Even with a somewhat difficult September slate, 0-4 blindsided Rice football. Like a quarterback who has no idea the blitzing linebacker was about to slam him from behind.
“I’d never dreamed we’d be 0-4,” Rice coach David Bailiff said after Saturday’s 42-35 double overtime loss to North Texas.
The Owls were not the better team against Western Kentucky, Army or Baylor, but from a talent and experience standpoint, Rice was at least even with North Texas. That’s why the mistake-filled game Saturday was so demoralizing.
Still, two-thirds of the season remain. Rice is still mathematically alive for a bowl bid and conference title.