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Curious about the plan of attack this week. In each of his three appearances, Chris Phillips has been given a little more, but only a little - his 80 yards Saturday obviously didn't include any deep balls. Do we try to catch the Owls off-guard and let Phillips air it out a little with that big arm of his? Or do we stick with what's worked (relatively) this week and run Kincade relentlessly?

Rice has the worst rushing defense we have seen this year. Worse than Fresno and worse than La. Tech. Rice is #115 in YPG and #116 in YPP. While their passing D is poor as well it is their run D that will be a big target.

I'd say work on some plays for Phillips to run and maybe some reverses to take the pressure off KK. Sprinkle in a few play action passes. But, you would really have to look at the tapes to see what Rice may specifically be susceptible to, especially in light of our suspect O-line.

More of a low simmer than a burn. :whistling:

<small>[ 11-10-2003, 07:03 AM: Message edited by: The PonyGrad ]</small>

I hope there is a Plan 'B'. I know better. But I can hope. Many teams are poor against the run if they have to allow for the 'forward pass' as well. With us, not even RICE has to worry too much about that part of the game. And Bennett probably won't even try to amke them pay for loading up in the box. I expect RICE's run defense to get well this weekend against a one dimensional team.

smudad - you are so right. I have been amazed at how poorly we have done against some woeful defenses. It is likely that unless we do something Rice will stuff us like everyone else.

The only light is that the best part of our offense matches the worst part of their defense but no doubt they will be looking at how everyone else has stopped us and try to do the same, i.e. load up to stop the run and pressure the QB.

a lot of these statistics are meaningless. So much depends on who has played who, match-ups, styles of play, etc... Bottom line is that Rice is our last opportunity to win a game this year and we can only hope our guys believe they can win this one. Sometimes (as in the FSU/Clemson game Sat nite), when the talent on the field is reasonably competitive, it comes down to WHO WANTS IT MORE. If our guys have any heart left, they should have a great chance to win this one.

Now, having made that statement, we had better do a better job defending the option than we did last year against Navy & Rice. I seem to recall Rice beating us soundly last year and running for about 250 yds, averaging something like 5 yds/carry.

The real question is, with tickets being discounted for this game...will we draw more than 10,000?

Guys- I think we are actually favored by 2 in this game. Amazing.

We ARE?!?!?!?

Well, it shouldn't be overlooked that Rice ain't exactly the Sooners, and that they also play 11 freshmen. Our young guys against theirs? I'll take ours any day.

I mean: of COURSE we're favored. Can't believe it's only by 2. :showoff:

Rice is a 6-1/2 pt favorite.

there is no way in Hell there will be 10,000 at this Academic Symposium.

<small>[ 11-11-2003, 06:23 AM: Message edited by: Stallion ]</small>

Hate to agree with that Stallion, but you may be right. Mrs. KnuckleStang and I will be in attendance, dragging with us 6 Dallas residents, who say they have never been to an SMU game. Hope the weather holds up (might rain?). They were laughing at the idea of going to see SMU, but I told them, the price is right, so shut up.

I see it's high school band day. Anybody know how many bands that might be?

Originally posted by KnuckleStang:
Hate to agree with that Stallion, but you may be right. Mrs. KnuckleStang and I will be in attendance, dragging with us 6 Dallas residents, who say they have never been to an SMU game. Hope the weather holds up (might rain?). They were laughing at the idea of going to see SMU, but I told them, the price is right, so shut up.

Very convincing! Whatever works - more folks in the seats!

Originally posted by KnuckleStang:
I see it's high school band day. Anybody know how many bands that might be?

Don't know. But I hear it's also "Kids Day" - for whatever that's worth. Apparently they have kids lined up to fill several jobs, from delivering water on the sideline to sitting in the radio booth.

I have an idea - how about win at home against a team we should beat day!! Or how about forward pass day? Or let Chris Phillips actually use his talent day? I could go on but I think you get the drift.

We need to be there en masse, be loud and stay until the end. These guys are working hard for us - let's return the favor.

Go Ponies!

Nice preview of Rice on the homepage, by the way.