The Rice University football team returns to Rice Stadium Oct. 3 to kick off American Conference play against the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. as part of the university’s annual Families Weekend festivities.
Rice enters Saturday’s matchup looking to bounce back from a hard-fought road battle at Fresno State. Though the Owls fell short 38-24 against their former Western Athletic Conference rival, Dunlevie Family Head Football Coach Scott Abell highlighted the valuable experience gained by younger players who stepped up due to early season injuries.
“We went toe-to-toe with a very good program,” Abell said. “A lot of guys saw the field for significant reps that maybe we hadn’t intended this early in their career. ... Now you’ve built some meaningful reps and depth as you become a healthier program going into conference play.”
Opening league play against UTSA presents a significant challenge and opportunity for the Owls. UTSA entered the season as one of the preseason conference favorites, led by a veteran high-powered offense.
“Offensively, I think they’re as good as anybody we’ve played all year, and that includes Notre Dame,” Abell said. “It’d be a program-changing win — a defining win for the direction our program is going to if you could get a win against such a quality program.”
Families Weekend festivities
Saturday’s game will cap a full slate of Families Weekend events on campus. Prior to kickoff, Owl families and fans can gather at Tailgate Owley from 3:30-6 p.m. for lawn games, a photo booth, appearances by the Rice Cheer team and the Marching Owl Band (MOB) and a pregame barbecue.
Additional campus activities throughout the weekend include a welcome reception with President Reginald DesRoches, a campus fair, minilectures hosted by Rice faculty and more.
For a complete schedule of campus activities and registration details, visit the official Rice Families Weekend events schedule.
Learn more about game tickets and athletic news at riceowls.com.