Tag: Rice

Oct 26, 2024; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Rice Owls head coach Mike Bloomgren watches from the sideline as they take on the Connecticut Huskies at Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Rice fires coach Mike Bloomgren

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Off to a 2-6 start in his seventh season at the helm, Rice coach Mike Bloomgren was relieved of his duties on Sunday.

Bloomgren, 47, posted a 24-52 record with the Owls. His last game was Saturday, when Rice lost at UConn 17-10.

ESPN reported that Bloomgren, hired as a first-time head coach by Rice in 2018, is expected to be owed $900,000 by the school.

“I want to express my sincere appreciation to Coach Bloomgren,” Rice athletic director Tommy McClelland said in a statement. “… He has represented our university and football program with the utmost class and integrity. However, as I evaluated our program and compared our current and desired trajectory, I determined new leadership is necessary to guide us into the future.”

Rice will begin a search for a full-time replacement for Bloomgren, with associate head coach Pete Alamar assuming interim head coach duties for the rest of the season.

The Owls have four games remaining, including matchups with Navy, which dropped out of the AP Top 25 poll this week, and Memphis.

Bloomgren led Rice to back-to-back bowl appearances the past two seasons for the first time since 2013-14, but the Owls fell to visiting Sam Houston State in the season opener and are 1-3 in the American Athletic Conference.

Bloomgren began his coaching career as an assistant at Alabama in 1999 and has also been on the staffs of the New York Jets (2007-10) and Stanford (2011-17). He is a graduate of Florida State.

Alamar is longtime assistant, who has had lengthy stops at Stanford (2012-22), California (2003-09) and Arizona (1993, 1995-99). He joined Rice in 2023.

–Field Level Media

Sep 14, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars linebacker Michael Batton (44) pre-snap in the second quarter at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sean Thomas-Imagn Images

Houston dominates Rice in annual Bayou Bucket game

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Stacy Sneed rushed for 82 yards on seven carries and a long touchdown and Houston’s defense held visiting Rice to 159 total yards in a 33-7 win in the annual Bayou Bucket game on Saturday night.

Re’Shaun Sanford II added 71 rushing yards on 15 carries for the Cougars (1-2), who opened the season with losses to UNLV (27-7) and No. 15 Oklahoma (16-12).

Houston quarterback Donovan Smith completed 12 of 21 passes for 142 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for two scores.

Rice managed just eight first downs and was 0-for-10 on third downs until the final drive of the game, finishing 2 for 13.

The Owls (1-2) beat Houston in double-overtime last season.

Rice quarterback E.J. Warner completed 12 of 21 passes for just 50 yards with an interception.

Sneed scored on a 65-yard touchdown run to give Houston a 7-0 lead with 5:30 left in the first quarter.

Rice went its third straight drive without a first down and Mekhi Mews returned the ensuing punt 75 yards for a touchdown, increasing the lead to 14-0 with 3:49 left in the first quarter.

Stephon Johnson caught a 44-yard touchdown strike from Smith with 7:29 left in the first half, extending the lead to 20-0.

The Cougars were stopped on downs at the Rice 7-yard line late in the third quarter, but Jalen Garner intercepted a Warner pass two plays later and returned it to the 1-yard line. Smith scored one play later to extend the lead to 26-0.

Smith added a 37-yard touchdown run with 7:10 remaining in the game to extend the lead to 33-0.

Rice’s Dean Connors scored on a 4-yard run with 1:08 left to prevent the shutout.

After both teams went three-and-out on opening drives, Sanford’s 34-yard run on the first play of the second series moved Houston into Rice territory. J’Marion Burnette’s 14-yard run pushed the drive into the red zone, but Joseph Kim would miss a 31-yard field goal attempt after a shaky hold.

Rice had three first downs and 59 total yards in the first half, going 0-for-7 on third downs.

–Field Level Media

Houston Cougars quarterback Donovan Smith (1) throws a pass during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Houston Cougars at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024.

