The Rice Owls tanked with the second worst record in the Texas FBS (3-9) last season, the third consecutive losing year for the program. In the last decade, the Owls have managed four winning seasons under coach David Bailiff (averaging 5-7 per season), with an additional three bowl victories.
After dropping six consecutive games in 2016, Rice lost two of close contests in a span of three weeks to C-USA foes North Texas (42-35) and UTSA (14-13). The defense was putrid, allowing 37.3 points per gram and ranking 123 out of 128th nationally in total defense (504.5 yards allowed).
Key losses
QB Tyler Stehling, RB Darik Dillard, WR Temi Alaka, WR Zach Wright, TE Connor Cella
With six offensive starters erased from the lineup, the Owls may be playing catch-up ball for a large portion of the year. Quarterback Tyler Stehling tore his ACL at the end of the season and finished his eligibility as a collegiate athlete. A trio of young gunslingers are currently vying for the job during spring camp and probably up to the preseason, leaving the offense without a consistent starter.
A unit that ranked No. 93 in scoring offense — putting up just 25.3 points per game — must replace its leading passer, rusher, and receiver. Can a quick turnaround be rectified over a sole offseason?
Key Returners
RB Samuel Stewart, The Offensive Line, LB Emmanuel Ellerbee
2017 sees the return of all five starters from the o-line. When healthy, the offensive front could be the best in the league, with bruising physicality and hefty build. They’ll block for running back Sam Stewart; the junior managed only 479 yards in four starts last season due to a knee injury.
Linebacker Emmanuel Ellerbee is the Owls best player, earning first-team All-C-USA honors last year with a league leading 10.7 tackles per games. Ellerbee will have the chance to flourish under new defensive coordinator Brian Stewart’s system.
The Verdict
Despite a slick new logo, it’s difficult to market Rice as an enticing school for potential commits, especially beneath the leering burnt orange and maroon shadow of established football juggernauts. The university focuses chiefly on academics, but even with a small enrollment, Bailiff has gone 3-1 in bowl games in his 10-year tenure with the team.
However, losing nine starters on both sides of the ball and facing four non-conference foes that all were bowl-eligible last season will create a loss deficit that the Owls wont be able to shake come the postseason.
Prediction: 3-9
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