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Almadenmike Offline
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Post: #41
RE: Pre Texas Thread
Herman's Monday news conference included only two references to Rice:

His fond memories of Rice & Houston:
Quote:Q: Tom, what's the significance in your stop at Rice in your coaching career and the fact that you get to take your team to Houston to play a game Saturday?

Herman: I don't know what the significance is. We have extremely fond memories of our time there you. We lived in Missouri City and Sienna Plantation. Had great neighbors. Obviously the administration there was great — Chris Del Conte, that's where we first connected and that's where I first found Yancy McKnight so I think that's pretty significant. It's exciting. Any time you go play in a pro stadium, too, I think is exciting for our players and knowing how many Houstonians we have on our team, it's kinda fun to go back home and play a ball game.

And at the end of a discussion of deficiencies in the play/positioning of the Texas LBs and secondary ...
Quote:We've gotta get better everywhere on that side of the ball, including us as coaches. ... Obviously, we're facing a much different animal this week in terms of what Rice is going to do offensively, so won't really get to test that as much this week. But the entire team, we've gotta get better ...
09-10-2019 04:11 PM
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Almadenmike Offline
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Post: #42
RE: Pre Texas Thread
sportsbookreview.com picks us to cover:

Quote:It’s obviously not a question of whether Texas wins here but if it covers. I tend to think the Horns might be a bit flat in their first “road” game of the year and following that close call vs. LSU. Plus, UT opens Big 12 play next week with a much tougher challenge vs. Oklahoma State.

Longhorns are 1-4 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.

Owls are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 non-conference games.

Owls are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. Big 12.

Free NCAAF Pick: Rice +32.5 (-112)

https://www.sportsbookreview.com/picks/c...ick/92266/
09-10-2019 04:41 PM
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AnotherOldOwl Offline
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Post: #43
RE: Pre Texas Thread
Interesting article on JFK's Rice Stadium speech and the history of Rice vs UT:

https://www.espn.com/college-football/st...ed-rivalry
09-11-2019 11:58 AM
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Almadenmike Offline
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Post: #44
RE: Pre Texas Thread
(09-11-2019 11:58 AM)AnotherOldOwl Wrote:  Interesting article on JFK's Rice Stadium speech and the history of Rice vs UT:

https://www.espn.com/college-football/st...ed-rivalry

Written by former Houston Chronicle Rice sports beat reporter Sam Khan, Jr.
09-11-2019 01:54 PM
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Ourland Offline
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Post: #45
RE: Pre Texas Thread
Good article. The author said it best when he mentions how much sense playing this game makes to both sides, but especially Rice. It generates revenue and maintains a meaningful regional rivalry against a national power.

I'm almost as excited about the Arkansas game in a couple years.

We need to be playing these big schools. It lifts our profile and looks good to recruits.
09-11-2019 02:40 PM
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OptimisticOwl Offline
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Post: #46
RE: Pre Texas Thread
How close do we have to be to count this as another moral victory?
09-11-2019 04:16 PM
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loki_the_bubba Offline
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Post: #47
RE: Pre Texas Thread
(09-11-2019 04:16 PM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  How close do we have to be to count this as another moral victory?

50
09-11-2019 04:48 PM
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loki_the_bubba Offline
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Post: #48
RE: Pre Texas Thread
Tickets rant.

Of course they put us cheap season ticket holders in the nosebleed seat. But did they have to put my friends behind the other end zone? We got tickets together for the HRS games, but they stuck as as far away from each other as physically possible at NRG.
09-11-2019 05:59 PM
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westsidewolf1989 Offline
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Post: #49
RE: Pre Texas Thread
(09-11-2019 05:59 PM)loki_the_bubba Wrote:  Tickets rant.

Of course they put us cheap season ticket holders in the nosebleed seat. But did they have to put my friends behind the other end zone? We got tickets together for the HRS games, but they stuck as as far away from each other as physically possible at NRG.

