Western Michigan Broncos (1-1) vs. Rice Owls (1-1)
September 19, 2026 7:00 pm EDT
The Line: Rice Owls 270 / Western Michigan Broncos -340; Over/Under: 43.5
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article we will formulate a Rice vs Western Michigan prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, September 19th at Rice Stadium in Houston, Texas. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this Week 3 matchup.
Rice Owls Betting Preview
The Rice Owls are 1-1 this season after they lost to Notre Dame by a score of 52-0 last week. Rice trailed 42-0 at halftime and never got anything going on offense in the shutout loss. The Owls were out gained by a total of 478-128, went 2-12 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a total of 4-0 in the game. Jacurri Brown threw for 64 yards, while Barry Jackson caught one pass for 30 yards. Brown also led the rushing attack with 32 yards on 16 carries in the loss.
Prior to that game, Rice defeated Houston Christian by a score of 31-3 in their first game. The Owls have scored 15.5 points per game with 49.5 passing yards and 261.0 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 27.5 points against per game this season. Jacurri Brown has thrown for 82 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions, while also rushing for 130 yards on 29 carries this season.
Western Michigan Broncos Betting Preview
The Western Michigan Broncos are 1-1 this year after they defeated Monmouth by a score of 49-14 last week. Western Michigan led 21-0 at halftime and they added 28 points in the second half in the blowout win. The Broncos were out gained by a total of 431-414, went 4-9 on third downs, and won the turnover battle by a total of 2-0 in the game. Broc Lowry threw for 212 yards and three touchdowns, while Aveion Chenault caught four passes for 101 yards. Lowry also rushed four times for 40 yards in the game.
Prior to that win, Western Michigan lost to Michigan by a score of 13-12, which was a highly controversial finish. The Broncos have scored 30.5 points per game with 177.5 passing yards and 140.0 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 13.5 points against per game this season. Broc Lowry has thrown for 301 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions, while Aveion Chenault has 10 receptions for 154 yards this year. Jalen Buckley has rushed 29 times for 90 yards and three scores this year.
Why the Rice Owls will win
- Western Michigan has lost each of its last 11 road games against non-conference opponents.
- Rice has won nine of its last 11 home games in September.
- Rice has covered the spread in each of its last three home games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Western Michigan has failed to cover the spread in six of its last eight road games in September.
- Western Michigan has lost the first half in each of its last 11 road games against non-conference opponents.
Why the Western Michigan Broncos will win
- Western Michigan has won each of its last 19 September games as a favorite.
- Rice has lost four of its last five games.
- The favorite has covered the spread in each of Rice’s last seven games.
- Rice has failed to cover the spread in each of its last five games as an underdog.
- Rice has lost the first half in each of its last nine games as an underdog.
- Western Michigan has won the first quarter in each of its last three games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Rice’s last five games as a home underdog have gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of Western Michigan’s last five September games as a favorite have gone OVER the total points line.
Rice Owls Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 3, Charlie Durkin ranks 19th amongst qualified players for gross average yards per punt (47.0) this season.
Western Michigan Broncos Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 3, Jalen Buckley ranks T11th amongst FBS players for rushing touchdowns (3) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Rice ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q4 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
- Rice ranks 138th among FBS teams for passing yards per game this season (49.5).
- Western Michigan ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q2 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
- One of Western Michigan’s two games this season have been decided by a margin of three points or less – equal-most amongst FBS teams.
Rice vs Western Michigan Prediction
Western Michigan bounced back from that heartbreaking loss to Michigan in week one with an easy win against a FCS team in week two, but they allowed way too many yards in that win. The Broncos did look better on offense in week two, but they need more rushing yards from Buckley. Rice lost by 52 points to ND last week and they have zero passing game. I think this Western Michigan defense is going to dominate this game, while their running game will really take over in the second half. Take the Broncos here.
