NCAA Endzone

Rice (7-5) vs. Troy (7-5)

Rice head coach Todd Graham should be the NCAA coach of the year for what he’s done with the Owls program in his first season.

He’s done a great job adapting the Owls to a completely new offensive structure. Rice has won seven of its last eight, including a win over Tulsa on the road, earning the school its first bowl bid since 1961.

Rice is led by WR Jarrett Dillard. The All-American has had a spectacular sophomore season - 82 receptions for 1,176 yards and 20 TDs. Dillard has caught a touchdown pass in 14 straight games. He has excellent hands and nice size, making him one of the best in the nation.

The key to Rice’s offensive success will be the health of QB Chase Clement, who is trying to return from a shoulder injury. Clement threw for 1,707 yards and 21 touchdowns and ran for 481 yards and four scores. Also in the offensive mix is RB Quinton Smith (206-1,092-10).

Defensively, WLB Brian Raines is relentless in pursuit and he has forced five fumbles but the Owls have one of the most porous run defenses in the nation. Rice has been far stronger against the pass.

Troy is playing in its second bowl game in five years since moving up to Division 1-A and have a spread offensive attack that could cause problems for the Owls.

Troy’s spread offense stretches defenses horizontally and effectively creates seams for RB Kenny Cattouse. Cattouse (774 yards, 4 TDs) has the burst to take advantage and he can be difficult to bring down once he gets into the open field. The Trojan spread scheme also frequently gives QB Omar Haugabook the option to run or pass.

Haugabook has passed for 2,184 yards and 17 touchdowns, but he’s thrown 16 interceptions on the season as well. Defensively, Troy has defended the run well and the pass rush can force quarterbacks to get rid of the ball quickly but it doesn’t make enough big plays to make up for the offense’s miscues.

Prediction: Both teams are on a hot streak - Rice has won seven of eight and the Trojans took six of the last seven to win the Sun Belt title. The Owls have more balance and are one of the best teams in the country in turnover margin, while Troy is one of the worst. It should be an exciting game with lots of action, but in the end, the team that makes the fewest mistakes wins and that will be the Owls. Rice will win its first bowl game since 1953 when they beat Alabama 28-6 in the Cotton Bowl. Rice wins 31-26.