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Rice Football Film Room 2020: North Texas Review, UTEP Preview

November 26, 2020 By Carter

What went wrong for Rice football against North Texas and how do the Owls fix it before they play UTEP? Find out in this week’s film room.

Well, that was no fun. Matt and I talked about it on The Roost Podcast this week, but a loss like that is a lot harder to swallow when you have real expectations, as we have for this Rice team this season. Hopefully they can clean the issues up and get a decisive victory over a UTEP team they’re rightfully favored against this weekend.

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I thought for a while about which play to pick for the North Texas game. It seems the offense would be a natural pick, since that was the side that fared worse. But after watching that game, the recipe for improvement for the offense, to me, is just: block better and stop fumbling. So let’s go with a play from the defense, which generally played well, but gave up a couple key plays, including this one.

The Bean Run

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Filed Under: Archive, Football Tagged With: Adrian Bickham, Blaze Alldredge, film room, Game preview, game recap, Prudy Calderon, Rice Football

Buy Now: The Roost’s 2020 Rice Football Season Preview and C-USA Preview

July 7, 2020 By Matthew Bartlett

The Roost is pleased to announce the release of the 2020 Rice Football Season Preview and the Conference USA Football Season Preview. These digital magazines are the one-stop-shop for every Rice and Conference USA Fan.

Buy Rice Preview
Buy C-USA Preview

The 2020 Rice Football Season Preview

This 160-page publication details everything you could imagine about Rice Football. It includes insight on the entire Rice roster as well with commentary on all 110 players on the active roster. From there the scope widens to breakdowns of every Conference USA team and all four of the Owls’ non-conference opponents. Each profile was compiled with the help from local experts who cover that beat on a daily basis with timely transfer information and any available spring updates.

As one Rice administrator dubbed it:
it’s the bible for Rice Football fans.

Get answers to questions like “Who has the leg up in the Rice quarterback battle?” or “Which incoming players could make the biggest impact?” or “Who are the top returning players Rice will face in Conference USA?”

This year’s edition included a feature story based on an interview with Athletic Director Joe Karlgaard. In the piece, we discuss how he evaluates head coach Mike Bloomgren’s coaching tenure.

The 2020 Conference USA Football Season Preview

The complete contents of the Conference USA Preview are contained within the Rice Preview. This 72-page guide includes everything Conference USA fans need to know for the upcoming season. Every team in the conference has a four-page profile. These profiles including coaching notes, pressing questions and the major storylines each squad faces this season. It also includes roster breakdowns with profiles on the biggest incoming and outgoing players.

No preview would be complete without the numbers, and this one has those in bunches. Each team section includes Conference USA metrics, returning production notes and analysis as well as stat lines for every returning player. There’s also a more detailed review of the conference’s top returning players for each major statistic. And it’s all at your fingertips rather than a dozen google searches away.

The Conference USA Preview omits the Rice-specific content like the position and player breakdowns, rising stars and more. Most Rice fans would prefer the Rice Preview whereas fans of other C-USA schools might prefer this version.

What are people saying about the Previews?

Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what people are saying:

  • “The Roost’s C-USA preview has been an indispensable resource for me as I make my preparations for this season.”
  • “I just spent 30 minutes going through it, but barely skimmed the surface. It’s a great way to learn the new players.
  • “I don’t know any preview that could be more detailed than that.”
  • “This is worth spending the money on. Best you will get for CUSA”
  • “I liked everything.”

Want more?

You can always find additional Rice Football and Conference USA Football content on the website. If you enjoy the Preview and want to get further involved, consider supporting us on Patreon or check out The Roost Shop. Our subscribers get exclusive content ranging from recruiting and practice updates to special analysis. For starters, they got a copy of the Preview for free!

