Despite loss, defensive effort kept Rice in the game

There’s nothing novel about Rice’s struggles at UTSA.

Despite a weekly emphasis on discipline and ball security, it was those very things that doomed Rice in its sixth loss of the season.

Although the defense allowed two 100-yard rushers for the second consecutive game, it’s a unit that has been improving throughout the season. It was that defense that kept them in the game as an offense that looked promising most of the night, continually denied itself opportunities to win.

There was quarterback Sam Glaesmann’s fluke fumble on the first offensive drive that resulted in a defensive touchdown. Both he and Miklo Smalls tossed interceptions where better communication  — or more effort from the receiver — would’ve led to big gains.

Then there was the holding penalty — one of four — that erased a touchdown that might’ve cut the lead to six with more than six minutes remaining.

Inconsistency has morphed into the offense’s modus operandi more than any sort of flaw for Rice.

Despite this, receiver Aaron Cephus had a breakout game with 105 receiving yards and a touchdown. Linebacker Brian Womac’s performance was notable too.

The senior has arguably been the Owls most consistent defender, habitually hunting opposing quarterbacks or chasing down running backs 60 yards downfield.

Womac led the charge as the defense kept the game close. He recorded three sacks, giving him eight on the year. He leads Conference USA in sacks and is tied for fifth in the country.

“I am extremely proud of the effort that Brian Womac continues to just amaze me with what’s he’s done on the field this year and his production on the defensive line,” head coach David Bailiff said.

That production can be attributed to a tight-knit group of Rice pass rushers and defensive linemen pushing each other to get better. During the summer, Womac could be seen donning a Taekwondo gee with Graysen Schantz, wrestling on the weight room floor as a form of cardio.

So it was no surprise that Schantz’s season-ending injury hit Womac hard.

“I had to step up for the team and increase my play and I think I did that. I’m just really upset that we couldn’t get the win for him,” he said.

Womac had the numbers nine and four — Schantz jersey number—smeared underneath his eyes to remind him to play with intensity.

“It really meant something to me,” he said. “That was a guy who I had spent so much time preparing with; watching film with; training with. He’s one of the best teammates that I’ve ever been around.”

He references a first half play when UTSA running back Tyrell Clay shot through the middle of the defense for a 73-yard run. Womac sprinted across the field to tackle him and the defense held UTSA to a field goal.

“I was pretty proud of that,” Womac said. “I think that’s the energy and effort that Graysen Schantz plays with and I hope I represented him well tonight.”

On a few occasions, Rice’s defense has kept games competitive. They’ll need the offense to be more productive if they want to close out conference play on a high note.

“The defense is playing at a level that we can win these football games,” Bailiff said.