The Rice Thresher (Houston, Tex.), Vol. 67, No. 5, Ed. 1 Thursday, September 6, 1979 Page: 14 of 16
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the full storyi
Alborn says running backs, defensive secondary
by Alison F. Whittemore
The annual SWC sportswriter's
tour stopped at the Rice campus
last week, and Owl coach Ray
Alborn spent over an hour giving
his frank, optimistic opinions on
the upcoming football season.
The Rice Owls, the "most
publicized 2-9 team in the U.S."
have a grueling season ahead of
them, but Alborn is confident of
the Owls' ability. "Our job in the
spring was to convince our players
that we could win. And that's been
done. There are a lot of things that
have to fall in place, but we're not
that bad. I think last year I got
caught in the trap of talking about
just playing well. I never said,
'Hey, we're gonna go up there and
win!"
While not predicting a trip to the
Cotton Bowl on New Year's Day,
Alborn said, "If I don't talk about
winning, it's gonna be very difficult
for our players to think about
winning. I know a lot of guys last
year said that I'm crazy, and you
probably think I'm crazy again,
but I believe that we're on the verge
of having a really good football
team."
The offensive line
One of Alborn's biggest
concerns is with the offensive line.
They are bigger and stronger than
last year, especially with Paul
Garcia playing tackle, but the lack
of experience could hurt. Garcia,
who switched over from strong
guard, is "a fast guy, an aggressive
guy, the kind of guy who will get in
your mustache." Captain Johnny
Joyce, though described by Alborn
as not "flashy," will be a great help
he's got a grasp of what's going on
plus the respect of the players."
And behind Hertel? "Robert
Hoffman is breathing right down
Randy's neck. He's sort of a relief
pitcher, and it's a great feeling to
have (him)."
This year, Alborn will try to
establish more of a balance
between the running and passing
games. Though the Owls gave
"I think last year I got caught in the trap of
talking about just playing well. I never said,
'Hey, we're going to go up there and win!'"
at guard. Along with Keith Kveton
at center second freshman Brad
Bierstedt at tackle, the mission of
the line will be to "knock people
around and give a lot of pass
protection."
Quarterbacks and receivers
The line is most important this
year, because Alborn has high
hopes for returning quarterback
Randy Hertel. "A lot of people in
college football would like our
situation. Randy Hertel has been
unbelievable. I just can't say
enough about him. His maturity in
one year has been phenomenal;
away a lot of experience to
graduation in wide receivers David
Houser and Doug Cunningham,
there are "guys catching balls
better than anyone at this early
stage. We may be giving away
experience, but (our receivers are)
doing an unbelievable job this
year."
Two Owl receivers with high
potential are Mike Firestone and
Hosea Fortune. Senior Bo
Broeren, switched over from
running back, is a "Pete Rose kind
of guy with one speed—all out."
Bobby Williams, a walk-on in the
off season, is another receiver who
Ray Alborn projects Owls' fortunes
bears watching. Alborn says, "He's
the kind of guy you can win with."
Running backs
"In the eight years Fve been at
Rice, this is the best group of
running backs I've ever seen,
sizewise and speedwise." Alborn
referred to Earl Cooper and Frank
Wilson, two starting backs. Of
Cooper, another captain, pro
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scouts have said that if he were on
their ball club, he would be a
starter. While not playing to
potential (according to Alborn),
Cooper is considered a major
factor in winning or losing many
ball games this season. Wilson,
considered one of the top three
athletes on the team, needs
improvement with his blocking,
but, There are none bigger,
stronger, or faster." Behind these
two are the injury-prone Calvin
Fance and returning sophomore
Weldon Meeks.
"In the eight years
I've been at Rice,
this is the best
group of running
backs I've seen."
Rice's tight end is Robert
Hubble, 6'8" and 235, and if he has
recovered from last year's injuries,
he should be as strong and as fast
as ever.
The kicking game
The kicking game "feels very
secure" this year with returning
senior Steve Gleaves punting
consistently and Wes Hansen
handling the extra points and field
goals. For precaution's sake, Don
Rutledge will come in from his
position of defensive back as a
back-up punter.
Defensive priorities
Defense has had quite a shakeup
since last year. "The main thing to
overcome is giving up the big hit,
the big play. Unfortunately, we
don't have anyone who can run like
Johnny (Lam) Jones. We'll just
have to make them bleed as much
as possible to do it."
Linebackers and defensive ends
The defensive strengths lie in the
secondary; the major weak area is
the line. There is a lack of depth at
both defensive end and linebacker.
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Vhe Rice Thresher, September 6, 1979, page 14
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Muller, Matthew. The Rice Thresher (Houston, Tex.), Vol. 67, No. 5, Ed. 1 Thursday, September 6, 1979, newspaper, September 6, 1979; Houston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth245411/m1/14/: accessed July 18, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting Rice University Woodson Research Center.