Rice Football 2010 Preview

Rice Owls Football 2010 Preview, Predictions, Picks, Odds

As the 2010 NCAA Football Season approaches, we are providing season previews for every college football teams to give you the betting edge. Follow the best College Football Handicappers as they analyze their teams in this 2010 season preview. Be sure to bookmark SportsbookBuzz.com your source for Sportsbook Reviews. Use our comprehensive and insider info to bet successfully on the College Football in our recommend sportsbooks.View the rest of our 2010 NCAA Football Season Previews here.

2009 Record: 2-10 C-USA Record: 2-6 2010 Returning Starters: 19: 9 Offense, 9 Defense, Punter

Coach: David Bailiff (At Rice 15-22, 3 years; overall: 36-37, 6 years)

Offensive Coordinators: David Beaty Defensive Coordinators: Chuck Driesbach

2010 Rice Players to Watch: S Travis Bradshaw, QB Nick Fanuzzi, RB Sam McGuffie, LT Scott Mitchell, RB Charles Ross, DE Scott Solomon, RB Shane Tumer

2010 Rice Strengths:
Last year the Owls’ running game was among the nation’s worst. This year? It’s likely astrength. Rice returns C-USA All-Freshman Ross at running back and gets talented Michigan transfer Sam McGuffie to Join him. Rice’s entire offensive line returns to block.

2010 Rice Weaknesses:
The Owls allowed 464 yards per game last year, and that might not change much in 2010. Unlike last year, Rice has experience, but it still has question marks in the defensive backfield.

2010 Rice Offense:

Junior quarterback Nick Fanuzzi, who started eight games last fall, should be back to lead Rice’s spread offense. He missed the spring game with an undisclosed injury. If it’s an ongoing issue, Miami transfer Taylor Cook and Taylor McHargue are next. Rice lost two of its three most productive receivers, but senior Patrick Randolph is back at wideout, and tight end Vance McDonald impressed in the offseason. Fortunately for the Rice skill players, all five starting linemen return. Rice’s a-line is anchored by senior tackle Scott MitchelL He, along with durable Davon Allen and Keyshawn Carrington, started every game last year. Running back might be the Owls’ strongest position group. Charles Ross (491 yards) and Tyler Smith (428) led the team in rushing last year. Joining that duo is transfer Sam McGuffie, who gives Rice an explosive playmaker.

2010 Rice Defense:

Rice’s 4-2-5 defense, which ranked last nationally in points allowed, is stoutest up front. No defensive lineman in C-USA registered more tackles than the Owls’ returning defensive ends, Cheta Ozougwu and Scott Solomon. On the interior, Michael Smith and Alex Lowry gained another year of experience. Justin Hill, a former Owls tailback, is Rice’s most experienced linebacker. Matt Nordstrom and Trey Briggs, among others, are hoping to improve that position. Safety Travis Bradshaw led the nation last season with an average of 7.5 unassisted tackles per game. Bradshaw, a junior, fInished with 121 total tackles, which ranked eighth in Rice history. Cornerbacks Chris Jammer and Phillip Gaines combined for 16 starts last season. Rice gave up over 270 passing yards per game last season, and snagged only six interceptions, so it would help to make plays there. Look for Xavier Webb to contribute at safety.

2010 Rice Special Teams:

Kickoff returner Shane Turner dashed for nearly goo yards last season, second best in school history. He’s a prime candidate to get into the end zone. Rice hasn’t returned a kick for a touchdown since 1984, the country’s longest drought. Punter Kyle Martens was among the top 20 nationally in average distance, but missed some games due to injury. The Owls will be breaking in a new placekicker this season.

2010 Rice Predictions:

Just two seasons ago, Rice was 10-3 and contending in Conference USA. The Owls dropped to 2-10 last season. No team in the nation had a younger starting lineup than Rice, and there were plenty of injuries. With experience at key spots (notably quarterback and offensive line), the addition of the talented McGuffie at running back and a new offensive coordinator, the Owls should be vastly improved. This growth should make them more competitive in shootout-friendly C-USA. The defense surrendered 43 points a game last year and probably won’t win any games for Rice this year. But if they can create more turnovers – the Owls ranked near the bottom of the league in 2009 – Rice will be on the rebound.

2010 Rice Betting Odds:

Rice Current odds to win a National Championship: OFF

Will Rice go to a Bowl Game this season or will their season be lackluster? Either way, you can still enjoy Rice Football Betting at our feature sportsbooks. College Football Betting is serious business; where you can make a ton of loot placing informed, smart Utah bets. Check out these highly reliable, trustworthy, online sportsbooks.

NCAA Football Handicapping Picks

Check out our weekly Sports Handicapping Picks from the world’s best handicappers. Trust our handicapping experts offering premium and free NCAA Football Picks and packages daily. Also stay up to date with weekly College Football Matchups, and buy some picks to win some BIG cash this football season at our recommended sportsbooks.

Bet on Rice

If you are looking for the best Online Sportsbook to bet on the Rice this season, then BookMaker.com “Where the Line Originates” is the place for you. BookMaker has NCAA Football Betting Lines and Odds, along with a tons of futures on the 2010 Season, so get your college football bets in early while the lines are hot!

Join BookMaker.com today! Sign up now and receive a 20% deposit bonus and start betting on Rice Football!