[9] Although they began the season with three losses, the Owls won their next six games before losing two of their final three; overall, according to FBSchedules.com, Rice had the 12th easiest schedule in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
[12][15] Wide receivers Aaron Peck, Greg Watson, and Delvon Hardaway, running back Josh Quezada, and tight end Chad Olsen also made contributions to the passing game.
[12] Right guard Cody Wichmann, who frequently drew comparisons to Logan Mankins, anchored the Bulldogs' offensive line, and was set to make his 50th consecutive start in the bowl game; he earned second team all-conference accolades.
[13][14] Outside linebacker Donavan Lewis, a senior mainstay of the defense, earned honorable mention all-conference recognition, and received accolade from teammates for always understanding his assignments and playing with heart.
[13][18] One game preview commented, "Fresno State's secondary wasn't always tested in a run-heavy Mountain West Conference, but they gave up 14 touchdowns against zero interceptions in their opening three-game stretch against Power Five opponents.
[25] Continuity was a prevalent theme in the Owls' secondary, in which three of four starters – cornerback Bryce Callahan and safeties Malcolm Hill and Julius White – joined linebacker James Radcliffe as the only defensive players in Rice history to start three bowls in their college careers.