2008 OUTLOOK: As the Owls start their second season under head coach David Bailiff, there is reason for optimism. Rice returns all its key offensive playmakers and should be better on defense. The Owls went 3-9 last season despite scoring a school-record 377 points. After starting 1-7 last year, the Owls must get off to a fast start. They open with winnable C-USA games against SMU and Memphis before difficult trips to Vanderbilt and Texas.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE
Senior QB Chase Clement, who averaged 434 yards of total offense in his last seven conference games, and senior WR Jarett Dillard, the NCAA's active leader in receptions (205), receiving yards (2,828) and touchdowns (40), form a dangerous tandem. TE James Casey is another potent weapon, so Rice's biggest challenge is to energize a moribund rushing attack. Junior TB C.J. Ugokwe looked good in the spring, but the coaching staff must make more of a commitment to the ground game.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE
This unit can't get any worse. The Owls ranked dead last in C-USA last season as the thin defense was plagued by injuries. Sophomore DE Scott Solomon (three sacks in the Blue-Gray scrimmage), along with LB Brian Raines and S Andrew Sendejo, are playmakers who could make this unit respectable.

SCOUTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS
The Owls are set at placekicker; junior Clark Fangmeier is a former walk-on with an accurate leg. But Rice must replace P Luke Juist. Freshman Kyle Martens is one possibility. DB Ja'Corey Shepherd returned kickoffs and punts last season, but didn't wow in either category. Backup RB Tyler Smith (21.8 yards per kickoff return) is a more attractive option on kickoffs.

ROSTER REPORT

--TE Will Norris, a 6-1, 225-pound sophomore who played on special teams last season, will miss the 2008 season as he recovers from a torn ACL.

--RB Justin Hill (shoulder), DB Joe Leary (hamstring), OL Preston Thompson (ankle) and DE Cheta Ozougwu (undisclosed injury) did not play in the Blue-Gray scrimmage, but all are expected to be fine for training camp.

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