Turnovers hinder Owls' offensive progression
Adam Coleman
Issue date: 9/17/07 Section: Sports
The Rice Owls' All-American receiver Jarett Dillard looked for a foundation for improvement against Texas Tech's defense Saturday.
Although Rice quarterback Chase Clement completed his first touchdown pass of the season and Dillard had his first touchdown catch of 2007 in Saturday's 59-24 loss to Tech, the Owls managed to give up four fumbles and one interception. This added to their third loss of the season, hindering Dillard from repeating his break-out season of 2006.
"There was a point there for about four series where Rice didn't get a play off," Tech coach Mike Leach said. "It was a real credit to our defense, and I thought defensively they played real, real well the second half."
Rice's 24 points was its highest total of the season. Dillard, who had 21 touchdowns in 2006, has just one through three games this season.
Receiver Toren Dixon finished the game with six receptions for 64 yards and one touchdown. Rice's other score was credited to running back C.J. Ugokwe, the first of his career.
Dixon said the offense was able to find a weakness in Tech's defense, and it helped the Owls gain an advantage.
"The no-huddle helped us a lot," he said. "We had them pretty tired on defense. Our pace is what allows us to have an edge."
Although the Owls' offense showed progress against the Red Raiders, five turnovers and six sacks allowed by Rice helped Tech keep the Owls to one score in the second half.
"In the second half, what really killed us was coming out and going three-and-out," Clement said. "The next drive, the ball slipped out on me, sailed over (the receiver's head) and got intercepted and put the defense in poor position."
Dillard's touchdown came in the first quarter on a 47-yard pass to put Rice down by four. He finished the game with six catches for 90 yards.
The two-game scoring drought was the longest of Dillard's career.
Rice coach Bailiff said the Owls were up to par with Tech, but scoring was a main issue in the game.
Although Rice quarterback Chase Clement completed his first touchdown pass of the season and Dillard had his first touchdown catch of 2007 in Saturday's 59-24 loss to Tech, the Owls managed to give up four fumbles and one interception. This added to their third loss of the season, hindering Dillard from repeating his break-out season of 2006.
"There was a point there for about four series where Rice didn't get a play off," Tech coach Mike Leach said. "It was a real credit to our defense, and I thought defensively they played real, real well the second half."
Rice's 24 points was its highest total of the season. Dillard, who had 21 touchdowns in 2006, has just one through three games this season.
Receiver Toren Dixon finished the game with six receptions for 64 yards and one touchdown. Rice's other score was credited to running back C.J. Ugokwe, the first of his career.
Dixon said the offense was able to find a weakness in Tech's defense, and it helped the Owls gain an advantage.
"The no-huddle helped us a lot," he said. "We had them pretty tired on defense. Our pace is what allows us to have an edge."
Although the Owls' offense showed progress against the Red Raiders, five turnovers and six sacks allowed by Rice helped Tech keep the Owls to one score in the second half.
"In the second half, what really killed us was coming out and going three-and-out," Clement said. "The next drive, the ball slipped out on me, sailed over (the receiver's head) and got intercepted and put the defense in poor position."
Dillard's touchdown came in the first quarter on a 47-yard pass to put Rice down by four. He finished the game with six catches for 90 yards.
The two-game scoring drought was the longest of Dillard's career.
Rice coach Bailiff said the Owls were up to par with Tech, but scoring was a main issue in the game.
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