyal, but I mean, doesn't your Mom live in Boca?? Two words, buddy: Sell. Fish.

In fairness, this seems like as good a time as any to admit that I haven't seen our Owls play in person since my little Will Rice freshman was making his debut on the team. And that freshman was... Lance Berkman.

So go ahead, Walt. No judgment here. Enjoy Boca with your Mom. I just hope you don't bump into any of our guys at Steak & Shake after the game.

Here's some tasty recipes for clinching at least a share of our 20th consecutive season with a conference title:
Smackdaddy Special:
Rice Owls finish 6-0 in conference (vs FAU+FIU) plus one MTSU loss (among their last 9 games).
owl at the moon Surprise:
Rice fiinishes up 5-1 and MTSU does no better than 7-2 [this one had been 8-1 us and 8-4 them going into this weekend - shaping up very nicely!!!]
OwlManz Mashup:
Win both remaining series without a sweep, MTSU only gets 6 of their last 9. We still take it even with the tiebreakers.
WaltG GustBarely:
sweep FIU to finish but lose 2 of 3 to FAU. MTSU 6-3, FAU 8-1, and UTSA 9-0. Four way tie for 1st, lose head-to-head against FAU but somehow we eke out the 4-way tiebreaker to get the #1 seed and share of the title.
Mendoza Mania:
Stumble across the line with 3-3 but everyone else plays at least one bad series. Mix well with a healthy dose of MTSU 5-4, FAU 7-2 UTSA 8-1 and we still have at least a share of the title and probably the #1 seed.

But i'd really like to make sure we win the series against FAU so we enter the tournament with series wins against all of the other top 5 seeds.

Setting up very nicely folks. Let's take it on home now!

(04-26-2015 06:27 PM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(04-26-2015 05:37 PM)smackdaddy Wrote:  

(04-26-2015 05:34 PM)seniorowl Wrote:  What are the standings now?

MTSU: 15-6
FAU: 15-6
Rice: 17-7

We owe a great thanks to ODU and Marshall; both won games to help pull FAU and MTSU within reach. FAU had a 2-1 weekend, and MTSU went 1-2 (very nearly 0-3). If this very dangerous WKU team that we just swept (but beat Louisville) can take out its frustration next weekend on MTSU, we will control our own destiny. We just need one WKU win; then it's up to us. :) Go Owls!!

MTSU should have been swept by Charlotte last weekend had they had a semblance of a bullpen; blew all three games late, and lost two in extra-innings. And Charlotte and Marshall are the two worst teams in the conference (even worse than FIU). At this point, I'm more concerned with FAU, who have the best offense in the conference (averaging 7.5 runs/game) and one of the best pitching staffs Having said that they've already lost 4 CUSA games at home (to lowly FIU, ODU and MTSU x 2). Both MTSU (home vs. WKU and USM, road vs. UTSA) and FAU (road vs. UAB and WKU, home vs. us) have a difficult road ahead. I'd expect each to lose at least 2 more, and likely 3+ more conference games before the regular season is over. If we can take at least 2 of 3 from FAU, then sweep lowly FIU the last weekend of the season (meaning we own the tie-breakers against both teams), I'd be shocked if we don't win the conference championship and #1 seed heading into the tourney. We just need to take care of our own business (easier said than done).

After this weekend, I'm fairly optimistic that a strong finish keeps the streak alive. I'd go so far as to say that winning the final two series is enough to guarantee at least a tie. I would favor whoever wins the FAU-Rice series for the conference championship. An FAU sweep would pretty much end the Owls chances, but a series loss plus sweep of FIU would still give them a reasonable chance at a tie... I'd expect FAU to pick up 2-3 losses from series with UAB and WKU. I just don't see MTSU having the quality to finish on top.

(04-26-2015 07:19 PM)owl at the moon Wrote:  Here's some tasty recipes for clinching at least a share of our 20th consecutive season with a conference title:
Smackdaddy Special:
Rice Owls finish 6-0 in conference (vs FAU+FIU) plus one MTSU loss (among their last 9 games).
owl at the moon Surprise:
Rice fiinishes up 5-1 and MTSU does no better than 7-2 [this one had been 8-1 us and 8-4 them going into this weekend - shaping up very nicely!!!]
OwlManz Mashup:
Win both remaining series without a sweep, MTSU only gets 6 of their last 9. We still take it even with the tiebreakers.
WaltG GustBarely:
sweep FIU to finish but lose 2 of 3 to FAU. MTSU 6-3, FAU 8-1, and UTSA 9-0. Four way tie for 1st, lose head-to-head against FAU but somehow we eke out the 4-way tiebreaker to get the #1 seed and share of the title.
Mendoza Mania:
Stumble across the line with 3-3 but everyone else plays at least one bad series. Mix well with a healthy dose of MTSU 5-4, FAU 7-2 UTSA 8-1 and we still have at least a share of the title and probably the #1 seed.

But i'd really like to make sure we win the series against FAU so we enter the tournament with series wins against all of the other top 5 seeds.

Setting up very nicely folks. Let's take it on home now!

+1. I love this breakdown. This should be a poll so we can vote for which one we think will happen. I go with Owlmanz Mashup!

