UTSA Roadrunners (6-3) vs Rice Owls (4-5)
Game Info: Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 7:30 pm (Alamodome)
Betting Odds: UTSA Roadrunners -14.5 -- Over/Under: 58.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Rice Owls will play the UTSA Roadrunners in an AAC game on Saturday night at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. Rice has lost two games in a row, while UTSA is undefeated in conference play.
Rice Preview
The Rice Owls are 4-5 (2-3) this year after they lost to SMU by a score of 36-31 in their last game. Rice led 7-0 in the first quarter, but they trailed 24-21 at the half. Rice drew within two points in the fourth quarter, but that was as close as they could get. The Owls were out gained by a total of 477-290 and turned the ball over three times in the loss. Rice also lost to Tulane by a score of 30-28 in their previous game. The Rice offense is scoring 33 points per game with 288.2 passing yards per game and 94.8 rushing yards per game, while going 41.4% on third downs. JT Daniels is doubtful for this game with a concussion, so it looks like Chase Jenkins will be under center for this game. Dean Connors has rushed for 414 yards and five scores, while Luke McCaffrey has caught 45 passes for 700 yards and nine touchdowns. The Rice defense is allowing 28.7 points against per game this season.
UTSA Preview
The UTSA Roadrunners are 6-3 (5-0) this season after they defeated North Texas by a score of 37-29 last week. UTSA led 27-13 at halftime, but almost allowed North Texas to come back in the fourth quarter. The Roadrunners were out gained by a total of 459-421 and forced three turnovers in the win. UTSA is undefeated in AAC play, but they have lost to Houston, Army, and Tennessee. The UTSA offense is scoring 31.2 points per game with 244.2 passing yards per game and 166.4 rushing yards per game, while going 48.1% on third downs. Frank Harris has thrown for 1,722 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions for the Roadrunners this year. Kevorian Barnes has rushed for 606 yards and six scores, while Joshua Cephus has caught 62 passes for 750 yards and seven touchdowns. The UTSA defense is giving up 25.8 points against per game this year.
UTSA Roadrunners Team Facts
- UTSA has won each of its last 16 games against conference opponents at Alamodome.
- The underdog has covered the spread in 11 of UTSA's last 14 games at Alamodome.
- UTSA has won the first half in nine of its last 10 games against conference opponents.
- Five of the last six games between Rice and UTSA have gone UNDER the total points line.
Rice Owls Team Facts
- Rice has lost each of its last five November road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- The underdog has covered the spread in each of Rice's last four games.
- Six of Rice's last eight games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
Pick
Rice has a below average record, but they have played well against SMU and Tulane in their last two weeks. The Owls will be facing an uphill battle in this game, as they are expected to be without their starting quarterback. UTSA has yet to lose a conference game, but they did look a little shaky in their last game against North Texas. The Roadrunners have scored 36+ points in five straight games, while Rice has allowed 66 points in their last two games. Take UTSA to pour it on here against a Rice team missing their best player.
David’s Pick UTSA -14.5
AUTHOR: David Racey
Mitch's Take...
