OwlSportsWatch.com - Pirates Rob Wind From Rice Sails 49-13

October 18, 2009

David Mooney
OwlSportsWatch.com Publisher

This, it seemed, might be the weekend that Rice could put together its first winning effort of the 2009 season. But while the Offense played better statistically, the scoreboard told the same old story of wasted opportunities and mistakes as the Owls dropped their game to East Carolina 49-13 on Saturday. Once again the Owl Defense gave up a ton of points.

Positives were few on the day:

- Nick Fanuzzi was able to move the Offense in spurts Saturday. The Owls totaled 341 yards of Offense and 17 first downs.

- Fanuzzi and senior Toren Dixon hooked up on the Owls longest play from scrimmage this season - an 80 yard catch and run by Dixon for a touchdown.

- Rice had 2 interceptions Saturday, 1 by Jarrett Ben and one by Ronnie Lillard.

But somehow the error prone Owls managed to turn even the positives into negatives:

- Special Teams play has been solid in 2009 - it wasn't on Saturday. Just after Toren Dixon's 80 yard score the Owls gave up a momentum robbing 92 yard return to ECU's Dwayne Harris on the ensuing kickoff. Nevermind the return was aided by a blatant block in the back on Rice kicker Brandon Yelovich right in front of the obviously sight-impaired referee.

- After seemingly halting an ECU drive by picking off a Patrick Pinkney pass on our own 12 yard line, Rice Linebacker Ronnie Lillard turned good fortune into bad as he fumbled the ball back to the Pirates after a 22 yard return. ECU scored 8 playes later.

Game Notes

~ After entering the game as C-USA's leading punter, Kyle Martens had a below average day Saturday. He had one punt blocked (not his fault), and shanked another off the side of his foot. That one travelled only 6 yards. For the day, Martens punted 8 times for a 36.4 yard average.

~ Rice got stellar play from their Defensive Ends Saturday. Cheta Ozougwu tied for the team lead in tackles Saturday with 10. He also made 2.5 stops for a loss and registered a quarterback hurry. He played inspired football throughout the day in a losing effort. Not far behind was Scott Solomon who had 9 tackles, 1.5 for a loss.

~ Despite breaking his left wrist against Navy last week, Owl Cornerback Phillip Gaines played with a soft cast Saturday and managed 2 tackles and a key pass break-up on 3rd down. His toughness is a needed element as Rice searches for future team leaders.

~ After being knocked out (literally) of the Navy game with a concussion, senior Linebacker Terrance Garmon did not play Saturday. Rice rotated Trey Briggs, Justin Hill, Aaron Williams, and Ronnie Lillard. Lillard made an interception and 5 tackles to record his first stats of the season.

~ The Owl Offensive Line gave up 2 sacks on the day, but generally gave Rice QB's better protection than prior starts.

~ Running Back Tyler Smith returned to the field from a turf toe injury. Smith had 2 carries for 15 yards, and also caught 2 passes for 22 yards.

~ The Owls played 10 freshmen Saturday, including starting two (Lowry, Briggs) on Defense.

~ Rice had 5 turnovers in Saturday's loss, 3 fumbles and 2 interceptions. The Owls recovered 2 of the fumbles.

~ Untimely penalties plagued Rice in the game against ECU. Rice had driven to the ECU 17 yard line late in the 2nd quarter when referees flagged Keyshawn Carrington for a personal foul on 3rd down. The resulting markoff resulted in loss of down and pushed the Owls back to the 32 yard line. The flag was questionable but nonetheless forced Clark Fangemeier's to attempt a 50 yard field goal rather than one from 35 out. His attempt came up short.

~ Toren Dixon had one of his better days as a Rice Receiver, statistically anyway, catching 8 passes for 115 yards. Take away his 80 yard touchdown, and his numbers become a little less spectacular - 7 catches for 35 yards.

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