Houston seeing improvement, eyes first ’24 win vs. Rice

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Houston will try to put a dent in the win column when it hosts Rice in a nonconference game on Saturday night.

Houston (0-2) opened the season with a 27-7 home loss to UNLV and fell at No. 15 Oklahoma 16-12 last week.

The Cougars outgained the Sooners 318-249 in total yards, including 260-174 in passing yards, but came up empty on their final five drives of the game.

Still, Houston coach Willie Fritz saw plenty of improvement from the opening week.

“I think we cut in half the missed tackles from Week 1 to Week 2,” Fritz said. “I think we had seven (against Oklahoma). When you start to have less than 10 missed tackles in a ballgame, you’re really playing excellent defense. You’re doing a good job in tackling.”

Houston quarterback Donovan Smith bounced back from a poor performance against UNLV and completed 24 of 28 passes for 260 yards and a touchdown with an interception.

Defensively, the Cougars will continue to count on linebacker Michael Batton, who had nine tackles and two sacks against Oklahoma.

“He’s a really fun guy to coach,” Fritz said. “He’s got great speed, quickness, movement, loves the game. He can close on people. He knows when to go. He doesn’t have to reassess things. Once he makes a decision, he’s quick with the decision.”

Rice (1-1) is coming off a 69-7 home win against Texas Southern after dropping its season opener 34-14 to visiting Sam Houston. The point total against Texas Southern was the third most in school history and the margin of victory was the second largest.

Dean Connors needed just nine carries to accumulate 113 yards and three touchdowns against Texas Southern.

“There’s still plays that we need to improve on all throughout the game,” Rice safety Tyson Flowers said. “There’s stuff that we’re going to find when we watch the film that we need to correct if we want to continue to have the season that we want to have.”

–Field Level Media

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) celebrates with wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) during the first half of a 2024 AFC wild card game against the Miami Dolphins at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Andy Reid: Chiefs expect WR Rashee Rice to virtually attend meetings

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Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice and head coach Andy Reid are in contact about offseason plans following Rice’s arrest on charges stemming from a six-vehicle accident last month.

Reid said Monday that the first phase of the voluntary workout program would include Rice as a virtual attendee, but offered no details on their conversations or how the Chiefs would move forward depending on the legal matter in Texas.

“I’m leaving that, like we’ve done most of these, for the law enforcement part to take place and then we will go from there with that,” Reid said.

Rice was driving 119 mph before causing a six-vehicle crash March 30 on a Dallas highway, according to an arrest-warrant affidavit. He was captured on video near the site of the crash with four others leaving the scene, police said.

Rice is working out with multiple teammates in Texas, Reid said. Among them is quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who said Monday they will “continue that work” as Rice’s case moves through the legal system.

Rice faces charges of aggravated assault, collision involving serious bodily injury and six counts of collision involving injury.

He also faces civil lawsuits from those injured, including a $1 million suit filed Monday by two victims claiming damages that include “trauma to the brain, lacerations to the face, multiple contusions on the body, disfigurement, internal bleeding and other internal and external injuries.”

Rice turned himself into police last week and said he would cooperate fully with police for his role in the accident.

–Field Level Media

Jan 28, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) carries the ball against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Affidavit: Chiefs’ Rashee Rice drove 119 mph before six-car crash

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Kansas City Chiefs wideout Rashee Rice was driving 119 mph before causing a six-vehicle crash on March 30 on a Dallas highway, according to an arrest-warrant affidavit obtained by the Dallas Morning News.

Rice’s Lamborghini Urus reached 119 mph 4.5 seconds before the collision, according to the affidavit. A Chevrolet Corvette driven by SMU cornerback Teddy Knox was traveling 116 mph 7.5 seconds before the collision before slowing to 91 1.5 seconds before the crash.

The crash on the North Central Expressway (U.S. 75) left at least seven people with injuries.

The two cars “made multiple aggressive maneuvers to get through traffic,” the affidavit said.

Rice and four other men were seen leaving the scene of the crash without seeing if any of the injured needed help.

