Texas 48, Rice 13



Blaze Aldridge had a good night on the defensive side for the Owls.  Not much else to crow about, however (David Speed Elder photo)

HOUSTON (Sept. 15) -- Rice’s defeat at the hands of the University of Texas Saturday, even its measure of defeat, came hardly as a surprise to the those invested in Owl football fortunes.

The final result, indeed, came about roughly as expected. But it was the way the Owls so quickly succumbed, so clearly demonstrated the deficit in talent, that doubtless has more than a few of the more cynical diehards rushing to the barn to dig out their pitchforks.

The more evenhanded among the South Main cohort will once again point to the rebuilding aspect, to the depths to which Rice's once-proud football program has fallen in the eyes of the rank and file of this state of 30 million people, a lot of whom, if they think about Rice football at all, it’s only to wonder how long it is before they, like the University of Chicago, like Sewancee, like Southwestern, downgrade or just drop the charade altogether..

If your thoughts turned the same way as you trundled out of NRG Stadium Saturday night, there’s no compunction in that.
Continues...      Box score, stats....

Latest headlines...
Kirk Bohls:  Why does Texas play Rice?  Well, because it's easy
(Austin American Statesman -- Sept. 15)  email:  kbohls@statesman.com
Saturday evening was in fact hard for Rice
(Dallas Morning News -- Sept. 15)
The good, bad, unexpected from UT's comfortable win over Rice
(Burnt Orange Nation -- Sept. 15)
Longhorns regroup with dominating performance against Owls
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram -- Sept. 15)
Texas cooks Rice in 48-13 blowout victory
(Burnt Orange Nation -- Sept. 14)
Texas overwhelms Rice in lopsided affair
(The Roost -- Sept. 14)
Texas strikes early and often in rolling past Rice
(Houston Chronicle -- Sept. 14)
Texas rolls past Rice
(RiceOwls.com -- Sep. 14)
Saturday was in fact hard for the Owls
(Dallas Morning News -- Sept. 14)
UT routs Rice; turns attention to Big 12
(Houston Chronicle -- Sept. 14)
Horns didn't want Owls to linger.  They didn't
(Houston Chronicle -- Sept. 14)
Pix tell the story in Rice loss to UT
(Houston Chronicle -- Sept. 14)
Longhorns bounce back with thorough takedown of Rice
(CBS Sports -- Sept. 14)
Longhorns quickly put LSU loss behind them
(SF Chroncile/AP --  Sept. 14)
Longhorns have field day, build confidence in blowout win
(Austin American-Statesman
How Horns have fared against Owls recently
(Austin American Statesmen sports page screen shots -- Sept. 14)
Kirk Bohls et al. break down "thoroughly dominating" win over Rice
(OMNY-FM podcast -- Sept. 14)
Winning coin flip, Herman wanted extra first-half series for first team
(Austin American-Statesman -- Sept. 14)
Rice repeatedly lost LOS battle with Texas DL
(Inside Texas -- Sept. 14)
Dominant on both sides of ball, Texas wrested early lead
(Burnt Orange Nation -- Spet. 14)

It's Texas Week....
Owls victorious, '94

Here stands that '94 Rice team that beatTexas,19-17(for larger image, click on pic)
The last time we beat the Evil Empire....

Wake Forest 41, Rice 21



Brad Rozner, a 6-5 junior from Needville, sprints for down 40-yard pass-and-run play that set up first Rice touchdown (David Speed Elder photo)


Austin Trammell exhults after his extraordinary touchdown run, fourth quarter against Wake (PTH photo)

HOUSTON (Sept. 7) – Well, perhaps we can consider it just a warmup for Texas week. The Rice Owls did fall to the Wake Forest Demon Deacons here at Rice Stadium Friday before a nationally televised audience, 41-21, in a game that was a smorgasbord of mistakes, outstanding efforts, mismatches, unknown knowns, known unknowns, and, yeah, then there was The Injury.

Let’s put it this way: if the name of the game on Friday was “sucker punch the enemy quarterback” then the visting Baptists had one hell of a first quarter. With Rice down 14-0, and driving, second and goal at the one yard line, Owl redshirt frosh QB Wiley Green pulled out the ball and headed for the flag.

Just before he got there, he was greeted by 6-3, 260-pound Wake DL Royce Francis, who spun him momentarily, while senior linebacker Justin Strnad saw a chance for a direct hit. He rocketed in, helmet first.
Continues....        Box score, stats....
     
