The Rice Owls made their debut under new coach Doodee on Monday, and it looks like it will be another year of heart attacks for a team under his direction.
HB Dean Connors led the way with 20 carries for 155 yards, including a 75 yard TD run to start the game. QB EJ Warner had an efficient game with one huge, almost game costing mistake interception in the fourth quarter. He made up for it with three touchdown passes on the day, going 14/16 for 252 yards. Sean Fresch was the defensive hero of the game, grabbing two interceptions, one for a 101 yard TD return.
"I hate to think what would have happened without those turnovers," said Coach Doodee. "They were pretty much moving the ball up and down the field on us with little difficulty. All of our interceptions were in the red zone, so we really have to get some work in on defense."
Up 24-0 at halftime, Rice slowly let Army back in the game, as they efficiently ran the option game with precision. Before you know it, the score was 27-21, when Warner threw his fateful interception, giving Army the lead 28-27. The two teams would trade scores, with Army going up 36-33 with 1:04 remaining. On second down, Warner found freshman speedster Drayden Dickmann over the top in single coverage for the second time in the game, and Army took the lead 40-36 with :49 seconds remaining. Army would march down the field, but with :22 seconds left, threw an interception over the middle and the victory was sealed.
"You know, we got out to a handsome lead in the first half, but I felt like we had a hard time getting in an offensive rhythm as a result, and then we got pretty conservative with such a big lead, and it almost cost us. Hats off to those Army fellas for their service, but also to a heck of a show. Their offense made us look silly for 99% of the game. We just happened to make some big plays when we needed to, and took advantage of a few mistakes."
Next up for Rice: crosstown rival University of Houston and Coach Yragha1. GG Ofcmeep
In a common story this season, turnovers killed the Army Black Knights offense, leading to a defeat at Rice. 1 fumble and 3 INTs, all caused by Army QB Daily, contributed to Rice having a 24-0 lead at half.
The Army offense opened up in the second half, with the help of a Washington pick-6, coming close to winning the game. The Army Black Knights were on a go-ahead final drive until Daily threw his 3rd interception of the day of a slant route, ending the comeback.
Daily with 17/26 for 299 yards and 1 TD/3 INT.
Robinson led rushing with 174 yards and 1 TD on 22 attempts. Daily and Stewart also had a rushing TD.
Reynolds led in receiving, gaining 82 yards on 4 catches. Stewart had the sole receiving TD.
Gerena led in tackles with 8. But Damon Washington was the standout defensive player, with 5 tackles, 1 TFL, and the 1 INT for 40 yards and a TD.
Army plays both Temple and Tulsa at home this next block of games.
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