Rice is facing one count of aggravated assault, one count of collision involving serious bodily injury and six counts of collision involving injury, according to police.

Rice turned himself into police on Thursday and was later released on bond. On April 3, he said he took “full responsibility” for his actions.

Knox has been suspended by the SMU football team. He turned himself in on Friday and faces the same charges as Rice, his former SMU teammate.

According to the affidavit, one woman who was injured in the crash sustained injuries to her head, neck and back. The woman told the Dallas Morning News that she was stranded on the highway with her 4-year-old son for about five hours after the crash.

Among the other injuries, the affidavit listed one person as having sustained “seriously bodily injury” to her face, head, torso and leg. The report said she also had post-concussion symptoms, including headaches, extreme light and sound sensitivity and brain fog.

She will be dealing with “a life of limited mobility and sight for an undetermined, extended period of time while she seeks treatment,” the affidavit said.

Rice, who turns 24 on April 22, grew up in the North Texas suburb of North Richland Hills.

He recorded 79 catches and 938 yards with a team-leading seven touchdown receptions in 16 games (eight starts) after being selected by Kansas City in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He also had 26 catches for 262 yards and a score in four playoff games to help the Chiefs secure their second straight Super Bowl title.

–Field Level Media

Feb 5, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) talks to the media during Super Bowl LVIII Opening Night at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

Lawyer: Chiefs WR Rashee Rice was driving Lamborghini in crash

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Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice was driving the Lamborghini at the center of a six-car, hit-and-run crash in Dallas on Saturday, Rice’s attorney said Thursday in a news conference.

Two people were hospitalized with minor injuries sustained in the chain-reaction collision that occurred after Rice’s Lamborghini and a Corvette crashed while speeding, police said. Two others were treated for lesser injuries at the scene.

Royce West, Rice’s attorney, said Rice “wants to make certain it’s understood and appreciated that he’s going to do everything in his power to bring their life back to as normal as possible.”

West said Rice knows someone could have been seriously injured.

“He understands that, he appreciates that, that’s why he wanted to come out and say he’s going to be responsible for making certain that the victims are made whole as best as possible,” the lawyer said.

Rice and the driver of the Corvette both fled the scene, according to police, and West said “that’s still being investigated.” He said Rice is cooperating with police.

On Wednesday, Rice met with police and apologized on social media for his role in the crash.

“Today I met with Dallas PD investigators regarding Saturday’s accident. I take full responsibility for my part in this matter and will continue to cooperate with the necessary authorities,” he posted to his Instagram story. “I sincerely apologize to everyone impacted in Saturday’s accident.”

Rice, who turns 24 on April 22, grew up in the North Texas suburb of North Richland Hills and attended college in Dallas at SMU.

He recorded 79 catches and 938 yards with a team-leading seven touchdown receptions in 16 games (eight starts) last year after being selected by Kansas City in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He also had 26 catches for 262 yards and a score in four playoff games to help the Chiefs secure their second straight Super Bowl title.

–Field Level Media

Dec 26, 2023; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas State Bobcats quarterback TJ Finley (7) throws a pass against the Rice Owls in the second quarter at Gerald J Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Texas State thrashes Rice in first-ever bowl appearance

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Brian Holloway returned two interceptions for touchdowns and Jahmyl Jeter ran for three scores as Texas State won its FBS bowl debut, trouncing Rice 45-21 in the First Responder Bowl on Tuesday in Dallas.

The Bobcats finished the season 8-5 under first-year coach G.J. Kinne, dominating this one with their defense. They limited Rice (6-7) to 197 total yards, intercepting five passes, forcing and recovering a fumble and notching four sacks.

Holloway gave Texas State a 21-7 lead with a 36-yard interception return on the second quarter’s first play from scrimmage, then upped the advantage to 17 points with 8:16 left in the third quarter by lugging a pick 48 yards.

