Rice’s football team will make its 15th bowl appearance in program history and its third in the last four seasons when the Owls face Texas State University in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl Jan. 2 at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth.
The postseason matchup continues a period of sustained momentum for the Owls, who will be playing in their eighth bowl game since 2006 and have earned bowl trips in two of their first three seasons as a member of the American Conference.
“I am thrilled to have another opportunity to coach this group of young men this year,” said Scott Abell, Dunlevie Family Head Football Coach. “Having two more weeks of practice is invaluable as we continue to grow this program. The fact that our seniors have the opportunity to end their career with a bowl championship is truly special.”
Abell is just the second head coach in Rice history to lead the Owls to a bowl game in his first season, joining Todd Graham in 2006. He will look to become the first first-year Rice head coach to earn a bowl victory. For Abell, the bowl season represents both a reward and a springboard.
“It’s really a combination of a chance to cap this season with a group that bought into a culture but also to set the tone for the future,” Abell said. “This is an opportunity to bring it all together, play our best football and take that momentum not just to wrap up one season but to carry it into the next one.”
Junior linebacker and team captain Ty Morris echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the value of extended time together as a team.
“It wasn’t necessarily the goal to get into a bowl game like this, but it’s a great opportunity to play with a group of guys we’ll never have again,” Morris said. “Getting one more month to grind together — in the weight room, at practice, day to day — means a lot.”
Rice went 5-7 during the regular season including 2-6 in conference play. Texas State finished the season 6-6, going 3-5 in Sun Belt Conference play. The matchup marks a rematch of the 2023 SERVPRO First Responders Bowl, won 45-21 by the Bobcats, and will make Texas State the first opponent Rice has faced twice in bowl games. The Owls are 2-3 all-time against the Bobcats.
“They’re incredibly athletic and well coached,” Abell said. “They’ve been explosive on offense all year, and they’re aggressive on both sides of the football.”
This season’s Armed Forces Bowl will be Rice’s second appearance in the event, joining the Cotton Bowl as the only postseason games with multiple Rice appearances. The Owls last played in the Armed Forces Bowl in 2012, earning a 33-14 victory over Air Force at Amon G. Carter Stadium.
As preparations continue, Abell has made one thing clear about his team’s mindset.
“Rice will be a team that’s excited to play in its bowl game — that I can guarantee,” he said.
Kickoff is set for noon with national television coverage on ESPN. Fans interested in attending the Armed Forces Bowl can click here to view ticket options.