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Rice Athletics: Top 10 Moments from 2020

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2020 was filled with highs and lows on the home from, but Rice Athletics made the best of the tough year. Here are some of the most impactful moments.

10. Men’s Basketball upsets C-USA regular-season champion North Texas

Rice basketball started slow out of the gates in conference play this past March, falling to 1-7 with a home game against 8-1 North Texas entering the final month of the season. Not only did the Owls put up a fight, they knocked off the eventual regular season champs. Rice shot 53.6 percent from three and hit 15 triples, includes three apiece from Drew Peterson, Trey Murphy, Robert Martin and four from Ako Adams.

9. Football signs Top 5 C-USA recruiting class

You can read more about the recent signees in detail in our recruiting updates over on Patreon. In short, the 2021 Rice Football Signing Class edged out the 2020 class for the highest-rated class in program history. The Owls currently hold the No. 4 class in C-USA and a Top 100 class in the country with a few spots remaining before National Signing Day in February.

8. Women’s Track and Field wins C-USA Indoor Championship

For the fourth time in program history and the first time since 2009, the Rice women took home the gold in the C-USA Indoor Championships. Grace Forbes and Michelle Fokam helped spur the Owls victory. Head coach Jim Bevan was recognized afterward as the Coach of the Year.

7.  Swimming top Tulane in duat meet

In their only home meet of the fall, Rice swimming emerged with a win. The Owls were dominant in the pool in the two-day meet, winning 15 of 21 events, including 400-freestyle relay. Rice set a facility record in the event, closing out the meet with a resounding 245-146 final score.

6. Women’s Basketball avenges Old Dominion loss

The Rice women’s basketball team saw a 30-game conference winning streak snapped on the road against Old Dominion. It was only fitting the Owls closed out the regular season with a rematch against the Monarchs. The game marked the final time senior Erica Ogwumike took the court for the Owls, making the victorious sendoff that much sweeter.

5. Grace Forbes wins C-USA Title

The women’s cross country squad only made one appearance this fall, but Grace Forbes made it count. The sophomore left her competition in the dust, crossing the finish line with no foes in sight. Her strong showing propelled the Owls to a fourth place finish in the meet.

4. Erica Ogwumike selected in WNBA Draft

The Ogwumike family name had already become a mainstay in WNBA circles before Erica Ogwumike played her final season at South Main. Her sisters, Nneka and Chiney, were both No. 1 overall selections. Erica went from off draft boards to becoming a third round pick of the New York Liberty, which was then traded to the Minnesota Lynx. Ogwumike said she was just grateful to hear her named called.

3. Women’s Basketball win’s second consecutive regular season title

Not only did Rice get revenge when they beat Old Dominion to close out the regular season this spring, they clinched their second consecutive regular season championship. The Owls were the favorites to cut down the nets in the conference tournament and to make a repeat appearance in the NCAA Tournament before COVID-19 concerns forced the cancelation of the remainder of the season.

2 Jack Fox named to NFL Pro Bowl

Released by the Chiefs last season, Fox signed a futures contract with the Detroit Lions in the offseason and won the Lions’ starting punting job in camp. From that point on, he took the NFL by storm. Fox led the NFL in most key measures for most of the season before being named to his first Pro Bowl. He’s the 12th Owl to earn a spot on a Pro Bowl roster and the first since fellow specialist Chris Boswell in 2017.

1. Rice Football shuts outs No. 15 Marshall

Rice football hadn’t beaten a ranked opponent in more than two decades when they made the trip to a cold Huntington, WV on Dec. 5 to play a then undefeated No. 15 Marshall squad. Not only did Rice win, they shut out The Herd, forcing five interceptions on their way to the upset win, a marquee victory for Rice. The Owls became the first team in 206 games to shut out Marshall at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.

Honorable Mentions…

How about you? Which of these moments from Rice Athletics did you enjoy the most? Which Rice Athletics events should be added to the list?