Buy Rice Preview
Buy C-USA Preview
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Filed Under: Featured, Archive, Football Tagged With: Adam Sheriff, Adrian Bickham, Andrew Awe, Andrew Bird, Andrew Mason, Andrew Tsangeos, Antonio Montero, Ari Broussard, August Pitre, Austin Conrad, Austin Trammell, Ayden Noriega, Bennett Mecom, Blaze Alldredge, Bradley Rozner, Braedon Nutter, Brandt Peterson, Brendan Suckley, Brian Hibbard, Caleb Chappelle, Caleb James, Cam Montgomery, Cam Riddle, Cameron Valentine, Casey Tawa, Charlie Mendes, Chike Anigbogu, Chris Boudreaux, Christian McStravick, Clay Servin, Cole Garcia, Cole Latos, Collin Riccitelli, Collin Whitaker, Connor Hughes, De'Braylon Carroll, Derek Ferraro, Elijah Garcia, Evan Marshman, Gabe Taylor, Garrett Braden, Garrett Grammer, George Nyakwol, Geron Hargon, Harry Witt, Hunter Hanley, Isaac Klarkowski, Isaiah Richardson, Izeya Floyd, Jack Bradley, Jacob Doddridge, Jacob Grams, Jaeger Bull, Jake Bailey, Jalen Reeves, Jaren Banks, Jashon Palmer, Jason White, JaVante Hubbard, Jawan King, Jerry Johnson, Jonah Doddridge, Jonathan Sanchez, Jordan Dunbar, Jordan Myers, Josh Pearcy, Jovaun Woolford, Jovoni Johnson, Juma Otoviano, Kebreyun Page, Kenneth Orji, Khalan Griffin, Kirk Lockhart, Kobie Campbell, Lamont Narcisse, Luke Armstrong, Matthew Sams, Michael Haack, Mike Collins, Mike Leone, Miles Adams, Miles Mccord, Myron Morrison, Naeem Smith, Nate Kamper, Nick McQuarry, Nick Wagman, Parker Towns, Payton Lovell, Plae Wyatt, Prudy Calderon, Regan Riddle, Robbie Blosser, Robert French, Ryan Wallace, Sean Fresch, Shea Baker, Terreance Ellis, TJ McMahon, Tre'shon Devones, Treshawn Chamberlain, Trey Phillippi, Trey Schuman, Tyrae Thornton, Van Heitmann, Wiley Green, Will Harrison, Will Martinez, Zane Knipe

Rice Football: JoVoni Johnson not enough to power Owls past Marshall

November 2, 2019 By Matthew Bartlett

Rice football found a way to keep it close, but the offense’s spark came too late to overcome a late deficit as the Owls fell to Marshall on Homecoming.

A win on Homecoming against Marshall was something Rice football desperately needed to snap a grueling streak of losses. Like seemingly every other game this season, the game was close into the second half. When both teams looked up at the scoreboard at the start of the fourth quarter they saw a two-score game with plenty of time remaining.

This one ended the same way the others had to this point in the season, with Rice falling short on the scoreboard. Here are a few immediate reactions from the game:

1. Hello, Jovoni Johnson

Things were pretty clear during the week that Wiley Green was not going to start this game, regardless of the health of quarterback Tom Stewart. After Stewart’s limited availability in practice, his status entering Saturday was very much so up in the air. As reported on Friday, that left JoVoni Johnson as the most likely alternative should Stewart be unable to go.

Stewart warmed up but it was Johnson who started the game and played all but one snap, leaving briefly for one play after getting the wind knocked out of him on a hit. The coaching staff raved about his athletic ability throughout fall camp and liked how he’d progress in recent weeks.

In his first outing as the Rice football starting quarterback, Johnson played well. As long as he was on the field, the offense had life. When Tom Stewart took over, the offense fizzled. He completed one of his nine passes, ending promising drives with nothing to show for it.

Limited possessions didn’t do anything to help the young quarterback find his rhythm, but the simplified scheme and some plus running lanes provide by the offensive line aided him in his first career start. After starting 8-of-9 passing for 77 yards, No. 3 went on to complete 10/17 passes for 97 yards and one touchdown. He added 65 yards rushing with his legs. Perhaps even more importantly, he committed no turnovers.

2. Redzone warriors

The Rice defense almost singlehandedly kept the team in the game last weekend against Southern Miss. The Eagles reached the redzone four times but only found the endzone once in those possessions. The same sort of pattern emerged early against Marshall. The Herd got into the redzone twice in the first quarter alone but left with just three points. For the game, they managed two touchdowns on four redzone possessions.

Linebacker Adrian Bickham was the star of the first Marshall redzone drive. One of three true freshmen to play in every game this season, Bickham reached up and knocked down the Justin Rohrwasser’s first field goal of the day.

