INSIDE SLANT

Rice’s reclamation project took another step forward Saturday with a 30-29 come-from-behind win over UTEP. There are two major factors that have contributed to the Owls’ two-game wining streak.

First, the offensive line has stabilized because the Owls are past the rash of injuries that plagued them throughout the first half of the season. The injuries caused new players to be forced in the starting lineup for the first time and forced others to be playing out of position.

Secondly, young players who have had to step into starting roles—like offensive linemen Davon Allen and Keshawn Arrington, and freshmen defensive players Alex Garmon, Kevin Gaddis and Willie Garley.

“For two weeks in a row, we’ve sure started slow but we’ve ended well,” Rice coach David Bailiff said. “It’s been a point of emphasis getting a fast start. These last couple of weeks we’ll have to keep emphasizing it as long as we keep winning football games. That was one of the more exciting games I’ve ever been a part of, with things going both ways, and when we create obstacles on ourselves we have to overcome them.”

Rice has done a good job of overcoming obstacles the past two weeks. Even during the losing streak, Bailiff had been praising his players for never quitting and the past two games are a prime example of that.

“Our players never quit, and I think we made more plays throughout the game than they did, and with the six takeaways, our defense came alive tonight and with that last knockout by Bradshaw, where it went across the endzone and then out of the endzone, that was a fine moment to see that happen,” Bailiff said.

NOTES, QUOTES

•  Before Saturday’s game, Rice’s 13 seniors presented Bridget Lloyd an armful of flowers to pay proper respect to her son Dale, who passed away following a workout with his teammates during the 2006 season.

•  WR Toren Dixon has caught a pass in 37 straight games, and with a touchdown catch against UTEP is tied for third with 17 on Rice’s career touchdown receptions list.

•  The Owls’ November rebirth follows a patter. At 2-1 this moth, the Owls are 13-4 since 2006 in games played in the months of November and December.

Game Ball Goes To:   DB Travis Bradshaw—The sophomore had a game high 13 tackles and forced two fumbles in the fourth quarter that helped the Owls’ comeback over UTEP. He had 10 solo tackles, including one tackle for a loss.

Keep An Eye On:   RB Tyler Smith—A backup to starter Charles Ross, Smith had a breakout game with a career-high 127 yards rushing and a touchdown. He averaged 5.5 yards on 23 carries and scored the first touchdown of his career on a 12-yard run. His previous best was 49 yards against Texas Tech this season.

Quote To Note:   “Talking on behalf of the seniors, I could not find a happier way to go out than with a W, especially one as exciting as this one. People always say, it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish and I’m with them on this one. I’m just happy know that for the rest of my life, I know that I won my last game here at Rice.”—Senior LB Terrence Garmon, on playing his final game at Rice Stadium

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

Looking Good:   The rushing game had its best day of the season, with 172 yards and four touchdowns. Charles Ross was effective near the goal-line and had three touchdowns. The Owls forced the rushing game on UTEP, with 49 carries. Tyler Smith also had a career day. The defense made an adjustment in the way they were tackling UTEP’s Donald Buckram after noticing Buckram carried the ball loosely. The defense forced five fumbles and had an interception.

Still Needs Work:   The passing game took a step backward after several productive weeks by the offensive line and quarterback Nick Fanuzzi. The sophomore quarterback was sacked three times, the most in three weeks, and completed only 8 of 17 passes for 55 yards with an interception.

Roster Report:  

•  SS Willie Garmon started for the second straight week after missing the SMU game with an injury. The junior has missed four games with injuries and has not been healthy for more than three games at a time this year.

•  LT Scott Mitchell has started 28 consecutive games on the offensive line, including four at right tackle to fill in for an injured player.

•  LB Justin Hill has started the past five games after working his way into the stating lineup for the first time in his career vs. Navy.