When I think of Rice football, a thousand memories flood my mind from the days we battled each other on the field during our time in the Southwest Conference. Although we dominated the series with the Owls, they always brought their “A” game. I expect the same will be true on Saturday when the Bears take on Rice at McLane Stadium in Waco. The Owls would like nothing more than a major upset as they end their three-game road trip which includes victories over Wagner (56-16) and North Texas (38-24) and a loss to Texas (42-28).

Rice has a talented quarterback named Driphus Jackson who has completed 63.2 percent of his passes for 635 yards, five touchdowns, and only three interceptions. Jackson will pose a viable threat to a Bears defense that has allowed 709 totals yards and 52 total points in the first two games of the season. Meanwhile, Baylor has multi-talented Seth Russell who as completed 59.4 percent of his passes for 718 yards, nine touchdowns, and four interceptions. Russell has thrown an impressive 10 touchdown passes in his last three games.

The Bears will be large favorites to win on Saturday, but how well the Bears play defense will be a major factor in the outcome of the game.

We are expecting another large crowd in the Letterwinners Lounge on Saturday. Remember you must have your membership card and armbands to gain access to the lounge.  The membership cards and armbands have helped us better control the crowds entering the room. While we welcome your guests to our lounge, it is our ultimate goal to make sure it is our dues-paying members who have the opportunity to enter the room and enjoy the benefits the lounge offers. Your understanding of this effort is greatly appreciated. Don’t forget to also stop by the Letterwinners Tailgate that will open three hours before kickoff for our members who arrive early to the stadium. Thanks to the efforts of our Vice President and tailgate host, Dusty Sanderson, the tailgate is becoming more and more popular each game. For more game day information, please see Game Day Reminders.

We congratulate former Baylor players, Brittney Griner and Odyssey Sims, who both had outstanding performances last weekend.  Griner posted another double-double, pulling 12 rebounds and scoring 23 points for the Phoenix Mercury as they defeated her former teammate, Odyssey Sims, and the Tulsa Shock 91-67. Odyssey finished the game with 22 points, seven assists and three steals. Also, former Baylor letterwinner and Men’s Tennis All-American, Benjamin Becker, defeated Roberto Cid,  6-4, 7-6(4), to cap Germany’s 4-1 win over the Dominican Republic in a World Group playoff. The win was Becker’s first Davis Cup victory.

Sic ’em!

Walter Abercrombie

Executive Director, Baylor “B” Association

Follow @walterabercromb