A strategy of keeping the offense in front of them, which they’ve achieved more often than not this season, has lent itself to this sort of bend-but-don’t-break style of defense. At the very least, they’ve softened the blow of some of C-USA’s most powerful offenses, giving the Owls’ own offense a chance.

3. Not the best day for the Rice secondary

The mandate given to this team by the coaching staff has been constant all season: don’t turn the ball over on offense and don’t let the ball go over your head on defense.

The former has been the sticking point for the Owls this season. Several quarterbacks have been cycled through to fix the problem. The latest, Johnson, did not turn the ball over on Saturday. With that half of the mandate delivered finally delivered, the secondary struggled to hold up their end of the bargain.

PODCAST: Special interview with Denver Broncos offensive lineman Calvin Anderson

Green was masterful through the air against the Owls. He completed 17-of-22 passes for 269 yards and one touchdown. He hit several long plays, including a 63-yard strike to Xavier Gaines who was tackled at the one-yard line, setting up a touchdown run from Brenden Knox. On the next possession, Green hit Talik Keaton over the top for a 19-yard score.

The secondary was able to clamp down in the second half, limiting Green’s effectiveness. But the points scored in the first half proved to be too many for the Owls’ own offense to overcome.

4. In search of playmakers

Marshall tight end Armani Levias and running back Brenden Knox were difference makers in this game. When the Herd needed a big play, one of those delivered time and time again. In fact, six different Marshall players had a play from scrimmage of 18-yards or more.

Reliable slot man Austin Trammell was the only non-quarterback to gain 18 yards on a single play for the Owls. Bradley Rozner came close, hauling in a 17-yard reception. But those are the two names we’ve come to expect to make plays from on offense this season.

Rice needs somebody else to step up. Johnson helped fill the void, picking up several first downs with his legs. Juma Otoviano had his best day running on the season but was held to 66 yards on the ground. With Johnson at the controls, the offense was better today, but its upside could rise dramatically if someone else can generate a few more chunk plays of their own.

5. Is it too much to ask for both?

Against Southern Miss, the Rice defense pitched a near-shutout through 59 minutes against one of the best offenses in Conference USA. On Saturday against Marshall, that same defense looked a step slow and far less consistent than they’d been to this point in the season. The offense looked promising, hindered by Johnson leaving the game twice in big moments.

That’s been the story of the 2019 Rice Football season in miniature. The defense wows while the offense goes quietly. Then when the offense has their moments, the defense is good, but not quite as proficient as we’ve come to expect. Special teams has ebbed and flowed, too.

If Rice puts its best product on the field, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t have at least one, if not multiple conference wins. To this point, the Owls’ worst enemy has been themselves. They know that but have thus far been unable to find the right combination of all three phases to win.

The law of averages would suggest that Rice will find that combination. With three games left, they’re running out of time.

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Filed Under: Featured, Archive, Football Tagged With: Adrian Bickham, Austin Trammell, Bradley Rozner, Jovoni Johnson, Juma Otoviano, Rice Football, Tom Stewart

2019 Rice Football Season Preview by The Roost

July 8, 2019 By Matthew Bartlett

 

The staff of The Roost is pleased to announce the release of the 2019 Rice Football Season Preview, a 143-page digital magazine detailing everything you could imagine about the Owls’ upcoming season.

This preview is the culmination of months of research, interviews and analysis. Consider it your one-stop-shop as you prepare for the Owls’ 2019 season.

Available as a downloadable PDF for on-the-go access, this preview contains the following:

1. A breakdown of every position group on the team

Who are the favorites to start entering fall camp? What sort of production should you expect from returning starters? Which of the incoming transfer players should make their mark the quickest? Answers to all of those questions are included, as well as notes on every single player on the 102-man roster.

2. An exclusive interview with head coach Mike Bloomgren

We sat down with coach to get his honest evaluation of where the Rice football program is right now and how he views the progress the team is making as they approach 2019. He’s sticking to a process, one which he remains confident will bring success to South Main.

3. Previews of each 2019 opponent and all 14 CUSA Teams

Supported by local beat writers and experts who cover each team, this section has a wealth of knowledge about every CUSA Team and all the Owls’ 2019 opponents.

Rice fans will want to familiarize themselves with the teams they’ll be facing this year. Get to know which players each squad will have to replace, which newcomers could make noise in 2019 and what outstanding questions those in the know have about their respective squads.

