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Rice Football knocks off Louisiana in Scott Abell’s Debut

August 30, 2025 By Matthew Bartlett

Head coach Scott Abell and Rice Football made a statement in their season opener, knocking off Louisiana in their first-ever game at Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium.

Following months of intrigue, the Gun-Choice offense took center stage at Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium on Saturday night as Rice football put their new scheme on display for the world to see. Head coach Scott Abell didn’t look overmatched in his first ever game as an FBS head coach, guiding his program to their first road win since 2023 and their first win in a season opening game since 2018.

More: 2025 Rice Football Preseason Superlatives

“It feels great. I think for me, I’m not surprised. I’m incredibly excited for our guys and I’m proud, but I’m not surprised,” Abell said. “I thought we had a good game plan coming into this. We thought we could move the football. We thought we could control the clock. I’m not surprised, but to get a win on the road against such a quality program… to come here into their home stadium and get that kind of gritty win, that makes me as the head coach here incredibly proud of players.”

Here are a few immediate reactions from the game:

Option Offense As Advertised

The first Rice football drive of the Scott Abell era featured a pair of first downs, one on a pop-pass/sweep by Drayden Dickmann and another on a punishing run up the middle from Daelen Alexander. A busted third-down play quelled the momentum and led to a punt, but the full potency of the Owls’ dynamic attack was revealed in full on their ensuing possession.

Following a field goal by Louisiana, Rice marched down the field on 13 plays, driving 72 yards for the go-ahead touchdown. Landon Ransom got the first touch. Alexander, the next. Then Quinton Jackson and then Tyson Thompson. Rice willed the ball into the redzone only for the buzzer to sound, ending the first quarter. Jackson kept it on the next play and took it down to the one. Then Jackson walked into the endzone untouched.

Aaron Turner was the next Owl to get into the endzone, taking an end-around to the pylon and sneaking the ball across the line. Turner’s score is a masterclass in why this offense can be so effective. The defense sees so many bells and whistles on this run, but Turner is just moving at full speed across the formation and racing his man to the endzone.

Here's the Aaron Turner touchdown. Look how simple Turner's concept is, but how intricate it looks to the defense at the same time. It's wonderful.pic.twitter.com/6Wk5F3STVZ

— The Roost (@AtTheRoost) August 31, 2025

It wasn’t a perfect debut. The second half showcased some of the issues when a run-based attack gets behind schedule with a couple of three-and-outs on the offense, which looked awkward when forced into third-and-long situations.

How much of that changes when Jenkins and this staff have more experience in those scenarios remains to be seen. Abell pointed toward the opportunities now afforded to them with actual game film under their belts. “You gotta learn how to win first,” Abell said. “And that was a great step toward that tonight.”

Daelen Alexander is Back

Midway through practice two years ago, Daelen Alexander emerged from obscurity, earning a role as the Owls’ goal line back after an injury in the middle of a practice period thrust the then-freshman into the spotlight. He dazzled in that role, scoring five touchdowns on 18 rush attempts before an injury cut his season short.

Alexander lost all of the 2024 season with another injury, landing him back in the middle of a crowded running back room in a new offense. Quinton Jackson emerged as the clear RB1 immediately upon Abell’s arrival, but Alexander wasn’t solidified as the team’s RB2 until midway through fall camp.

More: Join the Conversation on The Roost Discord

In the Owls’ opener, Jackson and Alexander operated as an effective one-two punch with Alexander’s power playing off Jenkins’ quickness to great effect. Alexander carried the ball nine 15 times for 74 yards, boasting a sturdy 4.9 yards per attempt. More impressive still, those runs were bruising runs, going through defenders and propelling them backwards.

His most important runs of the game came quite some time later when he bulldozed through defenders again to move the chains on third down in the redzone. That setup up a crucial fourth and one that could have proved to be the game-winner had a mishandled snap squashed the chance.

The preseason excitement around the tandem of freshmen running backs Tyvonn Byars and D’Andre Hardeman was well deserved — and they will get their turn in this deep stable of backs — but Rice football has a clear one-two punch right now.

Defensive Line Shines Bright

As deep as the defensive line was purported to be, there was always an unspoken expectation that this unit would only truly have the chance to make the leap from good to great if an alpha emerged. It’s still quite early in the season, but Joseph Mutombo threw his hat into the ring on Saturday night.

Mutombo altered the outlook of the first Louisiana drive by winning his rep and thumping Cajuns’ quarterback Walker Howard who was flagged for intentional grounding on the play. On the next drive, Mutombo flew into the face of Howard again, forcing a panicked deep throw which Jack Kane stepped in front of for the Owls’ first interception of the season. Official statistics credit Mutombo with one sack of the Owls’ three sacks and the only hurry in the game.

