Owls’ fledgling O-line doesn’t seem star-struck

Unit eager to test itself against UH’s All-America tackle

As Houston defensive tackle Ed Oliver made his college football debut in an upset victory over third-ranked Oklahoma in 2016, Rice center Shea Baker was enjoying a blowout victory over Midway High School from the night before.

Fast-forward to Saturday when Baker makes his second career start and goes against the Cougars All-American and Heisman candidate when Rice hosts the Houston in the Bayou Bucket Classic.

“I definitely look forward to it, but we have to treat him as just another guy,” Owls left guard Jack Greene said. “He’s a good player, and you have to respect that. I think we’re all looking forward to it and understand that he’s not the whole team.”

Baker and Greene made their college football debuts in last week’s last-second victory over Prairie View A&M. Right guard Joseph Dill actually made his just a week after Oliver.

But the relative gap in experience between the Cougars’ star and the Owls’ interior line is a non-issue for the Rice players. They acknowledge Oliver’s accomplishments but are not intimidated by the challenge that he will pose.

“We’re approaching it like we would any other game. We have the mentality that we’re going to kick their butt, and we’re just going and doing our thing,” Dill said before adding that he knows Saturday will be a solid test for the Rice offensive line. “Sure, I don’t see why not. Everyone who plays this game is out there to compete, so with that in mind of course you’re going to test yourself and see how good you are.”

The trio echoes coach Mike Bloomgren’s message of improving each week. With a game already under their belts, the Owls see Saturday as another chance to build on their opening performances.

Baker aims to continue polishing his technique and to play a cleaner game — he committed a second-quarter false start as the Panthers climbed back into last Saturday’s contest. Greene wants to develop his rhythm earlier in the game so he can be more physical from the first snap.

“I didn’t play at the level I expected,” Dill said. “This week I just have to improve, be more physical.”

A more experienced iteration of the Owls’ line fared well against Oliver (six tackles and a forced fumble) last year, although other members of the UH defense stepped up to create problems for the Rice offense. A year removed from that 38-3 shellacking, the game is a distant memory for the Owls.

“Totally different schemes, different coaches, just a whole different world from our perspective,” Greene said.

Bloomgren and his players have been emphasizing that Houston is more than Oliver, as talented as he may be. But that hasn’t precluded them from making adjustments to better handle the reigning Outland Trophy winner.

“I think we have some really good game plans coming up for this defense. They’re a tough, physical defense and we look forward to responding with the same mentality and toughness,” Greene said. “It’s going to be a great opportunity to put our names on the map as a team.”