4. A complete 2019 Conference USA Football Preview

Available separately to purchase, everyone who purchases the 2019 Rice Football Season Preview will also get The Roost’s 2019 Conference USA Football Preview. We made our picks for preseason honors, top games to watch in 2019 and a closer look at how every team in the conference stacks up.

Don’t need any more convincing? Get a copy for yourself today

Buy Now

 

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Filed Under: Featured, Football Tagged With: Adam Nunez, Adrian Bickham, Andrew Bird, Anthony Ekpe, Antonio Montero, Ari Broussard, Aston Walter, August Pitre, Austin Conrad, Austin Trammell, Ayden Noriega, Bennett Mecom, Blaze Alldredge, Bradley Rozner, Brandt Peterson, Brendan Suckley, Brian Chaffin, Cam Montgomery, Cam Riddle, Cameron Valentine, Charlie Booker, Charlie Mendes, Chike Anigbogu, Chris Barnes, Chris Boudreaux, Clay Servin, Cole Elms, Cole Garcia, Collin Whitaker, Connor Hughes, D'Angelo Ellis, Dasharm Newsome, De'Braylon Carroll, Derek Ferraro, Dylan James, Dylan Silcox, Edmond Lahlouh, Elijah Garcia, Evan Marshman, Garrett Braden, Garrett Grammer, George Nyakwol, Hunter Hanley, Hunter Henry, Hunter Jones, Isaac Klarkowski, Isaiah Richardson, Izeya Floyd, Jack Bradley, Jacob Doddridge, Jacob Grams, Jaeger Bull, Jake Bailey, JaQuez Battley, Jashon Palmer, Jason White, JaVante Hubbard, Jawan King, Jerry Johnson, Jonathan Sanchez, Jordan Myers, Josh Landrum, Josh Pearcy, Jovoni Johnson, Juma Otoviano, Justin Gooseberry, Kebreyun Page, Kenneth Orji, Kirk Lockhart, Luke Armstrong, Matthew Sams, Miles Adams, Miles Mccord, Myles Adams, Myron Morrison, Naeem Smith, Nahshon Ellerbe, Nick Leverett, Nick McQuarry, Nick Wagman, Parker Towns, Prudy Calderon, Reagan Williams, Regan Riddle, Rhett Cardwell, Rice Football, Robbie Blosser, Robert French, Sam Glaesmann, Shea Baker, Tom Stewart, Tre'shon Devones, Treshawn Chamberlain, Trey Schuman, Tyrae Thornton, Uzoma Osuji, Wiley Green, Will Harrison, Will Martinez, Zach Hoban, Zane Knipe

Linebacker Adrian Bickham commits to Owls

December 19, 2018 By Matthew Bartlett

Pass rushers were a point of emphasis for the 2019 Rice football recruiting class. The Owls went out of state to sign linebacker Adrian Bickham.

More: Complete list of 2019 Rice football commits after the early signing period

Entering the first morning of the early signing period, Rice had 14 players publicly committed. Landing those commits would have made for a good start for the first full recruiting cycle for Mike Bloomgren and his staff, but the Owls had a few more names tucked up their sleeves.

As the morning progressed, new faces were announced. In addition to some veteran plays from the Junior College and Grad transfer ranks, Rice snagged an important commitment from Louisiana edge rusher Adrian Bickham.

Bickham was on campus in mid December and was impressed, so were the Owls. Rice made a push to get his commitment and made it happen, beating out offers from McNeese State, Nicholls State, Southeastern and Northwestern State.

Coach Mike Bloomgren praised his aggression at “relentless pursuit” as he talked through the 2019 signing class on Wednesday afternoon, noting his ability to get after the quarterback, an area Rice could use help with going forward. The Owls finished last in Conference USA in sacks last season, registering 17 over a 13 game span.

Bickham, plus the additions of pass rusher Josh Pearcy, should go a long way to fortifying a unit that remains relatively young. Standing 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, Bickham is going to need to add some strength before he becomes a regular contributor on the field. Once he does, though, his impact on the outside has extremely high potential.

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Filed Under: Football, Archive, Football Recruiting Tagged With: Adrian Bickham, Rice Football, Rice Football recruiting

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