Rice Football: Can Owls continue building under Mike Bloomgren in 2020?

One of Conference USA’s best defenses

Unlike the offense, the defense returns nine starters to a group that allowed 157 fewer points last season than it did in 2018. Though their offense eclipsed 30 points twice last season, the Owls’ ability to control the ball kept the defense fresh.

This season a combination of ball-control offense and a more experienced and talented defense should make them even better. Rice allowed fewer than twenty points seven times last season. The only games they were out of early were their two Power Five opponents Wake Forest and Texas.

The run defense was stout in 2019. Rice allowed 200 or more rushing yards only twice and held opponents to under 100 yards three times. Teams averaged 5.0 yards per rush or just twice last season. That was good enough to finish a respectable 45th in the country in total defense.

Pass defense is where Rice needs to take the next step defensively. The Owls finished 91st in pass yards allowed last season. One of the reasons they were mediocre in pass defense was their lack of a pass rush.

The Owls were tied for 118th in the country in sacks with just 15. If they are going to be better against the pass, they have to find a way to pressure the quarterback more often this season. The expectation this season is that this unit steps up after two seasons of playing young guys.