Rice Football 2009

Hands, originally uploaded by AlphaTangoBravo / Adam Baker.

2008 was a Banner year for the Owls. Not only did they finish the season 10-3 after a 38-14 win over Western Michigan in the Texas Bowl, but they also had their most heralded group of Seniors in many years, with Jarrett Dillard and James Casey fighting for roster spots. (The latter with the Houston Texans).

In 2009, unfortunately, I'm having trouble finding 6 wins to get the Owls into their third bowl game in four years...

Week 1 - @ University of Alabama-Birmingham - Even though they're re-tooling, the baby Owls should still have enough to beat a down UAB.
Prediction: Rice 24 UAB 17

Week 2 - @ Texas Tech - Rice hung with Tech last year for one half. Expect the same this year before Tech's talent takes over.
Prediction: Tech 47 Rice 21

Week 3: @ Oklahoma State - Okie State is going to be one of the best teams in the Country this year. That's about all you need to know. Drink heavy Owls fans, this one's going to hurt.
Prediction: OSU 56 Rice 14

Week 4: Vanderbilt - If Vandy was a C-USA team they'd win the conference. Since they're SEC, not so much. That being said they'll handle the Owls.
Prediction: Vandy 24 Owls 10

Week 5: Tulsa - Tulsa will challenge Houston for the C-USA West. Rice is already thinking about next year.
Prediction: Tulsa 52 Rice 17

Week 6: Navy - Give the Midshipmen credit, those guys can run.
Prediction: Navy 34 Rice 13

Week 7: @ East Carolina - Physically ECU resembles an SEC team. Rice does not.
Prediction: ECU 31 Rice 7

Week 8: University of Central Florida - A win for the battered Owls before a much needed off week.
Prediction: Rice 24 UCF 21

Week 9: Bye Week

Week 10: @ Southern Methodist University - After what they did to SMU, the NCAA will never hand out the death penalty again.
Prediction: Rice 17 SMU 3

Week 11: University of Tulane - So what's Tulane's excuse? They didn't get the death penalty?
Prediction: Rice 24 Tulane 17

Week 12: University of Texas-El Paso - After playing SMU and Tulane, UTEP's going to feel like a pro team.
Prediction: UTEP 58 Rice 10

Week 13: @ University of Houston - Against potentially the best offense in C-USA, the Owls season mercifully comes to an end.
Prediction: UH 48 Rice 21


Final Record: 4-8

Sorry Owl fans, I really would like to make you 6-6, but I just can't find the wins against this schedule, with all that you're going to be replacing. Consider this a rebuilding year.