Subscribe on Patreon for exclusive Rice football recruiting updates, practice notes and more.

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Rice Football 2020: NFL Owls Week 16 Stats Update

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Rice Football is well represented on 2020 NFL rosters. Here’s the latest from the NFL Owls in action in Week 16.

There are former Rice football players scattered across the NFL. Stay tuned each week for their game results and notables from each player.

Week 16 results

Cincinnati (Covington) def. Houston (Gaines), 37-31
New York Jets def. Cleveland (Sendejo), 23-16
Las Angeles Chargers def. Denver (Anderson, Callahan), 19-16 
Pittsburgh (Boswell, McDonald) def. Indianapolis, 28-24
San Francisco (Walter) def. Arizona, 20-12
Tampa Bay def. Detroit (Fox), 47-7

Offense

Calvin Anderson – OT, Broncos

Anderson was active in his typical special teams role for the Broncos in their Week 16 game against the Chargers. He’s now appeared in every game for the team this season. The Broncos host the Raiders in Week 17.

Vance McDonald – TE, Steelers

McDonald was targeted once in the passing game against the Colts, hauling in his only target for five yards. The Steelers visit the Browns in Week 17.

Austin Walter – RB, 49ers

Walter was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list last week and did not play against the Cowboys in Week 15 or the Cardinals in Week 16. The 49ers host the Seahawks in Week 17.

Defense and Special Teams

Chris Boswell – K, Steelers

For the second time in four games, Boswell was inactive because of injury. He did not play in the Steelers’ Week 16 game against the Colts. The Steelers visit the Browns in Week 17.

Bryce Callahan – CB, Broncos

Callahan remains on the injured reserve and did not play against the Chargers in Week 16. The Broncos visit the Chargers in Week 16. The Broncos host the Raiders in Week 17.

Christian Covington – DL, Bengals

Covington had one tackle in the Bengals’ Week 16 victory over the Texans. The Bengals host the Ravens in Week 17.

Jack Fox – P, Lions

The game following his nomination to the Pro Bowl, Fox set a career-high in punts against the Bucs. He punted eight times, racking up 382 total yards and placing five kicks inside the 20. The Lions host the Vikings in Week 17.

Phillip Gaines – CB, Texans

Gaines missed the Texans’ Week 16 game with an injury. The Texans host the Titans in Week 17

Andrew Sendejo – Saf, Browns

After missing Week 15, Sendejo returned to the field this week, contributing three tackles and one pass deflection in the Browns’ Week 16 loss to the Jets. The Browns host the Steelers in Week 17.

More Owls in the NFL

From practice squads to current free agents, there are others Owls on the cusp of returning to active rosters. Find more detail on current contractual agreements and former Rice football players waiting for their next opportunity here.

Subscribe on Patreon for exclusive Rice football recruiting updates, practice notes and more.

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Rice Football 2020: NFL Owls Week 15 Stats Update

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Rice Football is well represented on 2020 NFL rosters. Here’s the latest from the NFL Owls in action in Week 15.

There are former Rice football players scattered across the NFL. Stay tuned each week for their game results and notables from each player.

Week 15 results

Cincinnati (Covington) def. Pittsburgh (Boswell, McDonald), 27-17
Dallas def. San Francisco (Walter), 41-33
Cleveland (Sendejo) def. New York Giants, 20-6
Tennessee def. Detroit (Fox), 46-25
Buffalo def. Denver (Anderson, Callahan), 48-19
Indianapolis def. Houston (Gaines), 27-20 

Offense

Calvin Anderson – OT, Broncos

After starting in Week 14, Anderson returned to playing primarily special teams this week against the Bills. He’s made two starts this season. The Broncos visit the Chargers in Week 16.

Vance McDonald – TE, Steelers

McDonald was active in the game for the Steelers on Monday Night Football but didn’t see any passes thrown his way. He hasn’t caught a pass since Week 9 and has primarily been utilized for his blocking ability. The Steelers host the Colts in Week 16.

