The Years of Rice and Sugar: An NCAA 12 Alternate History Dynasty

**mate04** · 08-05-2023, 09:53 PM

Re: The Years of Rice and Sugar: An NCAA 12 Alternate History Dynasty

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Fall Camp and Preseason Outlook
Article By: Tommy Rustfield of HootOwlNetwork.com

With Joe Mothers's first fall camp underway as new head coach of the Rice Owls there is a lot to look upon for the coming 2011 season. First of all is the growing pains of the new offensive system that Mothers is installing. When asked about what his offensive will look like this fall, he's been quoted in an interview as saying to "...watch any Nebraska game from the 90s". While this scheme has been proven in the past, how well this system will translate to modern SWC football has yet to be determined. While culture takes time to build and have the athletes buy in, it seems like this new staff has brought new energy to the program. While the fruits of their labor might not pay off this season or the next, if the AD and the boosters stay patient then they might have a slightly successful few seasons on their hands compared to the last decade of failure.

Position Summaries

Quarterback: The QBs on this roster are all similar in talent but it's not the most impressive talent. Ryan Fields is the assumed leader of this group with seniority being his main advantage. The lack of impressiveness of others at his position and the fact that he's probably the fastest QB they got will probably give him the week 1 start.

Running back: Ryan Wise is probably the only bright spot in a rather bleak RB room and offense for that matter. The 6'0 200lbs redshirt Junior is built like a receiver and can catch the ball like one too. He has solid speed and great acceleration with the only thing preventing him from playing for a bigger school is his field awareness. Wise will be this team's workhorse back because the guys that will be spelling in for him won't be doing much.

Fullback: You can't have the Nebraska I-Bone style without the fullback. Over Coach Mother's tenure this group will fill up but all they have right now is Sophomore Ty Luke. Junior TE Ken McKinney will also be seeing some time at that position for a more athletic weapon at that spot, but Luke is seen as the better blocker which means he will get the majority of snaps.

Wide Receiver: Only 4 WRs will see time this year if all goes to plan. Any other program would be holding walk-on tryouts to fill the empty spots, but the new run centric and 21/12 personnel-based system is allowing Rice to get away with the low number this year until they can fill the ranks in the upcoming recruiting class. Not one of the eligible WRs have been able to prove that they deserve a starting spot, letting this battle come down to the smallest of things. Junior Antonio Barnes and Senior Justin Harris have impressed coaches the most with their blocking abilities standing tall above that of the other two receivers. While I would love to see a WR earn his job for his playmaking ability, with this level of talent what will earn the starting jobs this year will be run blocking talent.

Tight End: Junior Dan Patrick will be the man heading this TE squad this coming season. Standing at 6'5, Patrick has nice hands and blocking ability that will be of great use to this offense. These abilities earned him Preseason 2nd Team All-Conference. As talked about for the FBs, Ken McKinney's so-so blocking ability might have this team stick to personnel groupings that wont require more than one TE.

Offensive Line: The OL this year brings some surprising promise. While power conference wise, below average, this is an old and experienced squad. This line is very run blocking focused and have just lucked their way into a very run focused system. Junior C Logan Watkins and Senior RG George McNair earned 1st and 2nd Team All-Conference respectively. But once this senior class leaves new talent will have to be brought in at these positions because as it stands now this bench is terrible.

Defensive Line: The 4 men that will be playing D-Line are in for quite the tough season. Varied in age and overall low in talent, when you look at this schedule, you'll have to highlight the team that WON'T run all over this line instead of the vice versa.

Linebackers: The LBs don't fair much better in terms of ability. This group is lead by Senior MLB Jason Lowe who will be flanked by Junior Rashaad Bradley and Sophomore Vincent Thomas at the OLB positions. The backers represent the overall summary of this team... undertalented and urgently needing new guys.

