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The Roost Podcast | Ep 148 – ’23 USF Preview with Seth Varnadore

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The Roost Podcast continues its AAC previews. Up next: Seth Varnadore of the Daily Stampede previews USF football in 2023.

Rice football will face USF football in the Owls’ first-ever AAC game. Before the Owls and Bulls take the field in late September, though, there’s a lot of change underway in Tampa. USF has a new head coach, Alex Golesh, and a rebuilt roster. What should we expect from the team in 2023? USF insider Seth Varnadore from The Daily Stampede fills us in on the program’s outlook this season and beyond.

You can find previous episodes on the podcast page. For now, give a listen to Episode 148.

Episode Notes

DCTF

The Roost Podcast is now part of the Dave Campbell’s Republic of Football Podcast Network. You’ll still get the same content with the same hosts, but now under the DCTF banner.

Homefield

We’re thrilled to partner with Homefield Apparel, the premier proprietor of college football clothing. First-time buyers can use the code ROOST for 15% off their order. The Owls hoodie is a personal favorite. Shop the Rice collection or pick up something else (or both)!

Patreon

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Previewing 2023 USF football with Seth Varnadore

  • Who is Alex Golesh and what will he bring to USF?
  • Is there “nowhere to go but up” for USF in 2023?
  • Can USF implement a Tennessee-style offense quickly?
  • What do those offensive adjustments mean for the defense?
  • What does success look like in Year 1 for Golesh and the Bulls?
  • The Lightning Round

Where can you find us?

The Roost Podcast is part of the Dave Campbell’s Republic of Football Podcast Network. You can find this podcast and all of our partner podcasts on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.

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June 2023 Patreon Q&A: Can Rice Football Fix the Defense?

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It was a down year for the Rice football defense in 2022. Was that an anomaly or a trend that could impact the unit in 2023?

When head coach Mike Bloomgren and defensive coordinator Brian Smith arrived prior to the 2018 season there was a spoken understanding that their first season on campus would be a true Year Zero. The defense was no exception.

Under Bloomgren, Rice allowed more points per game and yards per play in 2018 than in any years following. But the journey from that 2018 season to the present has been a bumpy one. How did the Owls close out 2022 and should there be concern about the unit taking another step back in 2023?

Want to get your questions answered? Subscribe on Patreon for our monthly mailbag.

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Rice Baseball 2023: MLB Owls update – June 28

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The 2023 MLB season is underway and Rice baseball alums are busy on the mound and at the plate. Here’s the latest from the MLB Owls.

J.T. Chargois – Miami Marlins

Chargois only made one appearance this week, but he made it count. He worked 1.1 scoreless innings on Saturday against the Pirates, allowing just one hit and no runs. He was rewarded with this third hold of the season as a result. He’s now gone three consecutive outings without allowing a run.

Through June 28, Chargois has a 3.53 ERA with a 1.200 WHIP. He’s averaging 6.4 strikeouts per nine innings.

Injured List

Anthony Rendon – Los Angeles Angels

No official timetable has been announced, but Rendon appears to be on track for a return from the injured list in the semi-near future. Placed on the IL with a left wrist contusion retroactive to June 16, Rendon was taking batting practice on the field on Tuesday. That would seem to suggest he’s not too far away from making his return to the lineup.

Through June 28, Rendon is hitting .248 with seven extra-base hits, 21 walks and 22 strikeouts. His OPS is .682 and he’s collected 21 RBI.

Glenn Otto – Texas Rangers

Otto made his third rehab appearance this week, throwing four scoreless innings, his longest outing to date. He gave up three hits and one run while striking out seven. He now has 14 punchouts across 10 innings pitched during this rehab stint with a 2.70 ERA as he works toward a return to the major league rotation.

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Rice Football: Build Your Best Conference USA-Era Offense

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On July 1, Rice football and the entirety of Rice Athletics will officially move to the American. Can you build your best Conference USA-era offense?

This exercise has been played out across all sorts of sports and combinations, but it only seemed fitting to have a Rice football version to mull over as the summer months arrive. The game is relatively simple and straight forward: given your allotted $15 budget, build your best offense!

For example, if you want to spend up at quarterback and nab Chase Clement it’s not going to be possible to get Jarett Dillard AND James Casey on your squad. Conversely, if you’re going to ride with Mike Collins as your passer, you could probably afford to grab a few high-priced pass catchers for him to throw to. Which is the best option? That’s for you to decide!

Rice Football, Conference USA

We’ll be sharing this on our socials and with our Patreon subscribers. Let us know which combination you’d choose and who you absolutely must get into your lineup at all costs.

Quarterback

  • $5 – Chase Clement
  • $4 – Taylor McHargue
  • $3 – Driphus Jackson
  • $2 – Mike Collins
  • $1 – Wiley Green

Wide Receiver 1

  • $5 – Jarett Dillard
  • $4 – Bradley Rozner
  • $3 – Austin Trammell
  • $2 – Isaiah Esdale
  • $1 – Jake Bailey

Wide Receiver 2

  • $5 – Jordan Taylor
  • $4 – Luke McCaffrey
  • $3 – Toren Dixon
  • $2 – Dennis Parks
  • $1 – Cedric Patterson

Tight End

  • $5 – James Casey
  • $4 – Vance McDonald
  • $3 – Luke Willson
  • $2 – Jordan Myers
  • $1 – Jack Bradley

Running Back

  • $5 – Charles Ross
  • $4 – Jowan Davis
  • $3 – Darik Dillard
  • $2 – Sam McGuffie
  • $1 – Austin Walter
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Rice Baseball 2023 Season Review: Lineup

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The offense was underwhelming for Rice baseball in 2023, posting the second-lowest OPS in Conference USA with over 500 strikeouts.

It wasn’t a good year at the plate for Rice baseball. The 2023 season saw the Owls finish in the bottom three in the league in batting average, runs, RBI, total bases and OPS, among other offensive measures. There were individual highlights — described in more detail below — but for the most part, the offense struggled.

More: Rice Baseball Season Review – Bullpen
More: Rice Baseball Season Review – Starting Pitching
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