Call the athletic dept. They should be able to try and put you all together.
09-11-2019 06:11 PM
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illiniowl Offline
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Post: #50
RE: Pre Texas Thread
The spread is up to -32.5 (from -30 at open). 80% of the action so far has been on Texas. But underdogs getting 20% or less of public action have actually been solid bets over the years (so much for "the wisdom of crowds"). Combine that with Herman's poor ATS record as a big favorite and after a straight-up loss, and Rice's recent good ATS record as a big dog, and everything points to a closer-than-expected game. I will have some financial investment on the Owls, for sure.

If we do get blown out, I honestly will be surprised if we are just bludgeoned in terms of yardage. In 2015 we were down 21-0 before I made it to my seat in DKR thanks to some fluky non-offensive scores, but we outscored them 28-21 the rest of the way and way outgained them in yardage for the game. And that was not a good Rice team (5-7, the beginning of our recent wilderness sojourn). By the eye test, I don't think 2019 Rice is a substantial downgrade from 2015 Rice, at the very least.

Texas had a down year in 2015 (5-7), but that team had gobs of 5-stars all over the field like they always do. It's not like their talent now far outstrips what they had then. Is their coaching better? Herman has them playing somewhat better in big games, sure, and against teams not from Maryland he's avoided any real howler losses, but I think Ehlinger's "we're baaaack" is still quite premature. They don't have a step-on-the-throat instinct against lesser opponents -- that's been established.
(This post was last modified: 09-11-2019 08:49 PM by illiniowl.)
09-11-2019 06:34 PM
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Ourland Offline
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Post: #51
RE: Pre Texas Thread
I want a win, but I'd realistically be happy with some team improvement and no injuries. We have an okay squad, but we've got to get into CUSA play as healthy as possible.

I call it right now that we beat Louisiana Tech. All these teams we're playing right now are much better than them.
09-11-2019 08:57 PM
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OptimisticOwl Offline
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Post: #52
RE: Pre Texas Thread
(09-11-2019 04:48 PM)loki_the_bubba Wrote:  
(09-11-2019 04:16 PM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  How close do we have to be to count this as another moral victory?

50

Seriously, I think you at least have to cover for a moral victory. a 24 point loss might do.
09-11-2019 11:54 PM
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Rice VMI 1969 Offline
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Post: #53
RE: Pre Texas Thread
Rice - UT game 1994. A mere 25 years ago. Not a classically played game but probably most memorable sports event I’ve attended. Saw something that realistically didn’t think I’d get to see. Even though we had some close, close calls when Hollas was QB, etc. Still a great rivalry in a sentimental sense. I wish the Horns had gotten by the annoying and hated Bayou Bengals last week.
09-12-2019 01:20 PM
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loki_the_bubba Offline
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Post: #54
RE: Pre Texas Thread
Amusing yet still accurate pre-game assessment.

Rice Owls preview


The Owls are 0-2 after a game loss to Army (14-7) in their opener and a hiding at the hands of a decent(ish) Wake Forest team (41-21). I'm not going to do the Lou Holtz thing where I build up Rice as the second coming of The Sacred Band Of Thebes, but they can keep the game scrappy for a bit if Texas is still working through some LSU residue. If Texas shows up, the game will be over fairly quickly and we can get walk-on RB Mason Ramirez the eight carries he deserves and get the Casey Thompson Heisman chatter started.

Over their last 39 games, Rice is 6-33. Apparently, trying to play Harbaugh era Stanford bully ball with Rice athletes doesn't work.

Offense

The Rice offense does a little bit of everything poorly. Lots of formations, not much production. They dabble with more identities than a Women's Studies major.

They're down starting QB Wiley Greene and Harvard man grad transfer Tom Stewart will start in his place. We already know Stewart's judgement is suspect based on his decision to transfer to Rice (why not Grambling, Tom? There's a movie there), so I expect him to throw nine interceptions on Saturday. Stewart is a conventional QB, currently averaging just under 6.2 yards per attempt with a season long completion of 20 yards. On the positive side, he has rushed for -6 yards.