The rest of the line did their part, too. Tony Anyanwu made his first big play as an Owl on the next possession, knocking the ball from Walker’s hands for a fumble. Blake Boenisch fell on it to take possession back for Rice. Three drives in and Rice football got three big plays by the line on their way to a two-score lead on the road.

Some of the defensive numbers will appear a bit inflated when paired opposite an offense that is going to naturally minimized possessions for their opponents. Nonetheless, allowing one touchdown and 12 total points in your season opener against an FBS team is quite a strong statement from a unit that entered the season with relatively high expectations.

It’s also quite fitting that it was the defense that slammed the door with edge Michael Daley tipping the final pass at the line of scrimmage to thwart the Cajuns’ late rally attempt. Daley, the latest in a growing line of defenders to make a big play in a big moment, was ecstatic. “It was amazing. It goes to show the kind of guys that we have on this football team,” he said. “We have a lot of great players that can make big plays in big-time moments.”

Proof of Concept, Passed

The biggest question entering this game was not whether or not Rice would win, although that was certainly a very important unknown needing to be answered. No, the quandary truly being tested in Lafayette, LA was whether or not this offense would work. Would all the misdirection and jazz actually prove to be an efficient way of moving the football against an FBS-caliber defense.

Answer: Yes.

Now, all the caveats of a Week 1 game against a team without any film of this offense being run at Rice are valid. However, its undeniable these concepts have some juice and warrant further inspection. Cue a rivalry game against Houston in what currently is the last Bayou Bucket game scheduled between the two crosstown teams.

Athletic Director Tommy McClelland went off the beaten path when he hired an FCS head coach running a “Gun Option Choice” at a small private school in North Carolina. The hire wasn’t “safe” or “conventional” by any means. But it just might work.

Digging Deeper

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Recent Posts
  • Rice Football 2025 Game Preview: Houston
  • American Conference Football 2025: Week 1 Roundup
  • Rice Football knocks off Louisiana in Scott Abell’s Debut
  • Rice Football 2025 Season Preview: Preseason Superlatives

Filed Under: Archive, Football, Premium Tagged With: Aaron Turner, Blake Boenisch, Chase Jenkins, Daelen Alexander, Drayden Dickmann, game recap, Jack Kane, Joseph Mutombo, Landon Ransom, Michael Daley, Quinton Jackson, Rice Football, Tony Anyanwu, Tyson Thompson

Rice Football 2025: Louisiana Game Week Practice Notes

August 28, 2025 By Matthew Bartlett

The first Rice football game of the Scott Abell era is upon us and the Owls are ready to go. Here’s the latest from the practice field this week.

The (unofficial) Rice football depth chart has mostly worked itself out. Chase Jenkins has started to put his mark on the offense and a few individual standouts have warranted notice in the last few days before the season opener.

Jenkins insists this team is ready to go and is as locked in as they could be before such an important game.

Rice Football Preseason Preview: Check out the rest of the series here.

“It’s us versus anybody else,” he said this week. “I feel like we go to each game, home or away, wherever we play — we could play in a parking lot — we’re going to go out there with the same mindset each time and go out there and play our best and play our game and then the result will show.”

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This update provides some more insight into Jenkins’ evolution in the offense, who will fill out the depth chart behind him and a few more notes as the team prepares for the first game of the season in a few days time.

Chase Jenkins is ready to roll

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Recent Posts
  • Rice Football 2025 Game Preview: Houston
  • American Conference Football 2025: Week 1 Roundup
  • Rice Football knocks off Louisiana in Scott Abell’s Debut
  • Rice Football 2025 Season Preview: Preseason Superlatives

Filed Under: Archive, Football, Premium Tagged With: Aaron Turner, Ahran Ogbor, AJ Padgett, Alex Bacchetta, Andrew Awe, Aquantis Clemmons, Artis Cole, Blaise Tita, Blake Boenisch, Braylen Walker, Carson Morgan, Chase Allen, Chase Jenkins, Chibby Nwajuaku, Chris Clark, Cooper King, Cullen Witt, D'Andre Hardeman, Daelen Alexander, Daveon Hook, David Kasemervisz, David Stickle, DeMone Green, Dillan Botts, Drayden Dickmann, Drew Devillier, Ejike Adele, Elroyal Morris, Enoch Gota, Ephraim Dotson, Jack Kane, James Falk, Jerrick Harper, Jo Chavez, John Long, Joseph Mutombo, Khary Crump, Landon Ransom, Lucas Scheerhorn, Luke Miller, Luke Needham, Marcus Williams, Max Balthazar, Micah Barnett, Michael Daley, Nate Bledsoe, Netane Fehoko, Omari Porter, Owen Carter, Patrick Crayton, Patrick Valent, Payton Matthews, Peyton Stevenson, Plae Wyatt, practice notes, Quinton Jackson, Rice Football, Ryan Butler, Sam Carrell, Sean Sullivan, Ty Morris, Tyson Thompson, Tyvonn Byars, Weston Kropp, wyatt freeman

2025 Rice Football Season Preview: Defensive Line

August 20, 2025 By Matthew Bartlett

Next up in our 2025 Rice Football Season Preview: defensive line. Here’s our breakdown of the Owls’ plans for the group this season.

