DALLAS –This past Saturday the Rice Owls went to No. 15 Marshall and posted a 20-0 shutout, beating a nationally-ranked team for the first time since 1997. That notable win has Rice claiming the Reveal Suits National Team of the Week honor for games of the weekend of Dec. 5, as selected by the Football Writers Association of America.  The Owls are sharing the honor with Coastal Carolina, which preserved its undefeated season with a tackle at the one-yard line on the final play of a 22-17 win over No. 8 BYU.
 
Rice's defense posted its shutout thanks to five interceptions as the Owls held Marshall's high-scoring offense to just 245 total yards, more than 200 yards below its season average. The Owls picked off passes on three straight Marshall possessions to start the second half, one of which senior safety Naeem Smith returned 36 yards for a touchdown to close Rice's scoring. The Owls have not been scored upon in the first quarter in their four games this season. Senior LB Blaze Alldredge (10 tackles, one interception, one PBU) was named C-USA Defensive Player of the week for his efforts.
 
The shutout was Owls' first since 1995, their first win over a ranked opponent on the road since 1991, their first shutout against a conference opponent since 1973. In addition, it was the first shutout over a ranked opponent and first shutout against a ranked opponent on the road since separate games in 1960. Marshall had never been shut out at Joan C. Edwards Stadium prior to last Saturday.
 
This is the second time this season and the fourth time in the past three years that C-USA has earned a National Team of the Week honor from the FWAA.  Marshall won it on Nov. 16 after its win over Middle Tennessee on the 50th anniversary of the tragic plane crash that claimed 75 lives, including most of its football team.  FIU won it last November following a victory over crosstown rival Miami and Old Dominion was named in September, 2018 following its upset win over nationally-ranked Virginia Tech.
 
Reveal Suits provides upscale, signature branded merchandise to business professionals, celebrities, sports organizations, and a host of clientele who desire to stand out among their peers. They offer 35 measurement and suit style options, so you truly have the freedom to build your suit just for you. For more information about Reveal Suits, visit revealsuits.com.
 
Founded in 1941, the Football Writers Association of America consists of 1,200 men and women who cover college football. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters and publicists, as well as key executives in all the areas that involve the game. The FWAA works to govern areas that include game-day operations, major awards and its annual All-America team.