The Rice OL is smallish, featuring a 265 pound right tackle and a 275 pound center. They'll struggle to anchor in pass protection and while I like their mobility in the running game (based on my bored viewing of some Wake film) they're not going to be able to move the line of scrimmage against Texas. Expect misdirection runs and some quick game where the ball comes out fast. Hell, it's Bloomgren, so maybe they'll come out in a full house backfield and decide they're going to out tough Texas. FOOTBALL IS JUST ABOUT WHO WANTS IT MORE. SCHEMING IS FOR PENCIL NECKS.

Rice features some running backs and some pass eligible mammals at wide receiver. NahShon Ellerbe is their most explosive RB (50+ yard run vs Wake). Their best WR is Austin Trammell, who is a coach on the field, a scholar in the classroom, and a member of the AFCA Good Works Watchlist! Last year, he caught 60+ balls and he's a quick change-of-direction type.

The Owls seek to milk the clock, possess the ball, and make the game short. That philosophy has some merits, but it doesn't quite work when they convert on only 26% of their 3rd downs. Rice's inability to convert 3rd down meets Todd Orlando's inability to get 3rd down stops. What will that 3rd and 17 battle of chess look like?

Rice doesn't run or throw that well, but did you know that a group of Owls is called a parliament?

I love owls, by the way. They are cute heralds of death.




Defense

Their best player is #33 LB Anthony Ekpe. He's their leading tackler, football fast and a good stunter. I like him quite a bit.

That written, Rice has not logged a single sack this season. Their defense does use a lot of blitzing, stunting and unorthodox looks from a base 3-4, hoping to guess right and try to get the opponent off schedule and in 2nd and 12. The 3 men up front are in a six man rotation and they move quite a bit. The four linebackers average 218 across the board.

Combine that with a smallish secondary and Rice is a bit light in the ass, which is odd for a school named after a carbohydrate.

Duvernay, Johnson and Eagles will be hard for them to get on the ground in space and I'd watch what Parker Braun does on the pull to a 205 pound Rice LB through your fingers.

The Rice defense features a safety/edge/linebacker hybrid called THE VIPER! Had I played the Viper position in high school, my 40 time would have dropped by .3 and I would have worn a cool dark visor and rolled up my jersey like a circa 1988 Miami Hurricanes linebacker. I blame my coaches for not realizing the power of a badass position name to improve my mediocre performance.

This is Rice LB Blaze Alldredge.
https://riceowls.com/images/2019/1/4/55_...?width=300

Blaze blazes alright. Strong tie game, as well. Is that a Limp Windsor with a Kensington Dimple, sir?

Special Teams

Their field goal kicker is 0-2 on the season, with misses in the 20s and 40s. IMO, Rice should go for it on all 4th downs, throwing nothing but fly routes after doing a Globetrotters weave drill.

Austin Tramell is actually a nifty little kick returner on punts and kicks, so might as well kick it away if Cameron Dicker and The Punter can penetrate the thick barriers of Houston humidity.

Final Thoughts

Texas will win by 32. Or 43. Can't decide.
09-12-2019 05:34 PM
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Hou_Lawyer Offline
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Post: #55
RE: Pre Texas Thread
(09-12-2019 05:34 PM)loki_the_bubba Wrote:  Amusing yet still accurate pre-game assessment.

Rice Owls preview


The Owls are 0-2 after a game loss to Army (14-7) in their opener and a hiding at the hands of a decent(ish) Wake Forest team (41-21). I'm not going to do the Lou Holtz thing where I build up Rice as the second coming of The Sacred Band Of Thebes, but they can keep the game scrappy for a bit if Texas is still working through some LSU residue. If Texas shows up, the game will be over fairly quickly and we can get walk-on RB Mason Ramirez the eight carries he deserves and get the Casey Thompson Heisman chatter started.