Defensive Backs: To defend against the offensive powers of the SWC the DB group is probably the best thing Rice has to throw at them. Corners are headlined by Senior Cam Fellows who earned 1st Team All-Conference honors. He's the slowest of the starting cornerbacks but makes up for it with his 6'1 frame and solid technique. Senior Darrius Wilson will be the starting FS for the Owls this year and is another DB with length and surprisingly good athleticism. At the SS spots in this 4-2-5 system we have Junior Donald Johnson who's pretty much a carbon copy of his FS counterpart. His partner in crime will be Senior Jeff Richardson who is quite lack luster compared to the other safeties.

Special Teams: Senior Jon Kerr will bring consistent punting to a team that will probably do a lot of it. Kicker Sophomore Brian Duncan is young and will probably not be nailing anything beyond 45 yards, but he could be a solid player at that spot for his remaining years here. Ryan Wise will take on the return duties for the Owls, while not named to 1st team All-Conference for RB he did earn it for Returner.

Around the Conference

The SWC will look to be a four-way scrap for the top spot between #9 A&M, #14 TCU, #18 Arky, and #22 Texas. One team I personally think could be a sleeper is SMU who is projected 8th despite having a solid squad on paper. Rice is projected 9th, only in front of the boys from Denton of North Texas. While no big hopes this year for the Owls perhaps we can play spoiler for a team or two. My recommendation for Rice fans this year is maintain hope for the future and enjoy watching Ryan Wise carry this team.

**mate04** · 08-07-2023, 12:13 AM

Re: The Years of Rice and Sugar: An NCAA 12 Alternate History Dynasty

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"Perfect Storm" Leads to Rice Miracle in Provo!
By: Robby Brass of HootOwlNetwork.com

Coach Joe Mothers's tenure at Rice starts with a true perfect storm that led to the victory over the BYU Cougars in Provo, UT 30-24! Even though BYU put up 41 more yards in total offense, the Rice Owls dominated time of possession and made key plays along with having an answered prayer.

The game was scoreless until the early 2nd qtr. when Rice kicked a field goal. BYU then responded with back-to-back TD drives, the former of which came off BYU QB Aaron Bolden running for a 78 yard QB keeper and the latter off a 21 yard TD reception from Chris Owens. For the Owls the power run game was in full motion as ,before the end of the half, Rice star and captain Ryan Wise ran in for the TD.

As predicted, Wise was the main man for this Rice offense earning 143 yards off of 28 carries on the ground. Add 1 rushing TD and 2 receptions for 36 yards leads to a potential candidate for conference player off the week. His impressive performance is further elevated from the fact both starting QB Ryan Field and back-up Tim McNamara left the game due to injury in the 1st and 2nd half respectively. This left Sophomore Kyle Underwood to take over the starting role in crunch time.

After the Cougs tacked on a rushing TD in the early 3rd they were marching again with a chance to take a 28-10 lead. In the redzone Rice's Sr MLB Jason Lowe picked off Bolden to prevent the potential game icing score.

Bolden would go 25/38 327 yards with the previously mentioned rushing and passing TDs. While a good showing by BYU, the rainy conditions seemed to leave the majority of their Air Raid offensive power in the hanger.

RB Mike Cole would run in from 10 yards out but a missed PAT would leave it 21-16. A short run into the endzone off the pitch option play by Underwood would make it 23-21 after Coach Mothers played it safe and kicked the PAT. BYU would continue to steadily move themselves down the field and a 45 yard Kevin Taylor FG would look to seal it 24-23 with 13 seconds left. Wise would take the kick-off to Rice's 33 and 5 seconds remained. All they could bet on was a Miracle. On what looked to be a play to set up for a better Hail Mary chance, Rice WR Antonio Barnes beat his man off the line and created separation on a go route down the field. 3rd Stringer Underwood saw the receiver and hoisted up a prayer. The ball was caught, and Barnes streaked for 67 yards to end the game. Rice players rushed the field as triple 0s showed in Provo with the Owls on top.

The Owls will meet a solid lower-level team in ECU who will bring heavy offensive firepower to Houston next week in Mothers's first home game as Rice HC.

