Defense makes strides, but offense struggles with execution

The narrative surrounding the 2017 Owls has been a hopeful one. It illustrates a talented team hampered by injuries and inexperience, just on the cusp of piecing it all together.

After falling 9 yards short of victory in a 13-7 loss to Florida International last Saturday, Rice is preparing to play Pitt with its toughest conference foes on the horizon. To hear coach David Bailiff tell it, the Owls are close — if they can just execute.

“We had execution errors up front. We had execution errors with the running backs and receivers who were supposed to run a route 10 but instead ran it 12 yards,” Bailiff said. “We’re looking at everything we’re doing in practice to assure we get the execution we need.

“Last week, everybody took turns making a mistake. This play it might be the center, the next it was the tackle, the next play it was a route. It can’t be jazz; everybody has to be in symphony. It’s not effort — they’re playing extremely hard. We just need them to get on the same page.

“Everything in this program begins and ends with me.”

After blowout losses to Stanford and Houston — Rice allowed 38 points in the first half against each — the defense responded with strong performances against UTEP and Florida International, allowing 27 points total.

While Bailiff praises the improvement on defense, he’s reluctant to blame the Owls’ struggles on an unproductive offense.

“There’s not fingerpointing,” he said. “The defense just goes out there and says the offense needs us tonight; we need to get a turnover.”

Guard Peter Godber attributes some of Rice’s struggles to poor communication along the offensive line. He said FIU did a good job shooting the gaps and showing different looks, which left players unblocked.

“We put the FIU game behind us, so we’re excited to correct our mistakes and get back on the right path,” he said.

Bailiff said he’s satisfied with the development of his quarterbacks through four games.

“I thought Jackson (Tyner) did what we told him to do. Other than the interception, he managed the game well for us,” Bailiff said, adding that the FIU game would have ended differently had the redshirt sophomore been a bit more experienced.

“Both those quarterbacks (Tyner and Sam Glaesmann) are getting better every rep,” Bailiff said. “We’re going to continue to work them hard and coach them hard and not hit the panic button and win some games.”

Running backs top injury list

Running back Sam Stewart will miss the Pittsburgh game after injuring his ankle against Florida International on Saturday. His backup, Nahshon Ellerbe, is questionable after suffering an undisclosed injury against FIU.

The offensive line has been without guard Cory Klingler all season. He will remain sidelined with a lower back injury for the foreseeable future.

Ken Thompson, Klingler’s backup, will miss the Pitt game but is expected back when the Owls host Army on Oct. 7. Sophomore Crockett Mokry will start in his place.

A wrist injury made D’Angelo Ellis the Owls’ first major loss of the year this summer. Initially slated to redshirt, he is expected to return as early as Oct. 21, when Rice resumes conference play against UTSA.

Unfortunately for Rice, news of Ellis’ return comes as they lose defensive end Blain Padgett for the season. Padgett, who has 1½ sacks, will have surgery this week and is expected to redshirt.

Rice will also be without cornerback V.J. Banks (leg) and defensive tackle Carl Thompson (hip) against Pitt. Safety Cole Thomas is questionable after injuring his shoulder against Houston.

Quarterback Sam Glaesmann is listed as the starter on the Owls’ depth chart, but coach David Bailiff said he’s day-today.