Rice Owls (2-2) vs UAB Blazers (4-3)
Game Info: Saturday, December 12, 2020 at 1:00 pm (Rice Stadium)
Betting Odds: Rice Owls +7 -- Over/Under: 43.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: ESPN3 Stream live sports and exclusive originals on ESPN+. Sign up now! 
The UAB Blazers will travel to Rice Stadium to take on the Rice Owls this Saturday afternoon in College Football action.
The UAB Blazers are hoping to get back on the field this week as UAB has had their last four games cancelled due to Covid-19 and come into this game with an overall record of 4-3 after being defeated by the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, 37-34 in 2OT, on October 31st. UAB looked like they had the game under control after holding a 31-17 lead entering the 4th quarter, however, allowed the Bulldogs to fight back to force OT and then fumbled to start off the 2nd OT which allowed Louisiana Tech to kick a 35-yard game-winning FG. UAB outgained Louisiana Tech by a 485-381 margin, however, lost the turnover battle by a 3-1 margin in the loss. Leading the way for the Blazers was RB Spencer Brown who had 140 yards & 2 TD’s on 29 carries.
On the season, UAB is averaging 30.4 ppg on 398.6 total yards per game (191.9 passing yds/g; 206.7 rushing yds/g). Offensively, UAB has been led by the backfield duo of Spencer Brown (156 att, 740 yards, 10 TD) and DeWayne McBride (39 att, 396 yards, 4 TD). UAB has used two QB’s this season in Bryson Lucero (54.1 Comp %, 969 yards, 7 TD, 8 INT) and Tyler Johnston III (63.2 Comp %, 374 yards, 3 TD, & 1 INT). The top receiving threats for the Blazers have been Austin Watkins Jr. (34 rec, 468 yards, 2 TD), Myron Mitchell (26 rec, 360 yards, 2 TD), Hayden Pittman (15 rec, 168 yards), and Gerrit Prince (9 rec, 102 yards, 4 TD).
Defensively, UAB is holding their opponents to an average of 23.4 ppg on 328.6 total yards (179.3 passing yds/g; 149.3 rushing yds/g).
The Rice Owls improved to 2-2 on the season after upsetting the 20th ranked Marshall Thundering Herd, 20-0, this past Saturday. Rice was lights out on the defensive end against Marshall and had no trouble securing the victory after a 36-yard pick-six by Naeem Smith gave the Owls a 20-0 lead with 7:50 left in the 3rd quarter. Rice was outgained by Marshall by a 245-213 margin, however, won the turnover battle by a 5-1 margin in the victory. Leading the way for the Rice was LB Treshawn Chamberlain who had 8 total tackles, 0.5 sacks, and an INT.
On the season, Rice is averaging 25.3 ppg on 356.5 total yards per game (222.0 passing yds/g; 134.5 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Rice has been led by Mike Collins (61.6 Comp %, 802 yards, 10 TD, 1 INT) who missed last weeks game due to an undisclosed injury and was replaced by JoVoni Johnson who went 10 for 14 for 86 yards. The top receiving threats for the Owls have been Austin Trammell (16 rec, 335 yards, 6 TD), Jake Bailey (16 rec, 204 yards, 2 TD), and Jordan Myers (15 rec, 147 yards). Trammell also missed last weeks game and is questionable this week. Leading the way for the Owls backfield has been the duo of Juma Otoviano (45 att, 195 yards) and Juma Otoviano (45 att, 195 yards).
Defensively, Rice is holding their opponents to an average of 18.3 ppg on 338.5 total yards per game (196.8 passing yds/g; 141.8 rushing yds/g).
The Blazers are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 games following a straight up loss, however, are just 2-5 ATS in their last 7 road games. The Owls are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall, however, are 6-13-1 ATS in their last 20 home games.
This line has yet to be released as we’re still waiting to confirm that status of both Mike Collins & Austin Trammell of the Owls. Rice was impressive in their victory against Marshall last week, especially on the defensive end, however, it’s hard to expect the Owls to be able to slow down a Blazers offense that comes in with the 26th ranked rushing offense.
It’s going to be hard to guess where this line is with UAB not playing since October and Rice missing their best offense players, however, as I think the public will be more on Rice after their shocking upset of Marshall, I think the line will be more in UAB favor than it should be and I’m initially taking UAB to cover about a 5-7 points spread. Please check back later when the line has been released.
UPDATE (12/10/20 - 6:18PM) - The status of both A. Trammell & M. Collins for Rice is still questionable, but as the line has already dropped by 2 points with the early action on Rice, I'm sticking my initial thoughts and taking UAB to cover here. I'll probably wait until I put something on this one to see if it can down below a TD. Good Luck!
Brett’s Pick UAB Blazers -7
AUTHOR: Brett Nault
Mitch's Take...
