Quarterback Taylor McHargue and running back Charles Ross combined for more than 1,700 rushing yards for last year’s Rice team. McHargue also was a better passer than current QB Driphus Jackson. Considering the Owls rode the running game to a C-USA championship, it’s a lot to replace.

Considering Texas A&M gave up 31 points to Rice a season ago, and the Aggies’ offense looks fine right now, those in attendance at Kyle Field will be most interested in gauging whether the home team’s defense has improved. But most of the Owls’ best players are defensive guys.

1. WR Jordan Taylor: Aggies fans should hope that Taylor is on the field, not on the sideline. A foot injury has kept Taylor out for several weeks. The 6-foot-5, 210-pound senior probably is the Owls’ best player. He caught seven passes against A&M last year, and his 112 receptions and 1,674 receiving yards the last two seasons are even more impressive considering how often Rice runs the football. But Texas A&M won’t get better on defense without going against good competition.

2. OT Caleb Williams: A first-team All-C-USA candidate at right tackle, Williams, a 6-foot-3, 290-pound road grader, is the key to this offensive line, considering Rice had to replace three starters.

3. DT Christian Covington: On the preseason watch list for four different national awards, Covington made 11.5 tackles for loss and four sacks last season anchoring the middle of the Rice defense. The All-American candidate doesn’t have much help up front, but watching him against a great Texas A&M offensive line will be fun.

4. CB Bryce Callahan: He has 11 career interceptions and also returns punts for the Owls. He followed a freshman All-American season with a second-team All-C-USA performance in 2013.

5. S Julius White: A preseason second-team All-C-USA pick by Phil Steele, White made 67 tackles and two interceptions in 2013. Notre Dame made him look silly a time or two earlier this season, and Rice needs White to put together a whale of a game against Texas A&M.