Preview: Rice vs. Southern Methodist

For a career spent pursuing redemption and escaping the shadow of his older brother, this final individual pursuit seems perfect for Tyler Smith. Once one of five running backs in the Owls' crowded backfield, Smith stands poised to become the fifth Rice tailback to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards in a single season. It will require a career day for the fifth-year senior from Cedar Park, but if Smith rushes for 172 yards against SMU at Ford Stadium on Saturday, he will join Trevor Cobb (1990-92), Michael Perry (1997), Ed Bailey (2004) and his brother Quinton (2006) in the record books. It's a remarkably short list for 100 years of football. "To me it will be an honor because I know not that many running backs have achieved that mark," Smith said. "It's pretty rewarding just trying to reach that goal. I know I have a capable chance of reaching it. I've got to get out there and just keep working. I'm thankful for everything." His gratitude is three-pronged. There was the catastrophic knee injury suffered while returning a kickoff against UTEP on Nov. 3, 2007, damage so gruesome doctors questioned whether Smith would ever play again. This season opened with Smith serving as one of five tailback options, and through six games he had amassed only 274 yards and no touchdowns on 48 attempts. But as injuries began to deplete the depth, with juniors Charles Ross (hamstring) and Sam McGuffie (ankle) lost for lengthy stretches, opportunities multiplied for Smith. He is averaging 110.8 yards and one touchdown per game during the second half, with his 93 attempts nearly surpassing his single-season high of 101 in 2009. What has become evident is that all Smith lacked was the opportunity. His 5.7 yards-per-carry average over the first six games nearly mirrors his 5.9 yards-per-carry average over the last five games. That Smith this season has bypassed his career totals for yards (713) and touchdowns (two) coming into this season leaves one to wonder just how productive of a career he could have enjoyed if that door was opened once he returned in 2009 after missing the previous year for knee rehabilitation. Rice coach David Bailiff dubbed Smith "Mr. Consistent". He compensates for his lack of size Smith stands 5-foot-8 and weighs 195 pounds with uncanny elusiveness and impressive balance. He doesn't have blazing speed, but is fast enough to avoid being taken from behind. Smith is dutiful in film study and relentlessly dedicated to improvement. "I always do the extra," Smith said. That work ethic has Smith on the cusp of something significant. His brother Quinton rushed for 1,096 yards during his senior season, but he had the benefit of playing an extra game as the Owls participated in the New Orleans Bowl. Quinton was the Owls' primary back that season, accumulating 211 attempts and 10 touchdowns while also catching 40 passes for an additional 410 yards and two scores. He was a workhorse. Tyler Smith has spent his career sharing the responsibility with others. Only recently was he granted the chance to be an every-down back, with results on par with what his older brother accomplished. Now little brother can join big brother on that select list and share in the sense of achievement that comes from laboring extensively and reaching a goal. "Me and my brother have a brotherly competition. We always want to beat one another and see who's better," Smith said. "Hopefully I can overcome that and get more yards than him this year. Hopefully I can reach to that milestone of 1,000. We'll see what comes against SMU." Rice vs. SMU: Five Things To Watch 1. Hi, New Guy. It's no fault of SMU tailback Jared Williams that he isn't Zach Line, but without their top tailback and the leading rusher in C-USA - the Ponies are that much more inept offensively. Last week against Houston, Williams rushed for 11 yards on 10 attempts. SMU has lost four of five games, and in those four it's averaged 311 yards per game and 4.9 yards per play. Pedestrian. 2. However, That Defense. Odd that these Ponies are renowned for their defense, especially considering the pedigree of SMU coach June Jones. The Ponies rank third in C-USA in total defense (360.5 yards per game) and fourth in scoring defense (24.5 points per game) behind an experienced unit featuring 15 seniors and juniors on the two-deep depth chart, including nine starters. 3. Record Watch. Owls senior defensive end Scott Solomon needs one sack to snap a tie with Brandon Green (1999-2002) and become the all-time leader in school history. Solomon is four TFLs shy of supplanting Larry Izzo (1992-95) atop that career list. Sophomore kicker Chris Boswell needs a pair of field goals to eclipse the single-season mark of 17 set by James Hamrick (1985). 4. Return of T-Mac. Sophomore quarterback Taylor McHargue won't earn the start, but Rice coach David Bailiff would like to get McHargue some snaps against the Ponies. Bailiff planned to play McHargue against Tulane but opted not to. With Nick Fanuzzi participating in his final game with the Owls, it seems wise to get McHargue his first meaningful reps since the debacle at Houston. 5. Future Glimpse. Keep a close eye on the likes of defensive linemen Jared Williams, Josh Skinner, Dylan Klare, Nico Carlson and Hosam Shahin, because that group will start in some capacity next year. The 2012 offensive line with Drew Carroll, Ian Gray and Jon Hodde at the core has been active for weeks. The transition from what is to what might be will continue to take form on the Hilltop. 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