Owls still look for positives, but coach realistic about future
In light of Rice’s struggles this year, Rice coach David Bailiff recognizes his 11-year tenure might be nearing an end.
“You know what, you can’t worry about that,” Bailiff said Tuesday. “I’m sure we’ll sit down at the end and we’ll see, but I don’t go to bed at night worrying about that.
“I think we’re doing everything right; we’re just not winning. You’ve got to win.”
Saturday’s 43-34 loss to Southern Mississippi was tough for Rice players and fans, albeit more of the same.
At best, the Owls (1-9, 1-5 in C-USA) can match last season’s 3-9 record if they win out. But they’ll have to end an eight-game losing streak Saturday against Old Dominion (4-6, 2-4), which is fighting for bowl eligibility.
“Our freshmen are really stepping up and playing well,” Bailiff said of his team in recent weeks.
He cites players like quarterback Miklo Smalls and receiver Aaron Cephus, who’ve shown strides since
getting more playing time.
Cephus, a redshirt freshman, needs just 18 yards to break James Casey’s school record for most receiving yards by a freshman (585). He’s already tied Jarrett Dillard for the most touchdown catches (five) by a Rice freshman.
Running back Nahshon Ellerbe ran for 153 yards and four touchdowns Saturday. Both totals are the most by an Owl since Charles Ross ran for 215 yards and five scores against Louisiana Tech in 2013.
Ellerbe said the recent offensive success has boosted the Owls’ confidence heading into Saturday’s game.
“We know what we’re capable of and we’ve always believed that from the beginning of the season, so seeing that come to fruition is encouraging,” he said.
Bailiff is looking for the team to tighten up defensively to close the year on a high note.
“Defensively, we’ve got to get people in third and long to get some stops; we didn’t have any sacks; we’ve been in a turnover drought,” he said. “We’ve got to start creating turnovers to help the offense out.”
Bailiff said Rice missed a season-high nine tackles Saturday. He said the Owls’ depth has also been tested as the season wears on them.
“Late in games, we’re getting tired; having guys play too many plays and we can’t get the stops when we need them.”
Bailiff sees similarities between Old Dominion and Rice.
“They have a nice offensive line; they’re a lot like us earlier in the year trying different quarterbacks and they’ve settled in on the freshman, (Steven) Williams,” Bailiff said
Rice will have a depleted backfield again Saturday with Emmanuel Esukpa out and Sam Stewart listed as questionable. Bailiff said that opens the door for Ellerbe to get more carries again.