**mate04** · 08-07-2023, 08:43 PM

Re: The Years of Rice and Sugar: An NCAA 12 Alternate History Dynasty

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Rice(1-1) Brought Back Down To Earth In 49-21 Loss To East Carolina(1-0)
By: Robby Brass of HootOwlNetwork.com

After the incredible win at BYU last week, it seems like they had a weeklong hangover leading up to a sluggish Saturday performance.

The Owls offense looked focused on their opening drive but had their spirits crushed after a Ryan Field fumble was picked up by Tyrell Campbell for an 86 Yard ECU TD. The Owls responded with a passing TD by Ryan Wise early in the 2nd but when the Pirates offense took over it was too much for Rice to handle.

ECU's Mike Byrd took his offense on 3 straight TD drives with all of them ending with Byrd connecting with one of his receivers. Rice could only respond with one TD of their own coming off a massive catch and run from Ryan Wise.

The 28-14 ECU lead was further expanded during the 2nd half opening kick as Lewis Davis returned it 102 yards to glory. After a TD in the 3rd qtr. Rice would not reach the endzone the rest of the day while ECU put up 14 in the 4th.

"Our defense was picked apart in the air and we as a staff have to figure out what we need to change to force some stops because this won't be the last Air Raid team we will face this year." said Coach Mothers as he picks up his first loss in his reign as HC.

The Rice offense was led once again by Ryan Wise who despite leaving the game banged up in the 3rd logged a great day of 92 rushing yards off of 20 carries and 116 receiving yard off of 5 receptions. 2 of those receptions ended in the endzone off the arm of Ryan Field who was 13/27 for 215 yards. When asked if he was pleased with his offense's performance he said "We had a solid day on offense in my eyes. We ran the ball pretty well at times and the passing game showed some sparks. While 10 years ago a 21 point day might have won us a game it's just not enough in today's environment.".

Mike Byrd was the maestro for the Pirate's offense throwing for 342 yards and 4 TDs off a 66% completion rate. For their WRs it was a group effort as all four starters earned over 50 yards receiving. While the Rice rush defense was left untested, the pass defense was thoroughly destroyed.

The Owls will look to make the needed adjustment in their bye next week. After that they will face rival Tulsa(0-1) and after that they play their conference opener against #22 Texas(1-0).

**mate04** · 08-07-2023, 11:38 PM

Re: The Years of Rice and Sugar: An NCAA 12 Alternate History Dynasty

2011 Recruiting Update for Rice Owls
By: Rusty Tune of Rivals.com

Joe Mothers since his hiring has been hitting the road and hitting the landlines to find the newest crop of Owl athletes and the results have been surprisingly successful. Before the start of the season Mothers landed 2 quality recruits who will be expected to produce early in their careers.

*** Derrick Osborn #76 DT 6'3 312, LA- Mothers brought in this hefty gap stuffer in his attempt to slightly branch out of the Texas pond and into Louisiana. Don't let his size fool you as Osborn is considered a pass rushing threat but no matter what his skill set is, Rice will welcome a quality body in the trenches.

*** Jon Walker #64 G 6'5 312, TX- The lineman out of Waco who makes his name mainly known in run blocking which is a great fit for the Rice system. His biggest trait is his ability to get from 0-100 in no time. His ability to go from his stance to block a LB is as good if not better than most power 5 guards.

Rice also landed ** Nathan Stegall #83 MLB 6'1 211, TX which field a crucial need for more MLBs on the depth chart.

Some highlight guys that Rice is targeting are *** Stan Wright #60 RB 5'11 206, TX who we can likely expect a commitment from to Rice in the coming weeks as Texas Tech and Baylor are falling behind. The most exciting prospect on the board is *** Alex Washington #95 QB 6'5 206, TX who comes out of Dallas. The tall statured QB is no statue in the pocket as he runs a 4.70 and would be a day 1 fit for the Owls offense. His arm talent is much to be desired but that can be developed.

Overall promise is high for the recruiting abilities of Mothers but the question is that can he start doing it on a Power conference quality level?

'Round the League With John Jumbles
By: John Jumbles of JJsportsofFacebook

Hey yall, different week same style of me giving you the biggest things you need to know from around the NCAA in the shortest time possible!