Rice tops UT for USNWR best Texas college...again
(Austin American-Statesman -- Sept. 9)
Coach Bloom addresses Rice football alumni
(Houston Chronicle video -- Sept. 13)
Rice's Stewart ready for challenge of No. 12 Texas
(Houston Chronicle -- Sept. 13
No. 12 Texas looks to  bounce back against overmatched Rice
(Burnt Orange Nation -- Sept. 13)
Texas trio started their bonding at Rice
(Houston Chronicle -- Sept. 13)
Last time Owls faced a no. 12 Texas team, Rice won
(Houston Chronicle -- Sept. 13)
Longhorns try to bounce back against scrappy Owls
(Athlon Sports -- Sept. 13)
Expect more 4-linebacker sets when Texas plays Rice
(Houston Chronicle -- Sept. 13)
Best way to get past LSU?  A blowout win over Rice
(Austin American-Statesman -- Sept. 13)
Owls have a lot of room to grow
(Saturday Blitz -- Sept. 13)
Texas has some questions to answer
(Burnt Orange Nation -- Sept. 13)
Upsets:  the anatomy of a successful underdog
(The Roost -- Sept. 12)
Tale of the tape:  how Rice, Texas break down
(Horns 24/7 -- Sept. 12)
Texas rush defense to be tested vs Rice
(Burnt Orange Nation -- Sept. 12)
Ehlinger should outdo Wake quarterback against Owls
(USA Today -- Sept. 12)
Rice offense shouldn't change with Stewart at helm
(Burnt Orange Nation --  Sept. 12)
Flareups continue in A/CGate; Cajuns getting nasty over phone
(Burnt Orange Nation -- Sept. 12)
Texas DBs still have some growing up to do
(Burnt Orange Nation -- Sept. 12)
Rice gets another big test against Texas
(Houston Chronicle -- Sept. 11)
Film room:  breaking down offense vs Wake Forest
(The Roost -- Sept. 11)
Owl losing trend to UT not a recent phenomenon
(The Rice Thresher -- Sept. 11)
How JFK's speech defined a rivalry
(ESPN.com -- Sept. 11)
What they're saying:  Coach Bloom previews Texas
(24/7 Sports -- Sept. 11)
Owls will present different look for Horns
(Burnt Orange Nation -- Sept. 11)
Last time these two met, Owls doubled UT offensive production
(USA Today -- Sept. 11)
Questions still linger for UT over LSU loss
(Austin American Statesman -- Sept. 11)
Owls have brutal nonconference schedule, but still tired of losing
(Texas Football -- Sept. 10}
Herman: No need to panic after loss to LSU
(Austin American Statesman --  Sept. 10)
What Longhorns can learn from Wake's win over Rice
(Hornsports.com -- Sept. 10)
Herman says has 'extremely fond memories' of time at Rice
(Austin American Statesman -- Sept. 10)
Owl QB position in focus going into Texas game
(The Roost -- Sept. 9)
Rice QB Green's tests negative after injury
(Houston Chronicle -- Sept. 8)
The politics of "Horns Down" hand sign
(And the Valley Shook -- Sept. 2)
Meet Tom Stewart, the Owls' presumptive new QB1
(The Roost -- Sept. 8)
Owls defeated by Wake Forest; Green injured
(The Rice Thresher -- Sept. 8)
Wiley Green knocked out; Owls fall to Wake
(The Roost -- Sept. 6)
Rice top plays vs Wake Forest (video)
(CBS/Stadium -- Sept. 7)
Wiley Green injured in Rice loss to Wake Forest
(Houston Chronicle -- Sept. 7)
Stadium shuddered in complete silence, first quarter
(Underdog Dynasty -- Sept. 7)
Owls lose quarterback as well as game
(Houston Chronicle -- Sept 7)
Owls lose home opener after allowing 27 unanswered
(Underdog dynasty -- Sept. 7)
Newman's passing leads Wake Forest to 41-21 win
(The Chronicle-Herald -- Sept. 7)
'We had a great day throwing the football today'
(24-7 Sports -- Sept. 7)
Deacons took advantage of size at wide receiver
(Times Herald-Record/AP -- Sept. 7)
Clawson: 'We settled into what they were doing'
(24/7 Sports -- Sept. 7)
Washington had career game on hot night in Texas
(Winston-Salem Journal -- Sept. 7)

Bonus video:  sights and sounds of Rice-Army... 
Army 14, Rice 7

'
Rice running back Aston Walter stiff-arms an Army defender en route to en route to first-down yardage (Davd Speed Elder photo)


