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Oct 31, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Rice Owls operating again D’Andre Hardemann (27) breaks the sort out of Memphis Tigers linebacker Everett Roussaw Jr. (6) within the second half at Rice Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Thomas Shea-Imagn Photographs Most coaches profess pleasure to play in a bowl recreation, whether or not they imply it or not.
It is in all probability a secure guess that first-year Rice coach Scott Abell wasn’t faking his ideas about getting an invite to take his group to the Armed Forces Bowl in opposition to 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 really particular.”
And actually shocking.
The Owls completed 5-7, a file that ordinarily does not permit a group to play in a bowl recreation. Nonetheless, numerous bowl-eligible applications opted to not play for one motive or one other, though in a few instances, it meant absorbing $500,000 fines from the Large 12 Convention. Iowa State and Kansas State have been the colleges preferring to pay as a substitute of play.
So Rice, a group 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 greatest win was a 37-34 double-overtime house determination over a UConn group that received 9 video games this yr.
The Owls must 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 dashing for 531 yards and 5 scores. Drew Devillier, who accomplished 10 of 21 passes in restricted responsibility, 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 might be right here,” Abell stated.
Texas State (6-6) can be coping with some adjustments as a result of 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 be departing through the portal.
The excellent news for the Bobcats is that coach GJ Kinne has retained a lot of the star gamers off this group. Freshman quarterback Brad Jackson (3,050 yards, 18 TDs, seven interceptions), prime 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 laborious, and numerous laborious 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.
–Discipline Stage Media
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