Jeter helped the Bobcats get off to a good start with a 29-yard touchdown run just 1:35 into the game, then made it 14-7 later in the first quarter with a 1-yard scoring jaunt that capped an 85-yard drive. Teammate Ismael Mahdi rushed for a game-high 122 yards on 24 attempts, while quarterback TJ Finley hit on 15 of 29 passes for 152 yards.

Owls quarterback AJ Padgett struggled before being pulled in the fourth quarter, completing only 10 of 21 attempts for 85 yards with a touchdown and three interceptions. Backup Shawqi Itraish fired an interception on his second pass and wound up 2 of 4 for 19 yards with two picks.

Padgett was able to find Luke McCaffrey with a 7-yard scoring strike at the 6:54 mark of the first quarter, then led Rice to two touchdowns in the second quarter that wiped out their 14-point deficit. Dean Connors capped a drive of nearly six minutes with a 3-yard run, then evened the score 21-21 on a 28-yard scamper with 3:40 remaining.

Mason Shipley drilled a 31-yard field goal as time expired to make it 24-21 Texas State at the half, and Texas State offensive lineman Nash Jones scored on a 3-yard run to cap the opening drive of the second half.

Jeter added his last touchdown on a 1-yard plunge with 2:01 left in the game.

The Bobcats won despite being flagged 11 times for 126 yards.

–Field Level Media

Dec 3, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) catches the ball and runs it in for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

Bucs WR Mike Evans reaches 1,000 receiving yards for 10th time

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans went over 1,000 receiving yards for the 10th straight season by catching seven passes for 162 yards and one touchdown in Sunday’s 21-18 victory over the Carolina Panthers.

Evans, who has 1,012 yards, is the only receiver in NFL history to top 1,000 in each of his first 10 NFL seasons. In 2020, he set the record by accomplishing it for the seventh straight season to start his career.

He also tied Hall of Famer Randy Moss for the second-most 1,000-yard receiving seasons in a career. The only player with more 1,000-yard campaigns is icon Jerry Rice, the Hall of Famer who did it 14 times.

Also, Rice is the only player who has had more consecutive 1,000-yard seasons (11 in row from 1986-96) at any point during his career.

“I don’t know what more you can say. He’s done this for 10 years now,” Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles said of Evans. “Over 60 catches 10 years in a row. Over 1,000 yards 10 years in a row. You know he’s getting the ball and everyone is trying to stop him, and he makes plays over and over. It’s a credit to him and his work ethic. The way he approaches the game, it’s unbelievable.”

Evans, 30, entered Sunday’s game needing 150 yards to reach 1,000. He reached the milestone when he caught an 11-yard pass from Baker Mayfield in the fourth quarter.

“I’m happy we got the win, most importantly,” Evans said. “I’m happy with the record, obviously. I had a lot of great quarterbacks and offensive coordinators who believed in me. So, I really appreciate them. Hopefully I can keep that streak going for however long my career goes.”

Evans also had a 75-yard touchdown in the game as he reached at least 150 receiving yards for the 13th time in his career. It was his 10th scoring reception of the season. He has 61 catches.

In 149 career regular-season games, Evans has 744 catches for 11,437 yards and 91 touchdowns.

Evans was the No. 7 overall selection of the 2014 draft out of Texas A&M.

–Field Level Media

Oct 28, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Tulane Green Wave running back Makhi Hughes (21) stiff arms Rice Owls safety Gabriel Taylor (26) in the first half at Rice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

No. 22 Tulane fends off Rice comeback, 30-28

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Michael Pratt threw two touchdown passes and ran for another as No. 22 Tulane held off host Rice 30-28 in an American Athletic Conference game Saturday in Houston.

Pratt completed 22 of 30 passes for 263 yards and Makhi Hughes rushed for 153 yards on 23 carries for the Green Wave (7-1, 4-0 AAC).

JT Daniels passed for 189 yards and two touchdowns, and Juma Otoviano ran for two scores for the Owls (4-4, 2-2).

Rice received the second-half kickoff and drove 75 yards on 12 plays, capped by Otoviano’s 3-yard touchdown run that cut the Green Wave’s lead to 27-14.

