Owls plan to hang their hat on an improved defense.
Starting with defense, Owls hope to capitalize on gains from shortened 2020 season
Can the defense top last year’s performance?
Owls coach Mike Bloomgren constantly refers to the unit as the 12th-ranked scoring defense in the nation. He’s proud of that stat and of a defense which returns 10 starters in the 4-2-5 scheme under coordinator Brian Smith. The Owls gave up an average of 18.8 points and the 341.6 yards allowed is their lowest since 1999. In a 20-0 beatdown at Marshall, the Owls earned their first win over a ranked opponent since 1997 and first shutout of a ranked team since 1960.
At rover in the linebacker/ safety role, Treshawn Chamberlain is a four-year starter. Nose tackle Elijah Garcia is a stalwart as is linebacker Antonio Montero in the middle. The battle at weakside linebacker to replace Blaze Alldredge involves Myron Morrison and Desmyn Baker. Backup nose tackle De’Braylon Carroll will miss the season with injury. The secondary is boosted with the return of free safety George Nyakwol, who missed 2020 with injury after making 25 straight starts.
Who will start at quarterback?
Of all the competition among position groups, the biggest focus is at quarterback where Wiley Green (6-3, 211), who started the 2019 opener, and transfer Luke McCaffrey (6-2, 200) are contending for the top spot. Green has been in the program four years with 10 starts, but made only one appearance in 2020. McCaffrey, a dual threat, didn’t arrive on campus until June, missing spring ball. At this time last year, McCaffrey was about to begin his freshman year at Nebraska, where he played in seven of eight games, starting two. He passed for 466 yards and rushed for 364.
Green, who is comfortable in the system, backed Mike Collins and JoVoni Johnson last year and attempted only 10 passes. Dynamic, explosive and fast describe McCaffrey. At this point, there’s no clear-cut winner, but Bloomgren said he trusts both quarterbacks to run the team. Johnson was a spot starter last year.
What impact will new offensive coordinator Marques Tuiasosopo have?
A former NFL quarterback and longtime college offensive coach, Tuiasosopo is expected to have the Owls continue to run the ball and remain physical, but spread the ball more to take advantage of talented receivers and running backs while still employing a fullback and tight end. The offense bogged down last season, and the Owls haven’t had a top-100 offense since 2016.
Rice has an abundance of quality receivers. Bradley Rozner returns after missing last season with a preseason injury. At 6-5, Rozner is long and athletic. In 2019, he led the team with 770 receiving yards and five touchdowns, topping 100 yards four times. Wide receiver Jake Bailey earned honorable mention allConference USA, catching 14 passes over the final two games. Cedric Patterson III will factor. The top five halfbacks are Khalan Griffin, Ari Broussard, Jordan Myers, Juma Otoviano and Cameron Montgomery. Shea Baker is entrenched at right guard
Where is Jordan Myers going to line up?
Myers redshirted his first year at Rice in 2016. The sixth-year senior has been pretty active since and a jack of all trades. He can play any skill position on offense and excel. He’s lined up at tight end, wide receiver, in the slot and in the backfield, as well as playing on special teams. This year Myers (6-2, 216) will see more playing time at running back.
The Dickinson alumnus is on the Senior Bowl watch list and several publications have named him to C-USA preseason first team. Over Rice’s five games in 2020, the all-purpose Myers led the team with 24 receptions, scoring the team’s only rushing touchdown. In 2019, Myers made six starts at tight end and was fourth on the team with a careerhigh 16 receptions. He also tied for the team lead that year with five tackles on special teams.
What is the bottom line?
Rice has gone six years without appearing in a bowl game. That streak could end this season as the Owls hope to improve on last season’s 2-3 record. Bloomgren said this is the best he’s felt about his team since arriving in 2018. That goes for the backups as well. Rice has gone from having 47 players in Bloomgren’s first spring ball to 116 players starting fall camp this year. Recruiting has picked up, raising both the ceiling as well as the floor.
First-year offense coordinator Tuiasosopo has a contagious energy about him, and Bloomgren likes the progress the unit is showing. The Owls are still getting their starting five ironed out on the offensive line. While the offense is still growing, the defense is proven. The team is returning several key players who missed parts of last season, including wide receiver Rozner, and in the secondary, Nyakwol, Jason White, Andrew Bird and Naeem Smith.