The Owls came into 2008 determined to improve their defense, which finished last in C-USA in 2007.

Head coach David Bailiff believes that mission will be accomplished thanks to stalwarts like defensive end Scott Solomon. The 6-3, 250-pound sophomore, who plays much stronger than his size, had three sacks and two tackles for loss in the Blue-Gray scrimmage at the end of spring practice.

Junior linebacker Terrance Garmon also shined, finishing with 10 tackles and two sacks. He should provide a nice complement to senior standout Brian Raines, who missed spring workouts while recovering from surgery.

Junior defensive tackle Chance Talbert looked good, too, giving Rice hope that it will be able to muster a better pass rush. The Owls' front four accounted for just seven sacks last season as the defense gave up 37 touchdown passes.

If the defense can rise to the middle of the pack, the Owls could be a bowl team. Rice went 3-9 last season despite scoring a school-record 377 points, and no conference team boasts a better tandem than senior quarterback Chase Clement and senior wideout Jarett Dillard.

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