Rice Owls (2-4) vs. Tulane Green Wave (4-2)
October 19, 2024 3:30 pm EDT
The Line: Tulane Green Wave -21.5 / Rice Owls +21.5; Over/Under: +53
(Get latest betting odds)
The Rice Owls and the Tulane Green Wave meet in week 8 college football action from Yulman Stadium on Saturday afternoon. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Tulane vs Rice Prediction.
Rice Team Preview
The Rice Owls come into this one looking to build on a 29-27 win over UTSA last time out to improve to 2-4 on the year. After this game, Rice will head to Connecticut for a matchup with the Huskies.
Owls Looking To Keep Momentum Going
E.J. Warner has thrown for 1,302 yards, 9 touchdowns and 6 interceptions on 61.8% passing while Dean Connors has rushed for a team-high 396 yards and 6 touchdowns and Taji Atkins has 158 rushing yards and 2 scores. Matt Sykes has 31 receptions for 378 yards and 3 touchdowns while Connors has a team-high 34 receptions for 248 yards this season. Two more Owls have 100+ receiving yards on the year. On defense, Sean Fresch has a team-high 31 total tackles while Josh Pearcy and Michael Larbie each have 3.5 sacks to lead the Owls. As a unit, Rice’s defense has combined for 20 sacks and 3 interceptions so far this season.
Why the Rice Owls will win
- Rice has won four of its last five October games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Rice has covered the spread in each of its last six October games as an underdog.
Tulane Team Preview
The Tulane Green Wave come into this one looking to build on their three-game win streak prior to their bye week after ending up with a 71-20 win over UAB last time out. After this game, Tulane will head out on the road for a matchup against North Texas.
Green Wave Looking To Inch Closer To Bowl Eligibility
Darian Mensah has thrown for 1,256 yards, 10 touchdowns and 2 interceptions on 66.1% passing while Makhi Hughes has a team-high 604 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns. Mario Williams leads the Green Wave’s receiving group with 23 grabs for 414 yards while Dontae Fleming has 17 grabs for 304 yards. Yulkeith Brown and Alex Bauman each have 3 receiving TDs as well on the year. On defense, Tyler Grubbs has a team-high 29 total tackles including 18 solo tackles and 3 sacks while Patrick Jenkins also has 3 sacks. Tulane’s defense as a whole has combined for 17 sacks and 7 interceptions so far this year.
Why the Tulane Green Wave will win
- Tulane has won each of its last 12 games against non-AP-ranked teams at Yulman Stadium.
- Rice has lost three of its last four games.
- Tulane has covered the spread in each of its last six games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Rice has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
Tulane vs Rice Prediction
I’m leaning towards Tulane here. I get that this is a huge number, but Rice hasn’t shown me much when taking the step-up in competition for me to think they can keep this game close. Tulane’s been able to run over their opposition the last couple of weeks, and Rice’s rush defense hasn’t been anything special this season. I think Tulane wins this one 45-17, so give me the Green Wave.