PAC-10 dominates the polls as Oregon and Stanford are #1 and #2 with undefeated records. That matchup on 11/12 can't come soon enough!

Stanford QB Dylan Holman still the leader for the heisman trophy. Multiple NFL fan bases are already calling to "Dip for Dylan!".

Since I'm from the DFW area(Pony Up!) here is the scoop from my beloved SWC.

A&M Remains the highest ranked in the conference at #6.

Arky is 4-0 in conference play with OT wins against TCU and Baylor while also beating TTU and UT-Austin. Their lost to Bama in a non-conference match-up broke their undefeated record but will be able to defend their unbeaten conference record against A&M at home.

Houston QB JD Todd was 3 straight SWC Offensive POTW with crazy passing games against Marshall, LA Tech, and North Texas.

Now that I got you guys the news, I'll see yall next time. Be free to debate in the comments and follow my Facebook page if new!

**mate04** · 08-08-2023, 04:38 PM

Re: The Years of Rice and Sugar: An NCAA 12 Alternate History Dynasty

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Heartbreak in Houston. Rice(1-2) Loses to Rival Tulsa(1-1) Off a Missed Last Second FG 30-28.
By: Bobby Brass of HootOwlNetwork.com

In a non-conference rivalry game versus Tulsa the Rice Owls looked refreshed after their bye week but it just wasn't enough to beat the Golden Hurricanes.

Rice's defense was bend but don't break in the 1st half with them forcing 3 Tulsa FGs. The Golden Hurricane offense would march down the field with ease, but the drives would always stall out around the 30 yard line.

Rice's Ryan Wise would be the producer of 2/3 of the Owls' first half TDs putting them up 21-9. One TD came off an electric 93 yard KO return and the other was off a massive 76 yard run when Wise navigated and broke his way out of the horde of players. The final TD of the 1st half came when Ryan Fields ripped a pass to WR Chris Watson.

Tulsa finally got into the endzone Travis Bennett aired it out to Joe Ervin. Tulsa had a great stat day when the ball was in their hands. They nearly put up 500 yards on the air and ground. It was run by committee as 7 players ended up touching the ball on the ground for the Golden Hurricanes.

In the 4th Ryan Fields threw his first INT of the season and costly pick six to LB JT Upshaw making it 24-21 after Tulsa went for the 2 point conversion. Looking to take back their blown lead Rice took a long drive down the field and was aided by an unlikely hero. 6'3 275 Sophomore DT Joe Owens played backup fullback where, when subbed in, rushed for 15 yards off 3 carries. Owens said after the game "They gave me the ball and I ran forward.". He finished the long Rice drive with a dump off pass for a 5 yard TD. "He's a really good blocker when he gets a full head of steam. He obviously showed some of his athleticism. We all love him; we always joke that we don't know how he got into such a smart school." said Coach Mothers on the big man's performance. Owen's dad is a major booster for multiple Owls sports team.

Up 28-24 Rice then let up 2 FGs, the latter of which came with 53 seconds left. In a last minute effort Rice made multiple big passes down the field but could only manage to set up a 43 yard field goal. Brian Duncan's kick was about a foot too short and the Owls picked up their 2nd loss of the season.

Ryan Wise once again has a good day on the ground with a 130 yard game off of 17 carries and 1 TD. Ryan Fields goes 12/21 with 119 yards coming through the air. His 2 TDs in this game make it 4 total on the year.

Next week Rice start SWC play hosting #20 Texas(2-1). With arguably the easiest part of the Rice schedule over they enter into the grinder that is conference play.

**mate04** · 08-08-2023, 06:48 PM

Re: The Years of Rice and Sugar: An NCAA 12 Alternate History Dynasty

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No Mercy for the Owls as Texas(3-1) hands Rice(1-3) Their First Conference Loss 52-14
By: Bobby Brass of HootOwlNetwork.com

In Rice's first SWC game of the season the boys from Austin blows out the Owl in Rice Stadium. The demoralizing loss is further compounded by the serious injury suffered by offensive star [B]Ryan Wise, who will look to miss maybe the whole season with a torn shoulder.

