NORFOLK, Va. - Old Dominion University Football practiced for the 13th time this spring and now has two practices remaining.
The Monarchs worked out in full pads for about an hour, as practice was highlighted by a 30-yard touchdown run by Jeremy Cox, and an interception from Joe Joe Headen.
ODUSports.com will take a look at each Monarch opponent for the 2017 season. Today we look at game 11, the home finale against Rice.
The Quick Facts - Rice
Location: Houston, Texas
Nickname: Owls
First Year of Football: 1912
Conference: C-USA
Head Coach: David Bailiff
2016 Record: 3-9
The Game
ODU will host Rice in the eleventh game of the season in Norfolk on Saturday, Nov. 18.
About the Owls
David Bailiff will return for his eleventh season in charge of the Rice Owls. He has coached them to one CUSA title and two division championships in his ten years. He is 3-1 in bowl games at Rice. Before Rice, Bailiff coached at Texas State for three seasons.
The Owls went 3-9 last season, collecting wins against Prairie View A&M, Charlotte and UTEP.
Rice returns quarterback Jackson Tyner who completed 32-of-67 for 318 yards and two touchdowns last season. Running backs Samuel Stewart and Austin Walter combined for 146 carries for 822 yards and seven touchdowns.
Receivers Kylen Granson and Temi Alaka combined for 61 receptions for 839 yards and four touchdown receptions.
Emmanuel Ellerbee is the squads leading returning tackler, as he finished with 108 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and one interception.
Series History
ODU leads 1-0
ODU defeated Rice in their only meeting 45-42 for ODU’s first ever CUSA game in 2014. Taylor Heinicke threw for 430 yards and five touchdowns. Ricky Segers kicked the winning field goal as time expired.