Austin Walter – RB, 49ers

Walter was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list during the week and did not play against the Cowboys in Week 15. The 49ers visit the Cardinals for a Saturday game in Week 16.

Defense and Special Teams

Chris Boswell – K, Steelers

Boswell delivered on his lone field goal attempt on Monday Night Football, connecting on a short 25-yard attempt. He made both of his extra points. The Steelers host the Colts in Week 16.

Bryce Callahan – CB, Broncos

Callahan remains on the injured reserve and did not play against the Bills in Week 15. The Broncos visit the Chargers in Week 16.

Christian Covington – DL, Bengals

Covington had one tackle and one of the Bengals’ nine quarterback hits in their Week 15 upset of the Steelers on Monday Night Football. The Bengals visit the Texans in Week 16.

Jack Fox – P, Lions

Fox was named to the Pro Bowl this week, the first nomination of his career. On the field, he was only called upon to punt once, pinning the Titans on the seven-yard line. The Lions host the Bucs for a Saturday game in Week 16.

Phillip Gaines – CB, Texans

Gaines missed the Texans’ Week 15 game with an injury. The Texans host the Bengals in Week 16.

Andrew Sendejo – Saf, Browns

Sendejo missed the Browns’ Week 15 game with an injury. The Browns visit the Jets in Week 16.

More Owls in the NFL

From practice squads to current free agents, there are others Owls on the cusp of returning to active rosters. Find more detail on current contractual agreements and former Rice football players waiting for their next opportunity here.

Subscribe on Patreon for exclusive Rice football recruiting updates, practice notes and more.

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Rice Football 2020: NFL Owls Week 14 Stats Update

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Rice Football is well represented on 2020 NFL rosters. Here’s the latest from the NFL Owls in action in Week 14.

There are former Rice football players scattered across the NFL. Stay tuned each week for their game results and notables from each player.

Week 14 results

Buffalo def. Pittsburgh (Boswell, McDonald), 26-15
Dallas def. Cincinnati (Covington), 30-7
Chicago def. Houston (Gaines), 36-7
Green Bay def. Detroit (Fox), 31-24
Denver (Anderson, Callahan) def. Carolina, 32-27
Washington def. San Francisco (Walter), 23-15
Baltimore (Willson) def. Cleveland (Sendejo), 47-42

Offense

Calvin Anderson – OT, Broncos

Anderson drew the start for the Broncos against Carolina in Week 14. It was his second start of the season. He also was active on special teams. The Broncos host the Bills on Saturday in Week 15.

Vance McDonald – TE, Steelers

McDonald was targeted twice in the Steelers’ Week 14 loss to the Bills but did not have any catches. The Steelers visit the Bengals on Monday Night Football in Week 15.

Austin Walter – RB, 49ers

Walter was not active for the 49ers’ Week 14 game against the Washington Football Team. The 49ers visit the Cowboys in Week 15.

Luke Willson – TE, Ravens

Willson missed the Ravens’ Monday Night Football win over the Browns with an injury. The Ravens host the Jaguars in Week 15.

Defense and Special Teams

Chris Boswell – K, Steelers

For only the second time this season, Boswell did not attempt a field goal. He did convert his only extra point attempt of the day. The Steelers visit the Bengals on Monday Night Football in Week 15.

Bryce Callahan – CB, Broncos

Callahan missed the Broncos’ Week 14 game against the Panthers after being placed on the injured reserve with a foot injury. The Broncos host the Bills on Saturday in Week 15.

Christian Covington – DL, Bengals

Covington had two tackles in the Bengals’ Week 14 loss to the Cowboys. He’s maintained his starting role on the defensive line since taking over in Week 4. The Bengals host the Steelers on Monday Night Football in Week 15.

Jack Fox – P, Lions

Fox punted three times with a long of 52 against the Packers in Week 14. He still ranks among the NFL best in most every punting statistic and could make a bid for a Pro Bowl spot this season. The Lions visit the Titans in Week 15.

