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Monday, November 24, 1997

Owls disappointed with second place

By MICHAEL A. LUTZ AP Sports Writer

The Rice Owls got their seventh victory for the second year in row - something that hasn't happened since 1960-61.

But even that might not get them a bowl invitation.

"We are still hoping it's not over," defensive end Terrance Melton said.

"We still have faith. Hopefully Monday we'll know something. With back-to-back 7-4 seasons, it's a sign our program has turned around."

The Owls (7-4, 5-3) wrapped up their regular season with a 31-13 victory over Texas-El Paso (4-7, 3-5) on Saturday.

New Mexico (9-2, 6-2) will play for the WAC title, while the Owls finished tied with Southern Methodist (6-5, 5-3) and Utah (6-5, 5-3) for second place in the Mountain Division.

New Mexico's 51-13 victory over Tulsa clinched the title for the Lobos. SMU dropped out of the title race with a 21-18 loss to Texas Christian on Thursday.

Now, the Owls may be left out of the bowl picture because of a small fan base.

"I don't know about the bowl situation," Rice coach Ken Hatfield said. "There are a lot of plusses having us at a bowl. We will represent college football well. Sure, we won't sell as many tickets as some teams but there's nothing we can do about that."

The Owls offer the spread -ption offense, which ranks No. 2 nationally in rushing offense and they came close to becoming the first team in NCAA history to have three runners over 1,000 yards.

Michael Perry finished with 1,032 yards and quarterback Chad Nelson finished Saturday with 953 yards and Benji Wood had 936.

The Owls beat WAC Mountain Division champion New Mexico in Albuquerque, N.M. and they almost beat the Texas Longhorns. But a loss to Utah on Nov. 15 cost them a chance to capture the title.

"We've done something that no one else at Rice has done in over 30 seasons," defensive tackle Andrew Hughes said. "I think everyone knows now the Rice owls come to play football and they play well.

"The regular season is over and I'm grateful that I was able to play in the regular season but I want to se what happens as fare as the bowl situation goes."

Whatever happens, Hatfield is pleased with his outgoing seniors.

"Our seniors are 7-1 in WAC games at home the last two years," Hatfield said. "Teams celebrate when they beat Rice. You think Utah and Texas didn't celebrate when they beat Rice?"Send a Letter to the Editor about This Story | Start or Join A Discussion about This Story
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