The Rice Thresher

Location: http://the.ricethresher.org/sports/2005/09/09/passing_offense

September 9, 2005 > Sports > Owls look to open up passing game with spread offense

Owls look to open up passing game with spread offense

By Adam Tabakin | Thresher staff

After finishing with the fewest passing yards in Division I-A for the last two years, the Rice football team will switch from an option offense to a spread offense similar to what Utah used last season en route to an undefeated regular season.

Rice will move out of its traditional option offense in the hopes of developing an offensive attack that is more balanced between the running and passing games. Nevertheless, the Owls probably will not venture too far from the rushing attack that led the nation last season with 306.5 yards per game, as the strength of the offense remains the quantity and quality of running backs.

Juniors Quinton Smith and Mike Falco will start in the backfield, but Falco is doubtful for tomorrow night’s season opener against UCLA due to a knee injury. He will likely be replaced in the lineup by redshirt freshman Tommy Henderson — brother of former quarterback Greg Henderson (Sid ‘05) — who is moving from quarterback. Junior Marcus Rucker, sophomore Bio Bilaye-Benibo and senior Thomas Lott will also get carries this year.

“We’ve got great depth at running back,” head coach Ken Hatfield said. “We have good backs from last year, and … Tommy Henderson [is] going to be a good back for us [too].”

Lott had a breakout season in 2003, rushing for 714 yards and three touchdowns with an average of 7.3 yards per carry. But injuries sidelined Lott for much of last season, and he must work his way back up the depth chart this year.

“I prefer to be off the radar and then try to fight my way up,” Lott said. “That fight you have to have to move up the depth chart carries over to the field. I’ve always had better seasons when I wasn’t the starter going in. In 2003, I didn’t know I was the starter until the week of the game. It just works better for me that way.”

With the departure of fullback Ed Bailey (Jones ‘05) and Greg Henderson, sophomore quarterback Joel Armstrong is the Owls’ leading returning passer, with 341 yards and two touchdowns, and rusher, with 608 yards and five touchdowns. Armstrong, who made five starts at quarterback last year, will start Saturday, but redshirt freshman Chase Clement will also play.

“Joel is definitely the leader, and he’s an inspirational leader as well as a production leader,” Hatfield said. “Chase has played a lot in the preseason. That’s why we held Joel out a while, to help get Chase a lot of work with the first team. Both will have a place to play and contribute.”

Armstrong said he intends to remain the starter but will do what is best for the team.

“I’ve got to earn my spot and keep my spot,” Armstrong said. “I plan on holding the spot down, but if he comes in and has a better performance, then more power to him. Whatever helps the team out.”

Junior fullback Andrew Cates completes the backfield, trying to replace some of the 1,021 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns Bailey garnered last season.

Falco is Rice’s leading returning receiver, as he had seven catches for 163 yards and a touchdown last year. Junior wide receiver Andy Hall is the only returning split end who has lettered for Rice, and he starts the season as the backup to redshirt freshman Jarett Dillard. Despite their inexperience, Armstrong said he has confidence in the receivers.

“[The receivers] had a couple of drops early, but lately they’ve been coming on strong,” Armstrong said. “Early you always have a couple of doubts, but we’ve been throwing the ball a little more, and when they make more plays it’s good for their confidence, so I’m confident in them.”

With senior Joe Don Wood changing positions to provide depth at fullback, junior Matt Bolding moves to the top of the depth chart at tight end. However, Bolding’s leg injury will likely result in a start for redshirt freshman Will Moss against UCLA.

With the graduation of Scott Mayhew (Will Rice ‘05), Greg Wilson (Hanszen ‘05) and Cotey-Joe Cswaykus (Wiess ‘05), the Owls are left with an inexperienced offensive line led by junior Cory Laxen, who shifts to left guard this season after starting 10 games at right guard last year. From left to right, Rice’s starting line will be comprised of sophomore tackle Robby Heos, Laxen, sophomore center David Perkins (who will miss the opener with a knee injury), redshirt freshman guard David Berken and junior tackle Rolf Krueger.

With no seniors starting on the offensive line, Laxen said each individual must be a leader in his own right.

“We’re all leaders on the [offensive line],” Laxen said. “You can’t really pick any individual out.”

End of article

Back to top