Rice football prepares for another Conference USA opponent in Week 9, hitting the road once again to play North Texas.
Looking back at FIU
“It’s disappointing to lose a football game, and that’s something I’m stressing to our team continually. Losing is not okay. It should not feel good. It should hurt, and it should make you want to work that much harder.”
On the fast start…
“We started out fast, the way we want to as a football team which I think was very important. Offense took the opening drive right down the field… the defense got a couple of stops…. that was really positive. That was something we needed to do.”
On the youth movement…
“We had 10 true freshman play in that game, five of which started. And the moment didn’t seem to big for them. In almost all the cases they went in there and lined up beside these guys… and just played.”
On committing zero penalties…
“We played penalty free. I can’t remember the last time I was part of a team that had zero penalties. I think it’s a testament to these guys and their discipline … and the techniques their coaches are teaching them.”
On the team’s overall effort…
“I’m pleased with the effort these guys are putting forward. I’m pleased with the way they continue to fight.”
Looking forward to North Texas
“Offensively, they’re scoring almost 40 points a game. Mason Fine was the conference preseason offensive player of the year. He’s a gritty kid that makes throw after throw and keeps fighting. He’s tough as nails and any time you think he’s down or hurt he just pops right back in and finds a way to get the ball downfield to one of his great receivers.”
On the North Texas offense…
“It’s dynamic. I really believe it all starts with him, with Mason Fine. I think he’s such a scrapper. I think he does more than you think he can with his legs but just his ability to stay in there and find a way to get the ball downfield to those receivers is so impressive.”
