Rice has always been known more for academics than athletics, but it combines a smart idea with sports by teaching foreign students about football.
International students account for nearly 20 percent of Rice's enrollment, so it's just good business to expand your fan base. Last year the Owls decided to have their football players conduct a clinic to give the international students a proper introduction to the game. It was a hit, and Rice just held its second annual event a week before Saturday's season opener at Texas.
The students sat through some strategy sessions, then hit the field at Rice Stadium to perform some drills.
But in addition teaching the X's and O's, the clinic organizers were also sharp enough to indoctrinate the students on a quintessentially American aspect of sports: Tailgating.