Tulane was approaching field-goal range on the ensuing possession when Gabriel Taylor intercepted Pratt and returned 72 yards to the Green Wave 3. Two plays later Daniels threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Boden Groen to trim the lead to 27-21 at the end of the third quarter.

Valentino Ambrosio kicked a 43-yard field goal that increased the lead to 30-21 early in the fourth quarter.

Daniels threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to Luke McCaffrey to get the Owls within 30-28 midway through the fourth quarter.

On the ensuing possession the Green Wave drove to a fourth-and-1 at the Rice 6 and Pratt rushed 2 yards for the first down. Tulane turned the ball over on downs with 4 seconds left, and Rice’s desperation final play failed.

Tulane received the opening kickoff and drove to Ambrosio’s 44-yard field goal. Pratt’s 26-yard touchdown pass to Yulkeith Brown increased the lead to 10-0.

Otoviano’s 5-yard touchdown run trimmed the lead to 10-7 at the end of the first quarter.

On the third play of the second quarter Pratt ran 1 yard for a touchdown and 17-7 lead. He threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Alex Bauman for a 24-7 lead.

DJ Douglas intercepted Daniels with less than a minute remaining in the period and Pratt completed two passes for 35 yards, setting up Ambrosio’s 41-yard field goal and a 27-7 halftime lead.

–Field Level Media

Sep 24, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Rice Owls wide receiver Luke McCaffrey (10) makes a reception and runs for a touchdown as Houston Cougars defensive back Alex Hogan (19) defends during the third quarter at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Rice, Houston ready for anticipated rivalry game

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Two seasons ago, Rice and Houston resumed a crosstown rivalry that dated to Sept. 11, 1971, a matchup that featured the Owls and Cougars battling as Southwest Conference foes and in nonconference tilts as the programs changed affiliations amid a shifting landscape.

The Owls (0-1) will host the Cougars (1-0) on Saturday at Rice Stadium with the programs again debuting with new leagues. Rice is in its inaugural season with the American Athletic Conference, which the Cougars departed to join the ever-evolving Big 12. That both have maintained their connection through the volatility is a testament to their joint commitment.

“I’ve said this: This game needs to be played,” said Houston coach Dana Holgorsen, whose Cougars fended off UTSA 17-14 last Saturday. “Us and Rice needs to be played. I support that.

“I’m sympathetic to those games. Those games are fun to be a part of. … I’d be disappointed if this game against Rice doesn’t happen.”

In advance of the Owls’ opener at 11th-ranked Texas, Rice coach Mike Bloomgren pledged that his team would not shrink in the moment and would be prepared for the stiff challenge ahead.

And, for one half, the Owls did indeed meet that challenge. Prior to the intermission, the Longhorns recorded only one touchdown, settled for a red zone field goal, and booted field goals of 46 and 49 yards while carving out a 16-3 halftime advantage. Rice displayed spirit before surrendering three third-quarter touchdowns en route to a 37-10 loss.

The Owls’ defensive pluck was undermined by their lack of offensive punch. Rice totaled 176 yards and eight first downs, committed three turnovers and converted only four of 13 third downs. For a team expecting to rely upon its skill position talent, the result was disheartening.

“I think our players and our coaching staff know that we need to grow from this,” Bloomgren said. “That’s something you always want to do; you want to have huge growth between week one and week two. It should be your biggest growth of the season. Of every great team I’ve ever been on that’s been the case. And that’s exactly what we’re striving to do this week.”

In order for that improvement to yield a tangible result, the Owls will have to do something they haven’t accomplished since Oct. 16, 2010. That marked their last victory over Houston, a 34-31 home win. Changing conference affiliations hasn’t stemmed the tide of this lopsided series, which went to the Cougars last season, 34-27.

“I know this is one that means a lot to them,” Holgorsen said of Rice, noting that the Cougars’ seven-game winning streak in the series is unprecedented. “So we will expect a challenging game. They were one play away last year, as we all remember.”

–Field Level Media