Over their last 39 games, Rice is 6-33. Apparently, trying to play Harbaugh era Stanford bully ball with Rice athletes doesn't work.

Offense

The Rice offense does a little bit of everything poorly. Lots of formations, not much production. They dabble with more identities than a Women's Studies major.

They're down starting QB Wiley Greene and Harvard man grad transfer Tom Stewart will start in his place. We already know Stewart's judgement is suspect based on his decision to transfer to Rice (why not Grambling, Tom? There's a movie there), so I expect him to throw nine interceptions on Saturday. Stewart is a conventional QB, currently averaging just under 6.2 yards per attempt with a season long completion of 20 yards. On the positive side, he has rushed for -6 yards.

The Rice OL is smallish, featuring a 265 pound right tackle and a 275 pound center. They'll struggle to anchor in pass protection and while I like their mobility in the running game (based on my bored viewing of some Wake film) they're not going to be able to move the line of scrimmage against Texas. Expect misdirection runs and some quick game where the ball comes out fast. Hell, it's Bloomgren, so maybe they'll come out in a full house backfield and decide they're going to out tough Texas. FOOTBALL IS JUST ABOUT WHO WANTS IT MORE. SCHEMING IS FOR PENCIL NECKS.

Rice features some running backs and some pass eligible mammals at wide receiver. NahShon Ellerbe is their most explosive RB (50+ yard run vs Wake). Their best WR is Austin Trammell, who is a coach on the field, a scholar in the classroom, and a member of the AFCA Good Works Watchlist! Last year, he caught 60+ balls and he's a quick change-of-direction type.

The Owls seek to milk the clock, possess the ball, and make the game short. That philosophy has some merits, but it doesn't quite work when they convert on only 26% of their 3rd downs. Rice's inability to convert 3rd down meets Todd Orlando's inability to get 3rd down stops. What will that 3rd and 17 battle of chess look like?

Rice doesn't run or throw that well, but did you know that a group of Owls is called a parliament?

I love owls, by the way. They are cute heralds of death.




Defense

Their best player is #33 LB Anthony Ekpe. He's their leading tackler, football fast and a good stunter. I like him quite a bit.

That written, Rice has not logged a single sack this season. Their defense does use a lot of blitzing, stunting and unorthodox looks from a base 3-4, hoping to guess right and try to get the opponent off schedule and in 2nd and 12. The 3 men up front are in a six man rotation and they move quite a bit. The four linebackers average 218 across the board.

Combine that with a smallish secondary and Rice is a bit light in the ass, which is odd for a school named after a carbohydrate.

Duvernay, Johnson and Eagles will be hard for them to get on the ground in space and I'd watch what Parker Braun does on the pull to a 205 pound Rice LB through your fingers.

The Rice defense features a safety/edge/linebacker hybrid called THE VIPER! Had I played the Viper position in high school, my 40 time would have dropped by .3 and I would have worn a cool dark visor and rolled up my jersey like a circa 1988 Miami Hurricanes linebacker. I blame my coaches for not realizing the power of a badass position name to improve my mediocre performance.

This is Rice LB Blaze Alldredge.
https://riceowls.com/images/2019/1/4/55_...?width=300

Blaze blazes alright. Strong tie game, as well. Is that a Limp Windsor with a Kensington Dimple, sir?

Special Teams

Their field goal kicker is 0-2 on the season, with misses in the 20s and 40s. IMO, Rice should go for it on all 4th downs, throwing nothing but fly routes after doing a Globetrotters weave drill.

Austin Tramell is actually a nifty little kick returner on punts and kicks, so might as well kick it away if Cameron Dicker and The Punter can penetrate the thick barriers of Houston humidity.

Final Thoughts

Texas will win by 32. Or 43. Can't decide.

04-bow
09-12-2019 05:38 PM
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tanqtonic Offline
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Post: #56
RE: Pre Texas Thread
Heh...

