Rice will be no walk in the park either

[dcpony]

Rice gave UCLA and UH a game.

If the Mustangs can blow out SHSU and ARk State I'll
still have hope for a bowl season.


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UCLA uses strong ground game to hold off Rice
Improvement by Owls is obvious despite an 0-2 start
By MOISEKAPENDA BOWER
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

PASADENA, CALIF - In what was a private moment between Rice coach Todd Graham and two standouts from the Owls' season-opening loss to crosstown rival Houston, Graham on Monday shared with tailback Quinton Smith and linebacker Brian Raines his unwavering belief that the Owls could upset UCLA at the Rose Bowl on Saturday night.

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It seemed like the kind of talk Graham is prone to, a temporary moment of insanity brought about by his excitable, enthusiastic nature. But two days later, while dissecting film of the Bruins' season-opening triumph over Utah, Graham was still rattling off at the mouth, hyping the probability of a victory over UCLA as if it were actually possible.

Graham didn't seem so loony when the Owls began the fourth quarter Saturday night down one score. And while UCLA managed a 26-16 victory, Graham continues to provide reasons to buy what he is selling. What is clear is that the Owls have bought in fully.

"To see the progress they've made and how mentally tough they are (is pleasing)," Graham said. "I'm so proud of how they're responding to me. This team is dangerous."

Ultimately, the Owls were unable to overcome career nights by UCLA tailback Chris Markey (23 carries for 208 yards) and Bruins kicker Justin Medlock (four field goals). But the fact that they were within striking distance of a team that led 49-14 at halftime of last season's meeting speaks volumes as to the type of resilience the Owls continue to show defensively, and the leadership that comes naturally for junior Joel Armstrong.

After having his bell rung on the Owls' third play from scrimmage, Armstrong took over under center for redshirt freshman John Shepherd in the second half and pushed the Owls (0-2) to the brink of a shocking upset. Instead of wasting what was a marvelous performance by the Owls' defense, Armstrong helped the offense take advantage of several UCLA miscues in drawing to 16-10 midway through the third.

The Owls' nine-play, 78-yard drive silenced the Rose Bowl crowd of 46,023. Armstrong and Jarett Dillard, who posted career highs of seven receptions and 102 yards, hooked up three times for 30 yards on the march, including a 15-yard TD. When UCLA quarterback Ben Olson turned the ball over for the second time in the third quarter, the Owls regained possession at the UCLA 41 with 3:59 remaining. But a holding penalty on the first play scuttled that possession.

"We came within one score," Armstrong said. "I just wish I could've played the whole game."

Miscues (10 penalties, one fumble and a missed field goal) marred the Owls' night. But the defense, which forced four turnovers and limited UCLA to one touchdown through three periods, kept the Owls in contention down the stretch.

"You're never happy about a loss, but defensively we are happy about the way we came out and played," said Owls cornerback Ja'Corey Shepherd, who had a third-quarter interception.

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