Most coaches profess pleasure to play in a bowl recreation, whether or not they imply it or not.
It is most likely a protected guess that first-year Rice coach Scott Abell wasn’t faking his ideas about getting an invite to take his crew to the Armed Forces Bowl towards Texas State on Friday in Fort Price, Texas.
“I’m thrilled to have one other alternative to educate this group of younger males this yr,” Abell stated. “Having two extra weeks of apply is invaluable as we proceed to develop this program. The truth that our seniors have an opportunity to finish their profession with a bowl championship is actually particular.”
And really stunning.
The Owls completed 5-7, a report that ordinarily would not permit a crew to play in a bowl recreation. Nevertheless, a variety of bowl-eligible applications opted to not play for one cause or one other, although in a few instances, it meant absorbing $500,000 fines from the Large 12 Convention. Iowa State and Kansas State have been the faculties preferring to pay as an alternative of play.
So Rice, a crew coming off 56-24 and 52-3 losses to North Texas and South Florida, respectively, in its final two video games, has an opportunity to finish the yr on an sudden excessive. The Owls began 3-1 however dropped six of their final eight.
Arguably their finest win was a 37-34 double-overtime house choice over a UConn crew that gained 9 video games this yr.
The Owls should play with out beginning quarterback Chase Jenkins, who hit the switch portal after throwing for 1,025 yards and 9 touchdowns with two interceptions whereas speeding for 531 yards and 5 scores. Drew Devillier, who accomplished 10 of 21 passes in restricted obligation, would determine to take the snaps on Friday, although Abell did not make it official.
“My focus turns to giving all my consideration to the quarterbacks which can be right here,” Abell stated.
Texas State (6-6) can also be coping with some modifications because of the portal. Beginning heart Brock Riker has put San Marcos within the rearview mirror after beginning all 12 video games as a redshirt freshman, whereas one other offensive lineman, Teliek Lockette, can also be departing by way of the portal.
The excellent news for the Bobcats is that coach GJ Kinne has retained a lot of the star gamers off this crew. Freshman quarterback Brad Jackson (3,050 yards, 18 TDs, seven interceptions), high receiver Beau Sparks (80 catches, 1,113 yards, 9 TDs) and No. 2 pass-catcher Chris Daybreak Jr. (54 catches, 931 yards, 2 TDs) have all introduced they may return in 2026.
Texas State earned its bowl likelihood by walloping South Alabama 49-26 within the regular-season finale on Nov. 29 for its third straight win. The Bobcats endured a five-game skid earlier than placing issues collectively on the finish.
“We fought extraordinarily exhausting, and plenty of exhausting work went into getting this chance,” Kinne stated. “There is a ton of pleasure for our guys and we’re excited to showcase what we’re all about. I do know what high quality of bowl recreation that is. I do know Rice will current points for us in all three phases.”
This would be the second time these groups have met in a bowl in three years. Texas State prevailed 45-21 in 2023 on the First Responder Bowl in Dallas.
–Area Degree Media