Middle of Owl defense stuffs Army running back Sandon McCoy on fourth and one at Cadet 21-yard line, first quarter (David Speed Elder photo)


After blasting a couple of Army defenders, rehabilitated Owl running back Nahshon Ellerbe outruns rest for 54-yard TD run, second quarter (David Speed Elder photo)

WEST POINT, NY (Oct. 31) – The Rice Owls’ collective effort against a heralded Army team here Friday evening left their mini-legion of Instituters stunned and, while they and their team obviously were still a long way away from that boat on the beach in Zihuataneho, the results suggested the Owls seemed definitely to have made it out of the sewer pipe.

When an aggressive, swarming Rice defensive front locked up Army RB Sandon McCoy for a loss after Academy coach Jeff Monken rather arrogantly went for it on fourth and one on their own 15-yard line, first possession, the boisterous Corps of Cadets assumed the position of silence, while Rice supporters felt a sudden surge of hope down deep.

When rejuvenated senior running back Nahshon Ellerbe busted out for a 54-yard second quarter, game-tying touchdown run, a cheer ran through the tiny crowed of Owl fans hunched in the corner of the end zone. This time, Hope had welled up to the point that even the most pessimistic most-assuredly began to feel it, were they paying any attention.
Continues....          Rice-Army box score, stats....

A healthy Ellerbe improves Owls' chances
(CBS Sports -- Sept. 5)
Breaking down the fourth-down stop vs Army
(The Roost/with video -- Sept. 4)
Owls to take on ACC's Wake Forest after Army loss
(The Rice Thresher -- Sept. 4)
Owl great O J Brigance can always call Rice home
(Houston Chronicle -- Sept. 4)
Wake Forest week press conference notes
(The Roost -- Sept. 4)
Rice could keep it close early with Wake, but...
(Athlon Sports -- Sept. 4)
WF's big halftime lead last year means nothing
(Blogger So Dear -- Sept. 4)
Rice-Army recap; Wake preview
(The Roost -- Sept. 4)
WF's Clawon recaps Ute State, previws Rice
(24-7Sports.com -- Sept. 3)
Wake injury, depth chart updates
(24-7Sports.com -- Sept. 3)
Owls forge identity with physical start
(The Roost -- Sept. 3)
'Old school' does not necessarily mean 'effective'
(Blogger So Dear -- Sept. 3)
Wake football injury, depth chart updates
(Demon Deacon Sports -- Sept. 3)
This one should be all Wake
(Sports Chat Place -- Sept. 3)
Week One C-USA Roundup
(The Roost -- Sept. 2)
A winnable game that got away
(The Roost -- Sept. 2)
Wasn't the start Army fans were expecting to see
(Against All Enemies -- Sept.1)
Deacons to take on a much-improved Rice team
(Winners and Whiners -- Sept. 1)
Flashback: Owls, Clement get boost as Flocks rolls past Army (2006)
(The Rice Football Webletter -- Oct. 1, 2006)
Army football expected to steam Rice
(Times-Herald Record online -- Aug.30)
Army, Michigan's next foe, has its hands full againat Rice
(MGoBlue -- Sept. 1)
Owls miss chance to upset Army on the road
(The Roost -- Aug. 30)
Stunning display of poise from the Rice team
(Times-Herald Record -- Aug. 31
Owls salvage hope from tough loss at Army
(The Roost -- Aug. 31)
Rice-Army full game video highlights
(CBSSN -- Aug. 31)
Army-Rice video highlights from Army SID
(GoArmySports -- Aug. 31)
Last-gasp drive falls short as Owls play tough, lose close
(RiceOwls.com -- Aug. 31)
Improvements in Bloomgren's second season debut
(CUSA Report -- Aug. 31)
Owls' Montero:  "A very tough loss"
(Stars and Stripes -- Aug. 31)
Army staves off upset-minded Rice
(The Fanatic -- Aug. 31)
Rice defense gives Army all it can handle
(Underdog Dynasty -- Aug. 30)
Rice comes up short to Army in season opener
(Houston Chronicle -- Aug. 30)
16-play drive ices narrow win for Army
(USA Today -- Aug. 30)




Owl DB Miles McCord (L) tangles with frosh WR Jashon Palmer in Saturday, Aug. 10, scrimmage (PTH photo)


True frosh QB JoVoni Johnson here easily cruises past corner containment before dashing 60 yards untouched for TD; note to naysayers:  this one is Plus Player, maybe a Super (PTH photo)


