FWIW, Rice is going to be a total 180 offensively from Monmouth. Like his teams at Davidson, Coach Abellās Owls are grinding it out.
This is the first game that actually matters, so we better win. Itās a short week but weāve never traveled this season, so it shouldnāt matter too much.
clt asks if we should wear gold?
Another new Coach/re-build comes to our home field a favorite, -6.5.
Lets avoid getting blown out and try to make it a close game, at a minimum competitive in the 4th qtr!
Iād love a win here, but we have to do something about our secondary or we will lose.
Looking over stats for Rice and in their run heavy offense, the first and third leading rushers are QBs. In 3 games, the Owls are averaging just over 243 yds/gm on the ground, while passing accounts for exactly 70 yds/gm.
I get agitated when analysts act like an option based offense is so hard to prepare for. Nearly all these kids played in an option attack in HS. Itās not a foreign concept to run or defend.
Iām sure they have to review it during practice, get the kids prepared but itās not something brand new.
Itās like when Ron said they hadnāt practiced a 2-3 zone. wtf itās one of the first defenses every kid learns playing basketball.
Clemson learned a hard lesson playing GA Tech a few years ago when Tech ran the option. The defense continually looked down when they were being blocked and you simply canāt do that as the runner will be by you before you can look up. Tech ran Clemson out of the stadium. We need to be cognizant of that and keep our heads on a swivel. If they donāt it will be a long night.
I donāt think their passing game is a huge threat so prepping for a one dimensional team should be easier. Of course, our game at Navy last year might say otherwise.
Itās a short week for Rice, too, and they do have to travel. On the other hand, they had an easier time winning, so I presume they pulled their starters early. Still, because Rice has to travel, if the short week is an advantage for anyone, itās an advantage for Charlotte. Still, short weeks suck.
The 105 roster is the problem with the option. Ideally, youād like a scout team made up from players who arenāt also working on the Charlotte offense and defense.
Our secondary struggled but Rice doesnāt throw much so we should be okay if we tackle well and our offense plays like last game
Vegas odds have dropped to +3.5 from opening +6.5
I always think this gif is of Chapel Hill Phil and it gives me a jumpscare every time. They look way too similar
https://x.com/CharlotteFTBL/status/1967574456123134136?t=umKYO07LtAvzqzjv0trG2Q&s=19
This cover suggests we are wearing the Gold unis for Riceā¦ 
It is a āGold Rushā so I am wearing Gold. Donāt know whether we are supposed to but there it is.
Itās a gold rush. Yes weāre supposed to wear gold. Yes the team is wearing gold. And yes itās on the flagship ESPN channel.
Yay! Get to finally break out my new gold jersey.
Big game, if we get to 2-2 after that start versus App itās a win. I hope we figured something out vs Monmouth on O that can carry over because this is one that we should be able to get.
This would be an excellent win. I feel like we always struggle in these week night ESPN/ESPN2 games. Lets change that this week.
Defensively, we need to stop the run. Offense needs to protect the football and finish drives. 2-2 would feel pretty good.
If they are averaging 240 yds/game that is quite challenging, but we are at home on a short week coming off FCS game, we should have an advantage!
This game is critical as our schedule gets even more challenging; Rice, Temple & ECU may be our best chances to get some Wās.