After the first UT TD, late in the 1st qtr. Rice's Jon Kerr punted one perfectly into the corner of the field pinning Texas on the 2 yard line. Two plays later Rodeny Rivera ran off the tackle for a backbreaking 98 yard TD run. It was already 14-0 with no end to the scoring in sight.

Texas scored two more TDs before Ryan Wise would punch in a score from 32 yards out, little did anyone know it would be Wise's last TD for a while. Coach Mothers when asked about the injury in post-game said "It's a terrible injury, he does so much for us. He's a captain and a leader and guys were pretty distraught about it. But he has a solid guy behind him who we think can handle the load.". The man behind him he was talking about was Mike Cole. Cole would mid-way in the 4th crack off a massive Wise-like 69 yard TD to get the Owls into double digit scoring.

UT's David Roth would throw for 160 yards but would add 3 TDs to his season total. On the ground Rodney Rivera would have an insane game putting up an easy 269 yards with 3 TDs. The last TD came with 2 minutes left in the game, which displeased many Rice players, coaches, and fans. UT obviously wanted to display to Coach Mothers in his first conference game who runs the state of Texas even though they stand behind 2 fellow Texas schools in the SWC standings.

For Rice the brightest spots were RB Mike Cole who rushed for 111 yards just off 10 carries and MLB Jason Lowe who logged 9 total tackles, 2 TFLs, and 1 sack.

Next week will be a bye for the Owls but after that it doesn't get any easier as Rice will play #15 Arkansas(4-1) who are undefeated in conference play.

**mate04** · 08-08-2023, 09:29 PM

Re: The Years of Rice and Sugar: An NCAA 12 Alternate History Dynasty

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Arkansas(5-3) Snaps 3 Game Losing Streak, Crushing Rice(1-4) 59-14
By: Bobby Brass of HootOwlNetwork.com

Even after the bye week Rice can't change their losing ways against the Razorbacks of Arkansas. Arkansas, who had lost 3 straight to ranked teams, let their frustration out against the defenseless Rice Owls.

The game started with Rice and Arky trading TDs but a Fred Mitchell 49 yard TD pass and a Billy Cox fumble return off a pitch option mishap by Ryan Field made the game 21-7. Ryan Field left the temporally leaving Tim McNamara to lead the offense down the field and into the endzone thanks to his own two legs. Going into the locker the game was a close 21-14.

The only problem was that Rice would remain scoreless the rest of the day as the Rice offense couldn't get anything going. The Razorbacks on the other hand out-powered and out-talented the Owls defense dropping nearly 40 2nd half points. "This isn't an NBA game. How are we letting up 40 points?" asked one Rice fan on Twitter.

For a more professional statement Joe Mothers said "Sometimes teams are better but there's a line where it becomes our fault as a team and coaching staff. We clearly have schematic things to work on for next week and the future.".

The absence of RB Ryan Wise seems to be dearly missed as replacement Mike Cole was only able to put 70 yards off 23 carries averaging 3 yards a carry.

The Owls will travel to Lubbock next Saturday to face a 3-3 Texas Tech squad.

**mate04** · 08-09-2023, 07:55 PM

Re: The Years of Rice and Sugar: An NCAA 12 Alternate History Dynasty

'Round the League With John Jumbles
By: John Jumbles of JJsportsofFacebook

Hey guys, it's JJ here with more rapid fire CFB updates!

Oregon and Stanford STILL #1 and #2 and STILL both undefeated. While Cardinal QB Dylan Holman is out of the Heisman run, he still putting up good numbers.

Sparty is the most shocking team in CFB right now as they outperform expectations and are currently undefeated and ranked 3rd in the Coaches poll.

In the previously mentioned Heisman race QB Paul Dudley of Ohio State is toping everyone in the race as he not only puts up quality performances in the air but great games on the ground too. Rival RB Tim Thibodeaux of Michigan is behind him, but Tim's lack luster stat line in a loss to Michigan St. will not see him take over the top spot anytime soon.