Hey, Army, there's a wrong way and a Rice way
(Los Angeles Times -- March 16, 1987)
Rice will be tested early by Army
(Houston Chronicle -- Aug. 29)
Mike Bloomgren prepares for Army's triple option
(Underdog Dynasty -- Aug. 29)
Army enters season on wings of nine-game win streak
(Against All Enemies -- Aug. 29)
Army looks to pick up where 70-14 rout of Coogs left off
(Sports Chat Place -- Aug. 29)
Hopkins back for another turn at QB for Cadets
(Athlon Sports -- Aug. 29)
Army day away from Rice opener
(Spectrum News -- Aug. 29)
Roost Rice-Army preview podcast
(The Roost -- Aug. 28)
Wiley Green draws starting nod at QB against Army
(The Rice Thresher -- Aug.28)
Owls are stronger, thanks to...yoga?
(Click2Houston -- Aug. 28)
New students should give Rice athletics a chance
(The Rice Thresher -- Aug. 28)
Coach Bloom: 'This is a team hungry for success'
(The Roost -- Aug. 27)
Green outduels Stewart for starting QB spot
(The Roost -- Aug. 27)
Rice names Wiley Green starting QB
(Houston Chronicle -- Aug. 27)
Owl coaching staff mulls Luck retirement
(Houston Chronicle -- Aug. 27)
Owls to have a go at Army's triple option
(The Roost -- Aug. 26)
Projecting Rice football depth chart
(Houston Chronicle -- Aug. 26)
Scattershooting final practice of fall camp
(The Roost -- Aug. 23)
Myles Adams hopes to build on experience
(Houston Chronicle -- Aug. 23)
Rice determined to raise its game in 2019
(Houston Chronicle -- Aug. 20)

More....
Blaze Alldredge took the long way to Rice
(Houston Chronicle -- Aug. 13)
Enter roost's pre-season Rice football giveaway
(the roost -- Aug. 13)
Reagan Williams keeping Rice FB hopes alive
(the roost -- Aug. 12)
Grad transfers try to return winning culture to Rice
(RiceOwls.com -- Aug. 12)
Heading into tough slate, Owls off on better foot
(The Roost -  Aug. 11)
Key headlines and notes from Rice Media Day
(Underdog Dynasty -- Aug. 11)
"It was really sloppy; we could've been so much better"
(RiceOwls.com -- Aug. 11)
Individual play stands out in first 'fall' scrimmage
(The Roost-- Aug. 10)
Coach Bloom: 'A lot of growth to do in all three phases'
(RiceOwls.com -- Aug. 10)
Five position battles to watch in fall camp
(The Roost -- Aug. 9)
Rice trying to build pressure plan on 'D'
(Houston Chronicle -- Aug. 6)
Rice coaches view position battles on offense
(Houston Chronicle -- Aug. 5)
Rice begins fall campaign, search for answers
(Houston Chronicle -- Aug. 1)
Five things to watch in Rice camp
(Houston Chronicle -- July 31)
Otoviano finished strong, starting stronger
(RiceOwls.com -- Aug. 8)
Conference USA West Division preview
(24/7 Sports -- Aug. 7)
Time is now for Rice senior Adams
(RiceOwls.com -- Aug. 6)
Rice-Texas:  A game, a speech, a lost football rivalry
(Grit Daily -- Aug. 6)
Owl scrapper Naeem Smith invests in self
(Riceowls.com -- Aug. 8)
Coaches discuss coming season at THSCA meeting
(Houston Chronicle -- July 29)
Rice an easy Cadet warmup for next game with Michigan
(Against All Enemies -- Aug. 9)
It's historical:  Fly Me to the Moon
(Vype Media/Houston -- July 31)
Rice Owls 2019 season preview
(College Sports Journal -- July 23)
How a Texas football rivalry helped inspire moon mission
(Austin American-Statesman -- July 23)
Owls will have to struggle to get to three
(College Sports Journal -- July 23)
Rice hopes pieces coalesce into winning ways
(Houston Chronicle -- July 17)
Rice program has infinite room for improvement
(Underdog Dynasty -- July 17)
How Rice football is taking national approach to recruiting
(Houston Chronicle -- June 27)
W-L record not indicative of Rice growth and culture
(KVUE-TV -- May 14)
Year 2 of Stanford-ization:  young talent, brutal schedule
(SB Nation -- Feb. 21)