Owls hold final formal practice before Armed Forces Bowl

Due to the unusually cold temperatures and snow in Fort Worth, Texas, the Rice Owls’ final formal practice before Saturday’s Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl had to be moved inside today at the Sam Baugh Indoor Facility on the campus of Texas Christian University (TCU).

The players appeared focused and confident heading into the bowl game.

“I don’t know if they feel loose or tight, but they’re definitely focused right now,” said Rice junior placekicker Chris Boswell. “We’re here getting better; we’re focusing on things we need to do to win the game.”

Rice Athletics invited former Owl football lettermen to watch today’s practice. Scott Austin, a former tight end and fullback for the Owls and a member of the 2006 team that went to the New Orleans Bowl, said the team looks ready.

“They look pretty loose,” Austin said. “At this point in the week their preparation is pretty much done. They’ve been preparing for months, and now they’re perfecting it. They will be a little nervous on Saturday, so hopefully they will remain calm and just enjoy the week.”

The Owls will have a final walkthrough Friday at TCU’s Amon G. Carter Stadium. Kickoff for Saturday’s game is at 10:45 a.m. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.