Womac, defense positives despite five losses in a row

There’s nothing novel about Rice’s struggles against UTSA.

Despite a weekly emphasis on discipline and ball security, those things doomed Rice in its sixth loss of the season, a 20-7 defeat.

Although the defense allowed two 100-yard rushers for the second consecutive game, the unit has been improving. The defense kept the Owls in the game; the offense looked promising most of the game, but denied itself chances to win.

Quarterback Sam Glaesmann’s fumble on the first drive resulted in a defensive touchdown. He and Miklo Smalls tossed interceptions that could have led to gains.

A holding penalty erased a touchdown that might have cut the lead to six with more than six minutes left.

Inconsistency has morphed into the offense’s calling card for Rice.

Despite this, receiver Aaron Cephus had a breakout game with 105 receiving yards and a touchdown. Linebacker Brian Womac’s performance was notable.

The senior has arguably been the Owls most consistent defender, habitually hunting quarterbacks or chasing down running backs who are 60 yards downfield.

Womac led the charge as the defense kept the game close. He recorded three sacks, giving him eight on the year. He leads Conference USA in sacks and is tied for fifth in the country.

A defensive standout

“I am extremely proud of the effort that Brian Womac continues to just amaze me with, what’s he’s done on the field this year,” coach David Bailiff said.

That production can be attributed to a defense pushing each other to get better. During the summer, Womac wrestled with lineman Graysen Schantz on the weight room floor as a form of cardio. So it was no surprise Schantz’s seasonending injury hit Womac hard.

“I had to step up for the team and increase my play and I think I did that,” Womac said. “I’m just really upset that we couldn’t get the win for him.”

Playing with heart

Womac had the numbers 9 and 4 — Schantz’s jersey number — smeared underneath his eyes to remind him to play with intensity.

“It really meant something to me,” he said. “That was a guy who I had spent so much time preparing with, watching film with, training with. He’s one of the best teammates that I’ve ever been around.”

In the first half, when UTSA running back Tyrell Clay shot through the middle of the defense for a 73yard run, Womac sprinted across the field to tackle him and Rice held UTSA to a field goal.

“I was pretty proud of that,” Womac said. “I think that’s the energy and effort that Graysen Schantz plays with and I hope I represented him well tonight.”

On a few occasions, Rice’s defense has kept games competitive. The Owls need the offense to be more productive if they want to end a five-game losing streak.

“The defense is playing at a level that we can win these football games,” Bailiff said.