In this article we will formulate a Texas State vs Rice prediction for this College Football game on Friday, January 2nd at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this matchup in bowl season.
Texas State Bobcats Betting Preview
The Texas State Bobcats are 6-6 (3-5) this season after they defeated South Alabama by a score of 49-26 in their last game. Texas State led 21-7 at halftime and 42-7 in the fourth quarter, but they did allow 19 points in the final quarter in the win. The Bobcats out gained South Alabama by a total of 544-362, went 5-10 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a total of 2-1 in the game. Brad Jackson went 20-26 for 281 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing 13 times for 113 yards and three scores. Chris Dawn Jr led the receivers with eight catches for 154 yards in the win.
Prior to that game, Texas State defeated UL-Monroe by a score of 31-14 and Southern Miss by a score of 41-14. The Bobcats have won three games in a row and they finished tied for fifth in the Sun Belt West standings. Texas State has scored 36.1 points per game with 255.3 passing yards and 220.5 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 30.6 points against per game this season. Brad Jackson has thrown for 3,050 yards, 18 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, while Lincoln Pare has rushed for 1,022 yards and 11 scores on 199 carries this season.
Rice Owls Betting Preview
The Rice Owls are 5-7 (2-6) this year after they lost to South Florida by a score of 52-3 in their last game. Rice trailed 28-3 at halftime and allowed 24 more points in the second half in the blowout loss. The Owls were out gained by a total of 553-257, went 4-13 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a total of 1-0 in the game. Chase Jenkins went 6-9 for 39 yards, while Drew Devillier went 3-9 for 65 yards. Tyvonn Byars led the rushing attack with 46 yards on six carries, while Aaron Turner caught seven passes for 99 yards in the loss.
Prior to that game, Rice lost to North Texas by a score of 56-24, but did beat UAB by a score of 24-17 before that. The Owls have lost three of their last four games and they finished tied for 11th in the American standings. Rice has scored 19.8 points per game with 97.9 passing yards and 213.3 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 32.3 points against per game this season. Chase Jenkins is the starting quarterback for Rice, but he is not playing in this one, which is a huge loss, while Quinton Jackson has rushed for 811 yards and six scores on 164 carries this year.
Why the Texas State Bobcats will win
- Texas State has won each of its last four games against opponents from the American Conference.
- Rice has lost each of its last four games at neutral venues.
- Rice has failed to cover the spread in each of its last six games as an underdog at neutral venues.
- The favorite has covered the spread in each of Rice’s last four games.
- Texas State has won the first quarter in three of its last four games against opponents from the American Conference.
- Texas State has won the first half in each of its last four games against opponents from the American Conference.
Why the Rice Owls will win
- Texas State has lost four of its last six games as a favorite.
- Rice has won three of its last four games against non-conference opponents.
- Texas State has failed to cover the spread in six of its last seven games as a favorite.
- The underdog has covered the spread in seven of Texas State’s last nine games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Rice’s last six games as an underdog in Texas have gone OVER the total points line.
- Four of Texas State’s last five games as a favorite have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Texas State has suffered the equal-most road losses by a margin of three points or less of any FBS team this season (3).
- Texas State ranks 5th among FBS teams for yards per game this season (475.8).
- Rice ranks 136th among FBS teams for red zone percentage against this season (100.0).
- Rice ranks 135th among FBS teams for passing yards per game this season (97.9).
Texas State vs Rice Prediction
Rice comes into this matchup with just a 5-7 record on the season, but they were able to make a bowl game with a few teams opting out. The Owls have allowed 34+ in four of their last five games and 52+ in each of their last two, so the defense is definitely a concern. Texas State has scored 39+ in three of their last four, but their defense has also struggled, allowing 42+ in two of their last five. I think Rice could have some issues moving the ball at times in this game, but Texas State should score 40+ here. Take the over in this contest.
David Racey is 182-149 (55%) in College Football this season and is one of the top College Football Handicappers on the site. Click here for his premium plays for the week!