Rice will travel to Boca Raton and take on Florida Atlantic for a battle of Owls and some Conference USA action. The two nocturnal schools have faced off three times since becoming CUSA foes, with Rice leading the all-time series 2-1.
Rice is 3-2 after defeating UAB in Week 5. Rice got back in the win column after falling to crosstown rival Houston with a big second half, outscoring UAB 21-7 after the break. The Owls are averaging 30.8 points per game, while passing for 230.6 yards per game (144th) and rushing for 139.2 ypg (161st) . The Rice defense gives up 31.2 points per game.
TJ McMahon has played very well after a rough start versus USC. McMahon, the son of former BYU and Bears QB Jim McMahon, tossed seven touchdowns in the first two wins, and he almost led RIce to their first win over Houston in ages. McMahon has thrown for 1,080 passing yards with nine touchdowns to seven interceptions. Ari Broussard hasn’t found much room to run, but he’s scored twice in back-to-back games and leads Conference USA with eight touchdowns. Luke McCaffrey, son of NFL great Ed McCaffrey, has been steady outside for the Owls, and he leads the team with 31 catches for 361 receiving yards.
Florida Atlantic is 2-4 after losing to North Texas in Week 5. FAU couldn’t stop the Mean Green on the ground, and were gashed for 300 yards rushing. The Owls are averaging 31.8 points per game, while passing for 254.3 yards per game (93rd) and rushing for 202.2 ypg (43rd). The FAU defense gives up 29.3 points per game.
N’Kosi Perry has provided a few glimpses of brightness this season. The former Mami QB got off to a strong start, tossing a career-high five touchdowns against Ohio, and passing for three scores on the road versus Purdue. Perry has passed for 1,512 yards with 15 touchdowns to five interceptions through six starts. Junior back Larry McCammon III leads FAU in rushing with 512 yards. LaJohntay Wester has been a true difference maker on the outside, scoring in each of the past five games. The sophomore wideout scored three times in the loss to Purdue, and caught ten passes last weekend against North Texas. Wester leads FAU in receptions (39) and receiving yards (442).
Rice is 4-1 against the spread this season, with a 1-1 record on the road. The over is 14-3 in the Owls last 17 games overall. Florida Atlantic is 2-4 ATS this season, with an 0-3 record at home. Owls are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games overall.
Aw, if only Temple could join the party with these groups of Owls this weekend. Irony is always nice, especially in sports, and this should be a sneaky good matchup on Saturday evening. It’s hard to ignore what Rice has been able to do since Week 1, as they’ve gone out and executed, even nearly upsetting Houston on the road. FAU has been competent, but they haven’t been able to finish and a return to Miami may do them justice.
Conference USA looks like the modern day MAC with a lot of their matchups being shootouts early, and with both offenses producing and no sign of rain in sight, these schools can hit this magic number. Take the over for this Battle of Owls.
AUTHOR: Corey Ghee
Mitch's Take...
