C-USA: Two games to watch

By: Rich Douglas

Rice at UTSA
Rice was able to take a big step in winning the C-USA East title last week by beating Tulsa in Oklahoma.  The Owls had their best game throwing the ball, averaging 8 yards per attempt with 2 TDs.  Their slightly low 20 yards per drive can be explained by the fact that they typically started near their own 40, a testament to a defense that held the Golden Hurricanes to under 5 yards per play on offense.  The UTSA Road Runners have a more efficient offense than people will give credit for, going three and out on less than 30% of their drives.  They have a .4 points per drive expectation by Paul Dalen's work over at Football Study Hall.  However, their defense has betrayed them, allowing more than 30 points in four of their six games and almost 6 yards per play on offense (which it would be except for wins against lowly New Mexico and UTEP).  It also should be interesting to see if they can bounce back from last week's beating at teh hands of Marshall, who held them to just 10 points and forced 3 Ints.  This week will let us know if Rice's offense can go to work through the air when it has to, since UTSA has had some success against the run in conference play, allowing only 2.87 yards per run.  Rice should handle it though, and cover the +2.

Marshal at FAU
Rakeem Cato continues to be the offense for the Thundering Herd, tossing 11 TDs to just 4 ints with 30 completions of over 15 yards.  He's averaged better than 8 yards per attempt three times this season, and has converted 46% of his third down chances when they have less than 9 yards to go.  He will be tested though by an FAU defense that has been strong against the pass, allowing a 50.6% completion rate.  The Owls have allowed just a 32% conversion rate on third downs, but have been vulnerable to big plays, giving up 29 passes of 15 yards or more.  They also don't do a good job of rushing the passer, with 13 sacks (5 against Rice) and just five more QB hurries.  Their offense does not scary many teams though, averaging just 24 yards per drive and starting at their own 19 on most of those drives.  Marshall's defense will certainly hamper them more as well, after giving up just under 4.9 yards per play on defense.  The Herd do make a lot of plays in the backfield, with 14 sacks and another 23 QB hurries to go with 44 tackles for loss.