Owls won’t be in awe of Horns this time
Two years ago, Rice traveled to Austin to play Texas and came away with a lopsided 58-0 defeat. It was a football game where the Owls were outmatched.
Sixth-year Rice coach Mike Bloomgren understands that for players who grew up in the state, it is a big deal to play the Longhorns in a special environment with around 100,000 people in the stands. Saturday’s 2:30 p.m. kickoff will be televised on Fox.
Perhaps in 2021, Bloomgren made too much of the game against Texas. On Tuesday, Bloomgren said he has the upmost respect for third-year Texas coach Steve Sarkisian, as well as the Longhorn players. And that it will be a challenge for the Owls. But he is not putting the Longhorns on a pedestal.
“We as a coaching staff made too much of a big deal about that burnt orange logo on the side of their helmet,” Bloomgren said. “When I look back, I wonder if me hyping this game so much in the past, gosh, I don’t know.
“But we’re so different now. I can tell you this. Nobody in this place is enamored with their logo. Nobody is scared about the opportunity to perform in this game. We have guys (ready) to take that big stage and perform.”
Chief among them is transfer quarterback J.T. Daniels. Another large crowd is expected on Saturday at Darrell K. RoyalTexas Memorial Stadium. Daniels has played twice against Texas in Austin. For USC in 2018 (103,507), when he passed for 322 yards, and last year (100,740) representing West Virginia.
“I can’t image there’s someone else that has started against Texas at Texas in three different uniforms,” Daniels said. “It’s one of the coolest stadiums there is.”
Daniels has advice for his teammates on what to expect on Saturday.
“It will get loud, and it will get loud on third down. And it is cool when you run out of the tunnel,” Daniels said.
Texas has an all-time record 936-390-33 (.701), fifth-most wins in NCAA Division I college football. The Longhorns come in nationally ranked as well as Big 12 favorites.
“An awesome opportunity this weekend,” Bloomgren said. “We understand how talented they are. I’m eager to see our team take the field.”
Freshman set to start at receiver
Wide receiver Landon Ransom-Goelz turned 18 last week. On Saturday, the 6-foot, 173-pounder from Byron Nelson High School in Trophy Club, will become the first Rice true freshman to start an opener since receiver Andrew Novak against Houston in 2006.
“The moment is never too big for him,” Bloomgren said.
Ranson-Goelz was a third-team TSWA all-state selection as a senior, grabbing 73 passes for 1,339 yards and 16 touchdowns. The freshman’s skills have immediately carried over to college.
“He’s always locked in,” Daniels said. “He has amazing ball skills and is as solid as it gets.”
Joining Ransom-Goelz as freshmen who enrolled in January were Jamarion Clark, Peyton Farmer
and Chase Jenkins. Ty Morris, a freshman linebacker out of Dekaney, is expected to play on defense as well as special teams against Texas.
McCaffrey loves his new home
A year ago, Luke McCaffrey was transitioning from quarterback to wide receiver. It turned out to be a good move for both Rice and McCaffrey. He was selected by teammates as winner of the George Martin Award, the team MVP, after leading the Owls with 58 receptions and all-purpose yards (903).
“Being able to go through a whole season, through spring ball, and another spring ball, is so helpful,” McCaffrey said. “From a preparation standpoint, it’s the best I’ve ever felt.”
McCaffrey is still developing at the position, crediting wide receiver Matt Sykes, a transfer who saw action in 13 games for UCLA last year.
“It’s so much fun watching guys step up in camp,” McCaffrey said. “I’m learning from Matt Sykes.”
Deep class of team captains
Seven captains voted on by the football team is the largest number of any season in school history. Six have received undergraduate degrees.
Daniels, McCaffrey and offensive tackle Clay Servin represent the offense. Rush end Josh Pearcy was named captain of special teams in 2022. Joining Pearcy on the defensive side are tackle Izeya Floyd and linebacker Myron Morrison. Safety Chike Anigbogu will captain the Owls’ special teams.
“We have a lot of leadership coming back,” Bloomgren said. “They are an extension of the coaching staff. They don’t take that responsibility lightly.”
Vets dominate offensive line
Servin started all 13 games last season and began his Rice career as a true freshman in 2018. The 38 career starts from the 6-4, 300-pounder are a team high.
Servin is the veteran of a unit that had 10 different starting lineups in 2022. Servin said the line has had good rotations in practice.
“We’re trying to communicate and block as a unit instead of five individuals,” Servin said.
Two transfers have earned starting positions. Left guard Brandt Banks (Nebraska), listed at 6-7, 325, and 6-4, 315-pound right guard Lavel Dumont (Toledo).
“The main thing I’ve seen is their passion to get better and learn,” Servin said. “The previous offensive linemen welcomed them with (open) arms.”
Injury report
Redshirt freshman offensive lineman Miguel Cedeno is the only player on Rice’s 2-deep depth chart that will not play against Texas.
Cedeno is expected to be back practicing on Monday. Everyone else on the 2-deep depth chart has been medically cleared to play on Saturday.