ODU is susceptible to a letdown off first conference win, a wild one, in deceptive fashion over Rice. But Rice was missing a handful of starters on defense and whose quarterback played the second half with a separated shoulder.

The Monarchs have only two FBS recruiting classes as they face an entire schedule of programs with more depth, experience and history as they just moved up for FCS and play on a short week.

The Monarchs defense continues to have problems, particularly in the second half, against established FBS opponents. Rice scored touchdowns on its last four possessions, erasing a 21-point deficit to tie the game at 42 before salvaging heroics. The Owls converted 6 of 8 times on third and fourth downs on those last four drives and 12 of 18 for the game. Did I mention the lack of depth and the short week?

Two weeks before that N.C. State scored touchdowns on five consecutive possessions, bridging the first and second halves, to erase an 11-point deficit in an eventual 46-34 win.