Rice Owls (2-1) vs. Charlotte 49ers (1-2)
September 18, 2025 7:30 pm EDT
The Line: Charlotte 49ers 2.5 / Rice Owls -2.5; Over/Under: 44.5
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In this article we will formulate a Charlotte vs Rice prediction for this College Football game on Thursday, September 18th at Jerry Richardson Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week 4 matchup.
Charlotte 49ers Betting Preview
The Charlotte 49ers are 1-2 (0-0) this season after they defeated Monmouth by a score of 42-35 last week. Charlotte trailed 7-0 after the first quarter and 14-7 at halftime, but they scored 35 points in the second half to sneak away with the victory. The 49ers out gained Monmouth by a total of 563-458, went 8-12 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a margin of 3-0 in the game. Conner Harrell went 26-30 for 382 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, while Rod Gainey Jr rushed 15 times for 74 yards and one score. E. Jai Mason caught 10 passes for 228 yards and two touchdowns to lead the receivers. The Charlotte defense recorded four sacks and six tackles for loss in the game.
Charlotte lost to Appalachian State by a score of 34-11 in week one and North Carolina by a score of 20-3 in week two. The 49ers are averaging 18.7 points per game with 258.0 passing yards and 92.7 rushing yards per game, while they are allowing 29.7 points against per game this season. Connor Harrell has completed 67.5% of his passes for 664 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions, while E. Jai Mason has caught 16 passes for 284 yards and three scores. CJ Stokes has led the rushing attack with 96 yards on 32 carries this season.
Rice Owls Betting Preview
The Rice Owls are 2-1 (0-0) this year after they defeated Prairie View A&M by a score of 38-17 in their last game. Rice was tied at seven after the first quarter, but they led 24-7 at halftime and added 14 points in the second half to secure the win. The Owls out gained PV by a total of 461-251, went 6-14 on third downs, and tied the turnover battle at zero. Chase Jenkins went 10-16 for 87 yards and one touchdown, while also rushing for 124 yards and one touchdown. Aaron Turner rushed five times for 68 yards and one score, while Landon Ransom-Goelz caught three passes for 46 yards and one touchdown in the game. The Rice defense recorded two sacks and seven tackles for loss in the win.
Rice started the season with a 14-12 win over Louisiana in week one, but lost to Houston by a score of 35-9 in week two. The Owls are averaging 24.3 points per game with 70.0 passing yards and 243.3 rushing yards per game, while they are allowing 21.3 points against per game this season. Chase Jenkins has completed 73% of his passes for 182 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while Drayden Dickmann has caught 11 passes for 84 yards. Quinton Jackson is the leading rusher with 213 yards and two scores on 46 carries this season.
Why Rice will beat Charlotte
- The road team has won four of the last five games between Rice and Charlotte.
- Charlotte has lost eight of its last nine September games as an underdog.
- Charlotte has failed to cover the spread in six of its last seven home games in September.
- Rice has covered the spread in five of its last six games against conference opponents.
- Charlotte has lost the first half in four of its last five home games against conference opponents.
- Rice has won the first quarter in three of its last four games against conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Eight of Rice’s last nine September road games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of Charlotte’s last four games as an underdog have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Charlotte ranks 135th among FBS teams for H1 points per game this season (4.3).
- Charlotte ranks 135th among FBS teams for passing yards allowed per game this season (323.0).
- Rice ranks 135th among FBS teams for passing yards per game this season (70.0).
- Rice ranks 9th among FBS teams for time of possession per game this season (35:11).
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Charlotte vs Rice Prediction
Both of these teams have had some mixed results in their first three games, but they will look to start conference play 1-0 with a win here. Rice will be on the road for this matchup, but they have one of the best rushing attacks in the country. The Owls don’t pass the ball very much, but the rushing attack and defensive unit is pretty solid. Charlotte has really struggled to move the ball against FBS opponents this year and barely got by Monmouth in their last game. Take Rice to get the win here.
