Rice Owls (2-5) vs. UCONN Huskies (4-3)
October 26, 2024 3:30 pm EDT
The Line: UCONN Huskies -6.5 / Rice Owls +6.5; Over/Under: +46.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Rice Owls and UConn Huskies meet Saturday in week 9 college football action at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Here’s a UConn vs Rice Prediction. This article will include a UConn vs Rice Pick.
Rice Owls Betting Preview
The Rice Owls lost to Tulane, beat UTSA, and will play Navy next. The Rice Owls have lost 6 of their last 8 road games. E.J. Warner is completing 60.8 percent of his passes for 1,573 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. Matt Sykes and Dean Connors have combined for 734 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns, while Kobie Campbell has 21 receptions.
The Rice Owls ground game is averaging 116.6 yards per contest, and Connors leads the way with 472 yards and 6 touchdowns. Defensively, Rice is allowing 26.1 points and 326.4 yards per game. Ty Morris leads the Rice Owls with 36 tackles, Michael Larbie has 3.5 sacks and Tyson Flowers has 1 interception.
UConn Huskies Betting Preview
The UConn Huskies beat Temple, lost to Wake Forest, and they play Georgia State next. The UConn Huskies have won 5 of their last 6 home games. Joe Fagnano is completing 58.2 percent of his passes for 999 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. Skyler Bell and TJ Sheffield have combined for 846 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns, while Jasaiah Gathings has 18 receptions.
The UConn Huskies ground game is averaging 194.6 yards per contest, and Durell Robinson leads the way with 433 yards and 4 touchdowns. Defensively, UConn is allowing 21.9 points and 326.6 yards per game. Jayden McDonald leads the UConn Huskies with 63 tackles, Langston Hardy has 2 sacks and Malik Dixon-Williams has 1 interception.
Why the Connecticut Huskies will win
- The favorite has won each of Connecticut’s last nine games at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field.
- Rice has lost each of its last four games against opponents from the FBS Independents.
- The favorite has covered the spread in six of Connecticut’s last seven games at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field.
- Rice has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five games against non-conference opponents.
- Connecticut has won the first quarter in five of its last six home games against non-conference opponents.
- Connecticut has won the first half in seven of its last eight home games against non-conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Eight of Connecticut’s last nine October games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Five of Rice’s last six road games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Connecticut ranks 19th among FBS teams for Q3 points per game this season (9.4).
- Connecticut ranks 22nd among FBS teams for average point differential in third quarters this season (+4.7).
- Rice ranks 131st among FBS teams for Q1 points per game this season (2.0).
- Rice ranks T129th among FBS teams for red zone percentage this season (66.7).
UConn vs Rice Prediction
The Rice Owls are a below-average team on both sides of the ball, and their defense that’s 82nd in scoring won’t bode well on the road. UCONN has a top-40 rushing attack and a top-40 scoring offense. This should be an offensive explosion for the home team. The UCONN Huskies are good, and they should be eager to rebound after a frustrating result against Wake Forest. UCONN has covered 7 of its last 9 games when a favorite of 5 or more points. Give me the Huskies by double digits at home.
