In a game it was expected to lose, Rice showed its ability to play at a level higher than its talent would indicate. If, however, Rice comes out flat after the win, it could find itself behind early. That could spell the end for a team that wins without passing. A final factor in the emotional struggle is the crowd. Our last home game illustrated Rice's ability to fill the stadium with disinterested fans from the Houston area, and I think that we will witness a sizeable portion of the 40,000-plus crowd wearing burnt orange.
Rice can play with any team willing to trade it touchdown for touchdown.
In its three games this season, Rice was outscored 98 to 82, but it emerged with two victories. Timing thus becomes everything, and if Rice can keep it close through three quarters, it has its best chance of winning. Rice cannot, however, fall behind early. With Rice passing for only a little over 60 yards per game this season, moving the ball down the field quickly becomes a problem. Chad Nelson was not put on this earth to pass the football, but he was put here to run it.