Quote:I blame my coaches for not realizing the power of a badass position name to improve my mediocre performance.
09-12-2019 05:55 PM
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tanqtonic Offline
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Post: #57
RE: Pre Texas Thread
Holy smokes -- a real honest to goodness Saturday game!! That fact just hit me.....
09-12-2019 09:43 PM
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owl40 Offline
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Post: #58
RE: Pre Texas Thread
(09-11-2019 11:54 PM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  
(09-11-2019 04:48 PM)loki_the_bubba Wrote:  
(09-11-2019 04:16 PM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  How close do we have to be to count this as another moral victory?

50

Seriously, I think you at least have to cover for a moral victory. a 24 point loss might do.

I think moral victory and covering spread are two different things. Moral victory is a game where we look competitive and ready to play. The 1H against A&M a few years ago comes to mind as one of those moments. We may not cover the spread but we look like we belong on the field. Sometimes (most of time) that may mean you also cover-the-spread but the proverbial 'back door cover' where we are not competitive and UT calls off the dogs in 2H and we get a couple cheap TD's and cover the spread is not a moral victory.

Moral victories are lead indicators of a program making small steps and progress to its stated goals (win C-USA and get into the Top 25 someday). I would like to see both a moral victory and a spread cover tomorrow but would expect the latter, not the former. Need a QB to make plays in this type of game and we have a game manager. Expect UT to get out early big and then call off the dogs for some late scoring for the Owls to make the game look closer than it really was.

Game never in doubt and never closer than 2TD's at any point beyond first few min of first quarter but Owls cover 45-17 after Horns cruising 45-7 going into 4Q.
09-13-2019 08:10 AM
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OptimisticOwl Offline
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Post: #59
RE: Pre Texas Thread
(09-13-2019 08:10 AM)owl40 Wrote:  
(09-11-2019 11:54 PM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  
(09-11-2019 04:48 PM)loki_the_bubba Wrote:  
(09-11-2019 04:16 PM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  How close do we have to be to count this as another moral victory?

50

Seriously, I think you at least have to cover for a moral victory. a 24 point loss might do.

I think moral victory and covering spread are two different things. Moral victory is a game where we look competitive and ready to play. The 1H against A&M a few years ago comes to mind as one of those moments. We may not cover the spread but we look like we belong on the field. Sometimes (most of time) that may mean you also cover-the-spread but the proverbial 'back door cover' where we are not competitive and UT calls off the dogs in 2H and we get a couple cheap TD's and cover the spread is not a moral victory.

Moral victories are lead indicators of a program making small steps and progress to its stated goals (win C-USA and get into the Top 25 someday). I would like to see both a moral victory and a spread cover tomorrow but would expect the latter, not the former. Need a QB to make plays in this type of game and we have a game manager. Expect UT to get out early big and then call off the dogs for some late scoring for the Owls to make the game look closer than it really was.

Game never in doubt and never closer than 2TD's at any point beyond first few min of first quarter but Owls cover 45-17 after Horns cruising 45-7 going into 4Q.

Moral victories aren't worth a bucket of warm spit, IMO. They are just a shade better than total routs.

A couple of days ago a teasip asked me how rice was doing: How do you answer that? We are winning moral victories?

Moral victories are for short term memory. Long term, it is just the W's that get remembered.

If Michigan had made that last second field goal against AppSt., nobody would be talking about that game and the great moral victory.

I guess moral victories are the breadcrumbs we Owls have to feast on. Better a 45-28 moral victory than a 62-3 loss, but after a few weeks all anybody will remember is W-L.

I have been a fan of Rice for 56 years, and I am sick and tired of moral victories. Moral victories are like eating broccoli.
09-13-2019 09:43 AM
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greyowl72 Offline
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Post: #60
RE: Pre Texas Thread
I think we score 10 in the first 3 quarters. Then 7 in garbage time.
I believe our strength is on the defensive side and I’m still thinking UT will not be in the mood to run up the score... too much.
Texas 45 Rice 17
09-13-2019 09:54 AM
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