There’s a new coordinator at the helm of the Rice Football defense and a mix of new and old faces who will be asked to step into significant roles this coming season. Even with the changes, getting to the passer and creating havoc in the run game will be the marching orders for a front that believes it has enough depth to make a difference.

Rice Football Preseason Preview: Check out the rest of the series here.

This piece is part of our 2025 Rice Football Season Preview. Get access to it, as well as all other preview posts such as positional breakdowns, depth chart and schedule analysis and more when you subscribe on Patreon today. 

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** Photo credit: Maria Lysaker **

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Recent Posts
  • Rice Football 2025 Game Preview: Houston
  • American Conference Football 2025: Week 1 Roundup
  • Rice Football knocks off Louisiana in Scott Abell’s Debut
  • Rice Football 2025 Season Preview: Preseason Superlatives

Filed Under: Archive, Football, Premium Tagged With: 2025 Rice Football Season Preview, Aquantis Clemmons, Blake Boenisch, Braden Bays, Chris Clark, DeReyon Jenkins, Devon Oliver, Ejike Adele, Elroyal Morris, Ethan Broughman, Joseph Mutombo, Luka Akirtava, Matthew Aribisala, Michael Daley, Rice Football, Rob Rooks

Rice Football 2025 Fall Camp Notebook: Offense Coming into Focus

August 17, 2025 By Matthew Bartlett

With two weeks remaining until the first kick, the Rice football offense is coming into focus with players emerging and the scheme taking shape.

With two scrimmages in the books and more than half of fall camp in the rearview mirror, the depth chart is starting to materialize for Rice football as position battles resolve themselves. We got a closer look at the offense in action and garnered a few takeaways at key position groups of interest as well as a few individuals who have stood out so far.

Rice Football Preseason Preview: Check out the rest of the series here.

This update digs into those key position groups of focus, sheds some light on the offensive evolution — which continues to make good progress — and ends with some nuggets on the running back competition and a wide receiver of note.

Ahead of schedule

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Recent Posts
  • Rice Football 2025 Game Preview: Houston
  • American Conference Football 2025: Week 1 Roundup
  • Rice Football knocks off Louisiana in Scott Abell’s Debut
  • Rice Football 2025 Season Preview: Preseason Superlatives

Filed Under: Football, Premium Tagged With: Andrew Awe, Blaise Tita, Blake Boenisch, Braylen Walker, Chase Jenkins, Chibby Nwajuaku, Cooper King, Daelen Alexander, Dillan Botts, Ejike Adele, Elroyal Morris, Joseph Mutombo, Lucas Scheerhorn, Matthew Aribisala, Michael Daley, practice notes, Quinton Jackson, Rice Football, Sam Carrell, Ty Morris

Rice Football 2025 Spring Practice Notebook 3: Defense takes shape

March 26, 2025 By Matthew Bartlett

The first signs of a hierarchy within the Rice football defense are beginning to form as the Owls work through the first few weeks of spring ball.

So much focus has, understandably, been given to the Rice football offense as it installs a new scheme under head coach Scott Abell. And while that has been fun to watch and filled with unexpected twists and developments, the relatively smooth deployment of the defensive scheme under first-year DC Jon Kay has begun to crystallize.

More: Spring Practice Notebook 2 — Unpacking the offense and QBs

This update digs into what potential starting roles on defense are nearly secured, which pieces are fighting for meaningful depth spots and a host of other spots still up for grabs as spring progresses.

Early contenders for First Teamers

Sorry! This part of content is hidden behind this box because it requires a higher contribution level ($10) at Patreon. Why not take this chance to increase your contribution?
Subscribe on Patreon for exclusive Rice football recruiting updates, practice notes and more.

Recent Posts
  • Rice Football 2025 Game Preview: Houston
  • American Conference Football 2025: Week 1 Roundup
  • Rice Football knocks off Louisiana in Scott Abell’s Debut
  • Rice Football 2025 Season Preview: Preseason Superlatives

Filed Under: Archive, Football, Premium Tagged With: AJ Stephens, Andrew Awe, Aquantis Clemmons, Beau Barton, Blaise Tita, Blake Boenisch, Chibby Nwajuaku, Christian Edgar, Cooper King, Daveon Hook, Jo Chavez, Joseph Mutombo, Kenny Seymour, Marcus Williams, Max Ahoia, Michael Amey, Michael Daley, Omari Porter, Peyton Stevenson, practice notes, Rice Football, spring practice, Ty Morris

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