(04-27-2015 01:00 PM)owl95 Wrote:  

(04-26-2015 07:19 PM)owl at the moon Wrote:  Here's some tasty recipes for clinching at least a share of our 20th consecutive season with a conference title:
Smackdaddy Special:
Rice Owls finish 6-0 in conference (vs FAU+FIU) plus one MTSU loss (among their last 9 games).
owl at the moon Surprise:
Rice fiinishes up 5-1 and MTSU does no better than 7-2 [this one had been 8-1 us and 8-4 them going into this weekend - shaping up very nicely!!!]
OwlManz Mashup:
Win both remaining series without a sweep, MTSU only gets 6 of their last 9. We still take it even with the tiebreakers.
WaltG GustBarely:
sweep FIU to finish but lose 2 of 3 to FAU. MTSU 6-3, FAU 8-1, and UTSA 9-0. Four way tie for 1st, lose head-to-head against FAU but somehow we eke out the 4-way tiebreaker to get the #1 seed and share of the title.
Mendoza Mania:
Stumble across the line with 3-3 but everyone else plays at least one bad series. Mix well with a healthy dose of MTSU 5-4, FAU 7-2 UTSA 8-1 and we still have at least a share of the title and probably the #1 seed.

But i'd really like to make sure we win the series against FAU so we enter the tournament with series wins against all of the other top 5 seeds.

Setting up very nicely folks. Let's take it on home now!

+1. I love this breakdown. This should be a poll so we can vote for which one we think will happen. I go with Owlmanz Mashup!

I think it's the Owlmanz Mashup, but with MTSU going no better than 5-4. I'd expect FAU to maybe go 6-3 to finish tied with rice at 21-9. I'm more worried about UTSA going 7-2 or 8-1 against @LaTech, MTSU, and @Charlotte.

(04-27-2015 01:00 PM)owl95 Wrote:  

(04-26-2015 07:19 PM)owl at the moon Wrote:  Here's some tasty recipes for clinching at least a share of our 20th consecutive season with a conference title:
Smackdaddy Special:
Rice Owls finish 6-0 in conference (vs FAU+FIU) plus one MTSU loss (among their last 9 games).
owl at the moon Surprise:
Rice fiinishes up 5-1 and MTSU does no better than 7-2 [this one had been 8-1 us and 8-4 them going into this weekend - shaping up very nicely!!!]
OwlManz Mashup:
Win both remaining series without a sweep, MTSU only gets 6 of their last 9. We still take it even with the tiebreakers.
WaltG GustBarely:
sweep FIU to finish but lose 2 of 3 to FAU. MTSU 6-3, FAU 8-1, and UTSA 9-0. Four way tie for 1st, lose head-to-head against FAU but somehow we eke out the 4-way tiebreaker to get the #1 seed and share of the title.
Mendoza Mania:
Stumble across the line with 3-3 but everyone else plays at least one bad series. Mix well with a healthy dose of MTSU 5-4, FAU 7-2 UTSA 8-1 and we still have at least a share of the title and probably the #1 seed.

But i'd really like to make sure we win the series against FAU so we enter the tournament with series wins against all of the other top 5 seeds.

Setting up very nicely folks. Let's take it on home now!

+1. I love this breakdown. This should be a poll so we can vote for which one we think will happen. I go with Owlmanz Mashup!

If I had to bet right now, I'd say Rice beats TAMU-CC, takes two of three from FAU and sweeps FIU. I think MTSU lose at least 3 more conference games, and FAU loses at least one other outside of the Rice series. Consequently, Rice wins the regular season CUSA championship outright.

The crystal ball is still too murkey on the final UH game. If Orewiler was starting I'd say Rice wins, but I have a feeling Austin is not going to start again until the CUSA tourney, and will be used too heavily in the FAU series to pitch the following Tuesday vs. UH. As much as The OG would love to beat the Coogs and return the Silver Glove to its rightful home, at this point in the season, the conference championship and The Streak are #1, #2 and #3 priority. Then again, how wild would it be to see the return and season debut of Big Jon Duplantier at the UH finale?

(04-27-2015 03:54 PM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  As much as The OG would love to beat the Coogs and return the Silver Glove to its rightful home, at this point in the season, the conference championship and The Streak are #1, #2 and #3 priority. Then again, how wild would it be to see the return and season debut of Big Jon Duplantier at the UH finale?

Winning the C-USA regular season, but seeing the Silver Glove on Cullen Boulevard a second year, is not very satisfying. Coogs also have crucial conference series sandwiched around the last Silver Glove game (East Carolina before and Connecticut after).

(04-27-2015 05:59 PM)ESE84 Wrote:  

(04-27-2015 03:54 PM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  As much as The OG would love to beat the Coogs and return the Silver Glove to its rightful home, at this point in the season, the conference championship and The Streak are #1, #2 and #3 priority. Then again, how wild would it be to see the return and season debut of Big Jon Duplantier at the UH finale?

Winning the C-USA regular season, but seeing the Silver Glove on Cullen Boulevard a second year, is not very satisfying. Coogs also have crucial conference series sandwiched around the last Silver Glove game (East Carolina before and Connecticut after).

In the grand scheme of things, the Silver Glove is of secondary importance. No way we jeopardize our chances of winning the conference by holding back key pitchers for the Houston game.