Game Preview
Donovan Smith’s performance in Week 1 against UTSA wasn’t outstanding, but the former Red Raider still managed to pull off a 17-14 victory. Smith completed the day with a passing stat line of 22 for 34, 233 yards, and two touchdowns. While the Owls’ pass rush shouldn’t be as difficult as UTSA’s, Houston’s offensive line will still need to protect Smith if the Cougars are to improve to 2-0.
Flemming had a fantastic game in the season opener against UTSA, picking off two passes. Houston’s defense was one of the biggest unknowns coming into the 2023 season, but after a strong showing against a formidable UTSA offense, the Cougars might be in a better position than they initially thought.
Although the defense shouldn’t need to be at its best to beat Rice on Saturday, Malik Flemming gave Houston supporters a major cause to be encouraged after he and the Cougars forced three interceptions from UTSA quarterback Frank Harris.
JT In Week 1 of the collegiate football season, Daniels struggled against the Longhorns. Under relentless pressure from the Longhorns defense, the former Mountaineer threw two interceptions.
Despite the dramatic ups and downs of Daniels’ collegiate football career thus far, the former five-star will get a shot at a second Big 12 team in as many days on Saturday. Daniels showed a lot of heart against Texas, so if the Rice offensive line can hold the Cougars in check, we might see Daniels come out swinging this weekend and make some big throws.
Last year, Josh Pearcy led Rice with 6.5 sacks, and he already has one sack in 2023 thanks to his takedown of Quinn Ewers last Saturday. If Pearcy can get going early against the Cougars on Saturday, Houston’s attack might stall after the team’s offensive line struggled in their first game, allowing three sacks to UTSA. Pearcy concluded 2022 with 50 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble, making him a player to keep an eye on as he has a chance to add to his 2023 total on Saturday.
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Houston Cougars vs Rice Owls Game Information
- Date: 09/09/2023
- Time: 07:00 PM ET
- Location: Rice Stadium, Houston, TX.
- How to Watch Houston vs Rice : NFL NET
- Live Stream: fubo.tv