Phillip Gaines – CB, Texans

Gaines did not travel to Chicago for the teams’ Week 14 game against the Bears. He was ruled out with a knee / shoulder injury. The Texans visit the Colts in Week 15.

Andrew Sendejo – Saf, Browns

Sendejo had two tackles in the Browns’ Monday Night Football loss to the Ravens. The Browns visit the Giants on Sunday Night Football in Week 15.

More Owls in the NFL

From practice squads to current free agents, there are others Owls on the cusp of returning to active rosters. Find more detail on current contractual agreements and former Rice football players waiting for their next opportunity here.

Subscribe on Patreon for exclusive Rice football recruiting updates, practice notes and more.

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Rice Football 2020: NFL Owls Week 13 Stats Update

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Rice Football is well represented on 2020 NFL rosters. Here’s the latest from the NFL Owls in action in Week 13.

There are former Rice football players scattered across the NFL. Stay tuned each week for their game results and notables from each player.

Week 13 results

Washington def. Pittsburgh (Boswell, McDonald), 23-17 (Mon)
Miami def. Cincinnati (Covington), 19-7
Cleveland (Sendejo) def. Tennessee, 41-35
Indianapolis def. Houston (Gaines), 26-20 
Detroit (Fox) def. Chicago, 34-30
Kansas City def. Denver (Anderson, Callahan), 22-16
Buffalo def. 49ers (Walter), 34-24 (Mon)
Baltimore (Willson) def. Dallas, 34-17 (Tues)

Offense

Calvin Anderson – OT, Broncos

Anderson saw his usual action on special teams with the Broncos on Sunday night against Kansas City. He’s played in all 12 of the Broncos’ games this season. The Broncos visit the Panthers in Week 14.

Vance McDonald – TE, Steelers

McDonald was active for the Steelers’ Monday Night Football game against the Washington Football Team but did not receive any touches in the passing game. The Steelers visit the Bills in Week 14.

Austin Walter – RB, 49ers

Walter did not see action in the 49ers’ Week 13 loss to the Bills. The 49ers host the Washington Football Team in Week 14.

Luke Willson – TE, Ravens

Willson saw action in his second game with the Ravens this week, catching the only pass thrown his way for 12 yards. The Ravens host the Browns on Monday night Football in Week 14.

Defense and Special Teams

Chris Boswell – K, Steelers

Boswell was added to the Steelers’ injury report late in the week with a hip injury that would eventually cause him to miss the Steelers Monday Night Football game against the Washington Football Team. Practice squad signee Matthew Wright kicked in his place. The Steelers visit the Bills in Week 14.

Bryce Callahan – CB, Broncos

Callahan went on the injured reserved after suffering a foot injury in a game against the Saints in Week 12. He did not play against the Chiefs this week. The Broncos visit the Panthers in Week 14.

Christian Covington – DL, Bengals

Covington made his ninth consecutive start on Sunday against the Dolphins, registering one tackle. The Bengals host the Cowboys in Week 14.

Jack Fox – P, Lions

Fox only punted three times in the Lions’ Week 13 win over the Bears. He pinned one kick inside the 20 and had another returned to the 20-yard line. His long for the day was 45 yards. The Lions host the Packers in Week 14.

Phillip Gaines – CB, Texans

Gaines played almost every defensive snap for the Texans this week in their loss to the Colts. He had six tackles and his first pass deflection of the season. The Lions visit the Bears in Week 14.

Andrew Sendejo – Saf, Browns

Sendejo led the Browns with eight tackles on Sunday, including seven solo stops. That was the most tackles he’s registered in a game since the Browns’ Week 2 win over the Bengals. The Browns host the Ravens on Monday Night Football in Week 14.

More Owls in the NFL

From practice squads to current free agents, there are others Owls on the cusp of returning to active rosters. Find more detail on current contractual agreements and former Rice football players waiting for their next opportunity here.

Subscribe on Patreon for exclusive Rice football recruiting updates, practice notes and more.

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