Rice Owls (4-3) vs Tulane Green Wave (6-1)
Game Info: Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 4:00 pm (Rice Stadium)
Betting Odds: Rice Owls +10.5 -- Over/Under: 53.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Tulane Green Wave will play the Rice Owls in an AAC game on Saturday afternoon at Rice Stadium in Houston, Texas. Tulane is undefeated in conference play and they are ranked #22, while Rice has alternated wins and losses over their last five games.
Tulane Preview
The Tulane Green Wave are 6-1 (3-0) this season after they defeated North Texas by a score of 35-28 in their last game. Tulane led 21-0 at the half, but they were tied at 28 in the fourth quarter, before they scored the game-winning touchdown with about three minutes left. The Green Wave out gained North Texas by a total of 439-426, but they did turn the ball over twice. Tulane has won five games in a row and their only loss came against Ole Miss at home. The Tulane offense is scoring 30.6 points per game with 229.4 passing yards per game and 169.1 rushing yards per game, while going 44.6% on third downs. Michael Pratt has thrown for 1,121 yards, 12 touchdowns, and two interceptions for the Green Wave this season. Makhi Hughes has rushed for 619 yards and five scores, while Lawrence Keys III has caught 27 passes for 494 yards and six touchdowns. The Tulane defense is allowing 19.4 points against per game this season.
Rice Preview
The Rice Owls are 4-3 (2-1) this year after they defeated Tulsa by a score of 42-10 in their last game. Rice led 21-10 at halftime and was able to pitch a shutout in the second half for the win. The Owls out gained Tulsa by a total of 512-294 and forced three turnovers in the game. Rice has played very inconsistently this season, as they defeated Houston, but also lost to UConn. The Rice offense is averaging 34 points per game with 319.9 passing yards per game and 92.4 rushing yards per game, while going 44.4% on third downs. JT Daniels has thrown for 2,173 yards, 17 touchdowns, and five interceptions for the Owls this season. Dean Connors has rushed for 300 yards and four scores, while Luke McCaffrey has caught 36 passes for 613 yards and seven touchdowns. The Rice defense is giving up 27.4 points against per game this year.
Rice Owls Team Facts
- Rice has lost 15 of its last 16 matches when playing with a rest advantage.
- Rice has failed to cover the spread in six of its last seven matches when playing with a rest advantage.
- Ten of Rice's last 12 games at Rice Stadium have gone OVER the total points line.
Tulane Green Wave Team Facts
- Tulane has won each of its last 12 games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Tulane has covered the spread in each of its last seven road games against conference opponents.
- Tulane has won the first quarter in eight of its last nine games against conference opponents.
- Eight of Tulane's last nine road games in October have gone OVER the total points line.
Pick
Tulane looks to continue their great season with another win here, but they will face a Rice team that has the ability to play very good football. The Owls throw for over 400 yards per game, which is the weaker side of the Tulane defense. Tulane has more balance in their offensive attack and they have scored at least 31 points in four straight games. The Green Wave are one of the best Group of Five teams this season, but I think they are going to struggle with Rice here. JT Daniels can really sling the ball around and I think the passing attack is enough to keep this game close. Take Rice with the points.
David’s Pick Rice +10.5
AUTHOR: David Racey
Mitch's Take...