For this week's edition from around the SWC I apologize to Razorback fans everywhere for jinxing their whole season.

After my mention of Arkansas, they went on to lose 2 more games with one being a brutal conference loss at home to A&M.

The Aggies are currently the leaders in taking the Southwest title and the bid to the Sugar Bowl with them being the only undefeated team left in the conference. Teams like Arkansas, Houston, and Texas still only have 1 conference loss but will need A&M to drop some games to have a chance at the title.

**mate04** · 08-17-2023, 01:36 PM

Re: The Years of Rice and Sugar: An NCAA 12 Alternate History Dynasty

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So Close Yet So Far, Rice(1-5) Loses to Tech(4-4) 41-35
By: Bobby Brass of HootOwlNetwork.com

In what many saw as Rice's only chance at a conference win other than North Texas, the Owls lost an up and down game in Lubbock on Saturday.

In a game that looked over before it started Rice fail two 4th down conversions to start the game. Luckily for the Owls the Red Raider only were able to gain one TD off the blunders. Mike Cole then cracked off a massive 47 yard run into the endzone to tie the game.

Later in the 2nd qtr. Ryan Fields ran in from 1 yard out to make it 14-7 for the Owls. TTU then rattled off an easy running TD from 13 yards out and a minute later a FG to end the half.

On the first drive of the half Sean Banks easily marched his squad down the field to the endzone that ended with a 40 yard TD pass to his teammate Matt Davis. Banks then aired out a 59 yard TD pass and that looked to be the end of the game for the Owls with it now being 31-14.

A massive pick by a lurking SS Donald Johnson gave the Owls a spark to take a long march down the field which ended in another short Ryan Fields run. Wille Pettway then had a incredible leaping grab and run for a 72 yard scoring pass to make it 38-21.

Mike Cole of Rice then broke the most impressive play of the Mother's coaching stint at Rice when off an option play Cole got the pitch then broke a pursuing defender's ankles then made another cut to take it 78 yards to the house.

Another pick from Rice LB Rashaad Bradley gave Rice another chance to cut the Red Raider lead which they did after a methodical march down the field to make it 38-35. The Owls defense then held Tech to only a 29 yard FG to make it a 6 point game. With 5 minutes left and a chance to take the lead with a score the Rice offense seemed to stall forcing a punt. The defense just couldn’t get another stop allowing TTU to run out the clock to reach .500 in the W-L column.

Coach Joe Mothers said this after their loss that now puts them at 1-5 “We really wanted this win and we really thought we could do it. The defense finally made some plays to put us back in the game and the offense put together solid drives. Not much we can do with the loss but there’s a lot we can take away from this game.”

RB Mike Cole ran for an amazing 234 and 2 TDs while multiple other players contributed to a 342 yard rushing day by the Owls. FB Ty Luke and QB Ryan Fields both rushed for 40 yards with Fields adding 2 TDs with his legs.

For the Red Raiders Sean Banks passed for 441 yards and 3 TDs on the Owls defense while as a team TTU ran for 48 yards just off of 16 carries while adding 2 TDs on the ground.

Next week for Rice(1-5) is the Battle for the Bayou Bucket at Houston(5-2) where the Owls will face a high flying offense led by star QB JD Todd.

**mate04** · 08-20-2023, 09:17 PM

Re: The Years of Rice and Sugar: An NCAA 12 Alternate History Dynasty

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Houston’s JD Todd Slingin’ In The Rain As His Team Defeats The Rice Owls(1-6) 57-13 In The Battle For The Bayou Bucket
By: Bobby Brass of HootOwlNetwork.com

On a rainy Houston Saturday Rice will drop another game in SWC conference play, this time to rival Houston.

In a setting much like Rice’s only win at BYU, the Owls faced an air raid team in rainy conditions. The Rice offense started with the ball and made their intentions clear for this game, maintain possession and run the clock. “We wanted to run the ball like any other week but also keep the football out of their QB’s hands.” said Rice HC Joe Mothers.

