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Rice University Athletics
Bailiff Named C-USA Coach of the Year
12/10/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 10, 2008
IRVING, Texas - After leading his squad to a 7-1 conference record and a share of the West Division title, Rice head coach David Bailiff has been named the C-USA Coach of the Year, as selected by the league's 12 head coaches. The Coach of the Year honor highlights a year that has featured Bailiff leading the Owls to a 9-3 overall record and a berth in the Texas Bowl against Western Michigan on December 30.
Rice's nine wins on the year are the most for the school since 1953 and a victory in the Texas Bowl will allow the Owls to match the school record of 10, set in 1949. Bailiff's team enters the Texas Bowl on a six-game winning streak as it prepares for its second bowl game in three years.
Rice has posted a six-game improvement in 2008, which ties with Minnesota for the largest improvement among all FBS schools. Its 7-1 C-USA record marks the school's top league ledger since the 1949 Southwest Conference champions went 6-0 in conference play.
The Owls potent offense ranks 10th in the FBS in total offense (472.3 ypg), fifth in passing offense (327.8 ypg) and eighth in scoring offense (41.6 ppg). Bailiff's 2008 Rice squad has set a total of 30 school, conference and NCAA team and individual records.
Under Bailiff's guidance, five Rice players earned All-Conference USA recognition by the league's coaches, including three first-team selections. Included are QB Chase Clement and WR Jarett Dillard, who helped become the NCAA's most prolific scoring duo under Bailiff's guidance.
Additionally, four Rice players earned ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District recognition this fall, with sophomore TE James Casey being named an Academic All-American
The Owls will meet Western Michigan on December 30 in the Texas Bowl at Reliant Stadium in Houston. Tickets are currently on sale through the Owls Athletics Ticket Office (713) 522-Owls, or on-line.
