Rice football preps for season opener against division rivals Western Kentucky

It's day one of regular season training for the Rice Owls football team. Head coach David Bailiff says he's feeling confident about the upcoming season, having 17 starting players returning this year.

In order to stay at the top of their game, the Owls treat every day as if it’s the most important game of the year, whether it’s practice or the playoffs. Senior running back Darik Dillard says their hard work even extends beyond the playing field.

Rice sees every team they face as a formidable opponent, but Coach Bailiff says there’s something special about their first regular season game, because it’s against division rivals, Western Kentucky.

Rice kicks off their season on the road against the Big Red in Bowling Green on September 1st.