That strategy partly work in the 1st half as the score was 10-7 Houston going in the locker room. At half Houston must’ve brought out the spare dry footballs as while Rice’s offense fought for every yard, the Cougars started to rip the Owl defense apart. “As a staff we feel like our play calling has improve since the start of the season but so many plays this game were guys simply not making the plays they needed to.” Mothers stated while still drenched in his jacket.

As the lead kept growing the Owls resorted to more and more passing as the run game failed to net them any significant yardage. When they did drop back to pass Ryan Fields most likely was running for his life as Rice gave up 5 sacks on the day. “I feel like we took a massive step back compared to last week. These guys wanted to kick us around and we let it happen.” said Senior QB Ryan Field “I love to see the 221(Passing yards) on my stat sheet but it’s all pointless when you lose this big.”.

Mike Cole had nowhere to go other than the dirt as he was only able to gain 97 yards off of 33 touches which averages out to 2.9 yards a carry. In the air he faired better as he caught 2 passes for 122 yards, one of which came off an 81 yard streak to the endzone in the 4th. Rice TE Dan Patrick also showed some great promise as a pass catcher. The pre-season 2nd team All-SWC selection was Field’s go to receiver hauling in 4 catches for 68 yards.

For Houston JD Todd shined in the rain putting up another causally incredible performance. His 404 yard passing performance will securely keep him as the nation leader in passing yards and his 5 TDs will keep Todd at the top spot in that category too. His only blemish was an overthrown ball picked off by Rice FS Darrius Wilson.

As the loses continue to pile up the Owls have 5 games left until they reach the finish line of the 2011 season. Next week Rice will travel to Fort Worth to play the Horned Frogs of Texas Christian(4-3)

**mate04** · 09-03-2023, 10:33 PM

Re: The Years of Rice and Sugar: An NCAA 12 Alternate History Dynasty

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The Downward Spiral for Rice(1-7) Continues As TCU(5-3) Wins 34-7
By: Bobby Brass of HootOwlNetwork.com

The Rice Owls are now deemed bowl ineligible as they pick up their 7th straight loss on the season in Fort Worth.

While the game started close, with Rice surprisingly making multiple stops, the offense still looked lost especially in the run game. “My heart aches as an old school coach. We started the year strong running the ball, but we’ve lost light of the big and little things up front. What’s the point of these guys being fat if they can’t move some bodies!” said Coach Mothers post-game. The running game had certainly regressed as Mike Cole only 52 yards off 18 carries on the day.

The Owls were forced to resort to the air where the pickings were slim. But whatever QB Ryan Field was able to get went for massive yardage. TE Dan Patrick once again caught 4 balls but this week got 157 yards in receiving. Patrick after his monster game said “When Ryan (Field) had the time he would just rip it and I was there every time. I take pride in being the go-to man when he’s in trouble.”. Some highlights were a 76 yard streak up the seams by Patrick to get inside the redzone which then led to a 4th and goal 10 yard passing TD to Antonio Barnes, who broke a tackle on the one to slip into the endzone. But it wasn’t all sunshine in the air for the Owls as Fields also threw 2 INTs to the TCU defense.

Kevin Dawson of TCU had a laid-back day only passing 16 times for 98 yards while the ground game did all the work. Star RB Ray Harwell left the game early with a concussion, but backup Pat Davis took over and ran for 118 yards and 2 TDs. The Horned Frogs as a team rushed for 231 yards, tearing apart a defenseless Rice squad.

Can the Owls(1-7) manage to change their losing ways? Many say that it's unlikely next week as they head back to Houston to play the Bears of Baylor(4-5).

**mate04** · 10-16-2023, 03:18 PM

Re: The Years of Rice and Sugar: An NCAA 12 Alternate History Dynasty

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BCS Madness As Multiple Losses Change Rankings
By: Todd Greenwich of ESPN.com

A large shake up this week in the BCS poll as a handful of teams fall and a handful of teams rise in the latest computer rankings.

