Rice Owls (1-2) vs. Fresno State Bulldogs (2-1)
September 26, 2026 10:00 pm EDT
The Line: Fresno State Bulldogs -13.5 / Rice Owls +13.5; Over/Under: 44.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Rice Owls and the Fresno State Bulldogs meet in week 4 college football action from Valley Children’s Stadium on Saturday. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Rice Owls vs. Fresno State Bulldogs Prediction.
Rice Owls Recap
The Rice Owls come into this game looking to bounce back from a 28-21 loss at the hands of Western Michigan last time out to sit at 1-2 this season. After this game, Rice will head home for a game against UTSA.
Owls Drop Back-To-Back Games
Jacurri Brown has thrown for 203 yards, 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions on 61.1% passing while also leading Rice in rushing with 258 rushing yards and 1 touchdown so far this season. Tysonne Stewart sits behind Brown on the ground with 146 yards and 1 TD. Barry Jackson Jr. leads the Owls in receiving with 77 yards on 5 catches along with 1 touchdown, while Peyton Matthews trails with 31 yards on 2 catches. On defense, AJ Brown has a team-high 20 total tackles, Chibby Nwajagu leads the team with 2 sacks, and Jerrick Harper recorded 1 interception. Rice’s defense as a whole has combined for 5 sacks and 1 interception so far this season.
Fresno State Bulldogs Recap
The Fresno State Bulldogs come into this game looking to add on to their 26-10 win over San Jose State last time out to sit at 2-1 this season. After this game, Fresno State will head on the road for a game against Washington State.
Bulldogs Win Back-To-Back Games
Jayden Mandal has thrown for 579 yards, 3 touchdowns and 1 interception on 64.3% passing while Bryson Donelson leads Fresno State in rushing with 174 rushing yards and 0 touchdowns so far this season. Raychon Luke sits behind Donelson on the ground with 73 yards and 0 TDs. Josiah Freeman leads the Bulldogs in receiving with 195 yards on 12 catches along with 1 touchdown, while Ezekiel Avit trails with 101 yards on 5 catches along with 1 touchdown. On defense, K’vion Thunderbird has a team-high 23 total tackles, while Simeon Harris leads the team with 2 interceptions. Fresno State’s defense as a whole has combined for 7 sacks and 2 interceptions so far this season.
Rice Owls @ Fresno State Bulldogs Betting Trends: Week 4
Why the Fresno State Bulldogs will win
- Rice has lost each of its last 14 September games as a road underdog.
- Fresno State has won each of its last 11 September games as a favorite.
- The favorite has covered the spread in seven of Rice’s last eight games.
- Rice has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six games as an underdog.
- Fresno State has won the first quarter in six of its last seven home games in September.
- Rice has lost the first half in each of its last 10 games as an underdog.
Why the Rice Owls will win
- Rice has covered the spread in each of its last four September games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Total Points Facts
- Nine of Rice’s last 11 September road games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
- Four of Fresno State’s last five games at Valley Children’s Stadium have gone UNDER the total points line.
Fresno State Bulldogs Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 4, Ezekiel Avit ranks 6th amongst qualified players for Yards Per Reception (26.8) this season.
Rice Owls Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 4, Jacurri Brown ranks 2nd in the American Conference for rushing attempts (52) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Fresno State ranks T137th among FBS teams for Q1 points per game this season (0.0).
- Fresno State ranks T5th among FBS teams for interceptions this season (5).
- Rice ranks 137th among FBS teams for passing yards per game this season (73.3).
- Rice ranks T131st among FBS teams for average point differential in first quarters this season (-8.0).
Rice Owls vs. Fresno State Bulldogs Prediction
I’m on Rice and the points here. I think Fresno State wins, but I think Rice covers. The Owls’ option offense can be tricky to prepare for and with the limited possessions between two teams that like to run the football, a moving clock can make these double digit lines hard to consistently cover. I think Fresno State wins, but Rice covers, 28-17. Give me the Owls and the points.
