Rice Owls: An early look

Fresh off their stunning victory at Memphis the Rice Owls are headed to Nashville in search of their third win of the 2008 season.

Rice opened their season with a big 56-27 home win over SMU. Saturday the Owls picked up their second 'W' of the season when they stunned Memphis on a last minute interception.

In the win over Memphis, Rice won on a miricle play when, with the score tied 35-35, true freshman Chris Jammer intercepted a pass and returned it 69-yards to give the Owls a 42-35 win.

The Owls are heavy on passing, averaging 288 yards per game. Quarterback Chase Clement is their leader and has completed 50 of 81 passes for 7 touchdowns with just two interceptions. Receivers James Casey and Jarrett Dilliard, who are Clement's top targets, have combined for 32 receptions.

Clement is also the team's leading rusher having gained over 200 yards total in the first two Owl games. The Owls are suspect on defense and have allowed an average of 31 points in their first two games. Rice's passing defense has surrendered 699 yards in the first two games but has picked off 5 passes.

Rice is a good team that the Commodores had better be prepared for. Vanderbilt certainly doesn't want to experience the misery that the Memphis Tigers endured after their heartbreaking loss.