Former #1 Oregon Ducks fall in a blowout to PAC-10 rival Washington Huskies 31-10. This shot the unranked 5-3 Huskies to #18 while the Ducks drop to #8. This loss spoils the #1 vs #2 match-up that was supposed to take place this weekend as the now #1 former #2 Stanford Cardenal head up to Eugene, Oregon.

In a top ten match up of #6 Texas A&M vs #10 OU the Sooners got the W at home and take the Aggie’s former ranking just outside the top 5. While Texas A&M now sits at OU old spot of #10 and out of championship talk, it was just a non-conference game, and they still lead the SWC.

Last weekend’s biggest loser was Oklahoma State as they lost to a 3-5 K-State squad in Manhattan, KS. The Cowboys who were saddled up at #4 fell off a cliff to #16 after the 31-17 loss.

FSU is now at #2 with Bosie State out of the WAC at #3. Miami shot up from #9 to #4 and Ohio State takes the last spot to round out the top 5.

With just over a couple weeks left in the season, the fight for the title game is reaching a boiling point.

**mate04** · 10-16-2023, 03:26 PM

Re: The Years of Rice and Sugar: An NCAA 12 Alternate History Dynasty

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Rice(2-7) Goes a’huntin Bear in Houston. Shocking Baylor(4-6) 45-17
By: Bobby Brass of HootOwlNetwork.com

It’s a bad week to be a Baylor fan as all of them are being asked and mocked at work with the quote “You lost to Rice!?”.

In the 1st quarter Rice opened with two massive rushing TDs. One off a 58 yard fly sweep out of flexbone by WR Chris Watson. The second came from the master of the big runs himself, RB Mike Cole. Little did anyone know Cole was just getting started. In the 2nd he busted off a 44 yard and 4 yard TD run to make the halftime score 28-3. Wait Baylor only had 3 points?

While it was unlikely for Rice to score more than 28 the entire game, it was even more unlikely for the defense to hold Baylor to three points for more than two minutes. “Our defense came out like dogs. They were also playing less than stellar themselves, so we don’t take all the credit” said Coach Mothers “They must’ve had a late-night Bible study or whatever they do for fun in Waco.” Mothers added.

In the 2nd half, Cole rushed for a fourth and final TD on the day for him. “Call up Nike and tell them to start a new “Be Like Mike” campaign. We’re called one of the worst teams in America yet I’m breaking runs left and right on these bums.” Cole told reporters in the post-game conference. When a designed QB run for Ryan Fields resulted in a score from 26 yards out, it 100% sealed the victory for Rice.

While the word “Bum” by Cole might be an over exaggeration to describe the bears, their performance against the Owls was downright terrible. Ronnie Lucas, one of the nation’s most athletic QBs, looked lack luster only going 11/21 for 147 yards. He threw two 4th quarter TDs but also pick to Antohny Gutierrez. The run game was mostly silenced as Baylor’s two biggest runners QB Lucas and RB Nate Morries tallied up 0 and 89 yards on the ground respectfully.

With the defense playing so stoutly and Mike Cole having a dazzling 222 yard and 4 TD performance, the Owls hold a lot of hope in the program and Mothers can now relax a bit in his cooled down coaching seat.

All pride will be on the line next week as Rice(2-7) will face fellow basement dweller North Texas(1-9) for a scrap where a conference W is on the line.

**mate04** · 10-28-2023, 11:30 AM

Re: The Years of Rice and Sugar: An NCAA 12 Alternate History Dynasty

Update

Sadly, I had to restart the dynasty after it failed to sim to the conference championship week since no conferences had one. This time I simply gave the MAC a championship game. With this being year 1 with a lot of losing happening this isn't a death blow. The only difference is now our non-relevant players have different auto-generated names. I also changed my offense since running is sometimes too easy in NCAA 12. It's still run heavy but more spread out and less option. We finished 2-10(Still beating Baylor somehow) with some games being closer than before while others were blowouts.

I'll now pick up at the start of season two.

The Years of Rice and Sugar: An NCAA 12 Alternate History Dynasty

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The Years of Rice and Sugar: An NCAA 12 Alternate History Dynasty

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