Can JT Daniels lead Rice Football to a winning record?

Can Daniels be a difference-maker for Rice Football’s offense?

Everything improved a tick for the offense in 2022. The Owls were about five points and ten yards better offensively than in 2021. Those improvements turned out to be a one-game improvement. Last year’s starting quarterback TJ Mcmahon was an upgrade over Jake Constantine.

With JT Daniels coming in from West Virginia, there is an expectation for the passing game to improve even more. This is a Mike Bloomgren offense so they will run the football. Expect it to be “by committee,” just like last season. Ari Broussard, who led the team in touchdowns, returns. He’ll split with JUCO transfer Dean Connors and Juma Otoviano.

With Cameron Montgomery gone, they’ll likely see 90 carries each.

The passing game should be solid. Three of Rice’s leading receivers from 2022 return. Wide receivers Luke McCaffrey and Brad Rozner and tight end Jack Bradley should be critical targets for Daniels. Rozner proved to be a solid downfield receiver, with McCaffrey and Bradley moving the chains as possession receivers.

Bloomgren, offensive coordinator Marques Tuiasosopo, and Daniels need the offensive line to play better. Rice was 92nd in sacks allowed last year. Tuiasosopo and Bloomgren know that Daniels is not super mobile, so Rice might try to play faster this year.

That said, if the running game keeps teams honest, Daniels has the skill position talent to do some damage from the pocket.