Rice one of the best college baseball teams in the nation has decided to play fall baseball games and it is paying off wonderfully. Teams are starting to begin games in fall instead of the 56 games that they play in the spring it would cut down that number to 52 making it easier on the players. Rice Coach Wayne Graham said, “Texas and us both are in the same position they took three weeks at least out of the schedule, and we both have to take nine days off for finals. Anyone who says playing 56 games in that short a time doesn't put stress on their academics, they don't have any academics. It's no good to play 56 games for us, in fact we probably ought to cut down to 50. But 52, we'll manage. Intra-squading yourselves for five weeks, it's hard to keep them motivated.” This is a very good point because playing that many games straight would put a huge strain on academics.

Rice has played two 14-innning exhibition games against the Texas Longhorns and have came out on top of each by the score of 13-6 each game. Freshman Anthony Rendon and Brock Holt are ready for the real thing said coach Graham. The feeble holt has been hitting the balls repeatedly and been fielding like a pro says Graham and Rendon has been doing a great job at third and may have the position if he keeps up his excellent fielding.

Jimmy Comerota, who played second last year, is going to take over first although he may be switching it up with the freshman later on down the road. He has been hitting the weight room during the offseason because he is much bigger and stronger and during the exhibition games has been hitting the ball in the gaps.

Junior Diego Seastrunk has been moved to catcher and will more than likely stay there the entire season. “There is no tool missing from his catching arsenal,” Graham said. “His hands behind the plate are excellent, he's just got to keep working on his blocking skills, because he can throw, there's no doubt about that.” With his strong arm it will be extremely hard for anyone to steal on him.

The pitching on the other hand is a little shaky because of the loss of seniors from last year. Ace Ryan Berry has improved substantially this season by improving his changeup and with his fierce curve and fastball he will be a force to be reckoned with. Graham has been saying that his team will rely on freshman lefty Taylor Wall who has a ferocious three pitch mix that can fool any hitter. Anthony Fazio will also be relied on and lefty Matt Evers will fill Cole St. Clair’s vacated spot as closer for the Owls.

The Rice Owls have a good chance of making it to the College World Series this year and leaving their mark on every team they play. They have a good lineup and a developing bullpen that could leave hitters wondering what just happened. Their defense is probably their strongest point because of their speed and exceptionally good freshman.