Since Mike Bloomgren became the Rice Owls head coach in 2018, the program has seen a slow but steady rise. The Owls went 2-11 in Bloomgren's first year and saw their numbers go up gradually over the next few seasons, culminating in a 6-6 regular season finish on Saturday. Rice is now eligible for a bowl game.
Rice beat Florida Atlantic in Houston on Saturday 24-21. Six wins is Rice's win total since they won eight games under David Baliff in 2014. Tom Herman and FAU end the season on a four-game losing streak.
Rice reached a bowl game in 2022 at 5-8 thanks to their high Academic Progress Rate and a low number of six-win FBS teams.
In the stead of the injured JT Daniels on Saturday, veteran Rice quarterback AJ Padgett completed 24 passes on 37 attempts for 255 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. It was Padgett's second-highest passing yardage total as an Owl.
Rice star receiver Luke McCaffrey had another brilliant day, catching 12 passes for 141 yards with one touchdown catch. McCaffrey also ran the ball twice for 31 yards.
In total, the Rice offense had their highest yardage output (465) since their October 19 victory over Tulsa. Rice also dominated time of possession in this game, holding the ball for 39 minutes and forty seconds.
Rice will now await their bowl destination as the regular season and conference championships come to a close next week. Bloomgren is now 22-45 as the Owls' head coach.
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