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12/4/2008

Rice accepts invitation to Texas Bowl

FROM RICE ATHLETICS

The Rice Owls will finish one of the best seasons in school history in their own backyard.

	TOMMY LAVERGNE

For the second time in three seasons, the Rice football team is going bowling; the Owls accepted an invitation Dec. 3 to the Texas Bowl. It will be the first time that the Owls have played a bowl game in their hometown since 1961.

"I am thrilled that the Texas Bowl has invited the Rice Owls to play at home," Rice coach David Bailiff said. "It's an elite bowl, and our players are excited to represent our university and this city. It's also a great opportunity that gives local fans another chance to support the Owls."

The Texas Bowl will be played Dec. 30 at Houston’s Reliant Stadium before a national television audience on the NFL Network. Rice’s opponent hasn’t been determined.

Relying on a spread offense that ranks among the most prolific in the nation, the Owls won nine games for the first time since 1953. Rice closed the regular season with a thrilling win over crosstown rival Houston to finish second in Conference USA's West Division.

Rice ended a bowl drought that spanned four decades by participating in the 2006 New Orleans Bowl. With its trip to the Texas Bowl, Rice will be playing in a bowl game for the ninth time in school history.

For more information and to get tickets, visit http://riceowls.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/rice-08-texas-bowl-tickets.html.