LA Tech Bulldogs (2-4) vs Rice Owls (3-3)
Game Info: Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 3:00 pm (Joe Aillet Stadium)
Betting Odds: LA Tech Bulldogs +1 -- Over/Under: 61.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Rice will travel to Ruston and take on Louisiana Tech this weekend in Conference USA action.
Rice is 3-3 after falling to Florida Atlantic in Week 6. Rice jumped out to a 14-point lead in the battle of the Owls, but FAU would control the next three quarters and pick up the 17-14 win. The Owls are averaging 28.4 points per game, while passing for 225.6 yards per game (155th) and rushing for 126.2 ypg (191st) . 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 great 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 1,277 passing yards with ten touchdowns to ten interceptions.
Ari Broussard hasn’t found much room to run, but he’s scored in each game this season and leads Conference USA with nine touchdowns. Luke McCaffrey, son of NFL great Ed McCaffrey, has been steady outside for the Owls, and he leads the team with 33 catches for 384 receiving yards.
Louisiana Tech is 2-4 after losing to North Texas in Week 7. The Bulldogs couldn’t keep up with the Mean Green down the stretch, being out scored 20-7 in the second half. Louisiana Tech scores 29.7 points per game, while passing for 300.7 yards per game (29th), and rushing for 94.2 ypg (255th). The Bulldog defense allows 38.8 points per game.
Parker McNeil transferred over from Troy and earned the starting quarterback slot. The senior quarterback tossed four touchdowns in the win over UTEP, and he went for a career-high 424 yards last weekend against North Texas. He should fare well versus Rice here at home, and he’s up to 1,591 passing yards with 18 touchdowns to seven interceptions.
Louisiana Tech prefers to air it out, but true freshman Marquis Crosby has capitalized on his opportunities, earning 5.4 ypg and rushing for 369 yards. The Bulldogs are juiced by a pair of Harris’ at receiver. Tre Harris has posted back-to-back season highs, and he now leads the team in receptions (31) and receiving yards (505). Smoke Harris went off for 156 yards versus UNT, and he’s now up to 30 catches and 361 yards.
Rice is 3-3 against the spread this season, with a 1-2 record on the road. Louisiana Tech is 3-3 ATS this season, with a 2-0 record at home. The over is 4-2 in the last 6 meetings.
This feels like a good spot to roll with the home underdogs in. Rice has been competitive this season, but they can’t seem to cross the finish line. Louisiana Tech has been the sharper team this season, and their pass attack should thrive versus Rice. The Bulldogs will be celebrating homecoming, and that should provide the extra bit of energy and effort they need to outscore Rice here. Take Louisiana Tech’s ML Saturday.