HOUSTON (AP) - The Rice Owls have won as many games across their last three seasons - 10 - as they did in their historic 2008 campaign.

But coach David Bailiff sees at least some glimmers of hope for 2012, his sixth season leading the Owls.

The Owls have been through three offensive coordinators in four years, but John Reagan is back for a second straight season. So is quarterback Taylor McHargue, who completed 100 of 174 passes with eight touchdowns and five interceptions in 2011.

Tight ends Vance McDonald and Luke Willson, the top two receivers last year, are also back, along with versatile Sam McGuffie, a Michigan transfer.

Rice had one of the worst defenses in the country last season and Bailiff says the unit will have more speed this year.