Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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GAME PREVIEW: RICE On paper BY ANDREW OWENS RICE RUNNING GAME VS. NOTRE DAME RUN DEFENSE Behind running back Charles Ross, Rice's 17th‑ ranked rushing attack (227.4 yards per game) cata‑ pulted the Owls to a 10‑win season and their first outright conference title since 1957. Head coach David Bailiff has installed a run‑heavy spread of‑ fense during his time at Rice, one that involves the quarterback in the rushing game. Last year's starter, Taylor McHargue, has graduated, but junior Driphus Jackson displayed his speed with 156 yards and one touchdown in limited action last season. Replacing Ross at running back is sophomore Jo‑ wan Davis, who rushed for 476 yards and should be a capable replacement to lead the attack. What's more concerning for Rice's ground game is the loss of center Nate Richards and left tackle Jon Hodde, who combined for 28 starts. The Owls re‑ turned their entire two‑deep offensive line in 2013, which contributed greatly to the squad winning 10 games. The new‑look Irish defense under coordinator Brian VanGorder will receive its first test against what should be another top‑25 rushing attack for the Owls this season. Sophomore Will linebacker Jaylon Smith figures to be in on every play, but a green linebacking corps and an even more inexperienced defensive line outside of tackle Sheldon Day will have its hands full preventing Rice from accumulat‑ ing 150 to 250 rushing yards. Advantage: Rice RICE PASSING GAME VS. NOTRE DAME PASS DEFENSE The Rice passing offense finished 105th in the nation last year with an average of 178.2 yards per game. Jackson replaces McHargue, who mostly used his legs to become the first Owls quarterback to lead the program to back‑to‑back bowl games. In limited action the past two years, Jackson completed 44 of 85 passes for 722 yards with six touchdowns and one interception. Go‑to receiver Jordan Taylor, a fifth‑year senior, re‑ turns following an excellent season in which he cor‑ Jowan Davis rushed for 476 yards and three touch- downs as a freshman in 2013 while playing behind departed starter Charles Ross. PHOTO COURTESY RICE