Rice Owls (6-6) vs Texas State Bobcats (7-5)
Game Info: Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at 5:30 pm (Gerald J. Ford Stadium)
Betting Odds: Rice Owls +3.5 -- Over/Under: 59.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Texas State Bobcats will play the Rice Owls on Tuesday evening in the First Responder Bowl at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, Texas. Texas State has lost two of their last three games, while Rice comes into this game on a two game winning streak. Let’s take a look at the betting matchup and the Texas State vs Rice prediction.
Texas State Preview
The Texas State Bobcats are 7-5 (4-4) this season and they finished tied for second in the Sun Belt West standings. Texas State started the season with a 4-1 record, but lost four of their next six games. The Bobcats bounced back with a win over South Alabama in the last game of the season to finish with a 7-5 record. Texas State has allowed 44, 77, 31, 24, and 31 points in their last five games. The Texas State offense is scoring 36 points per game with 280.8 passing yards per game and 190.9 rushing yards per game. TJ Finley has thrown for 3,287 yards, 24 touchdowns, and eight interceptions for the Bobcats this season. Ismail Mahdi has rushed for 1,209 yards and 10 scores, while Joey Hobert (questionable) has caught 71 passes for 847 yards and eight touchdowns. The Texas State defense is allowing 33.8 points against per game this season.
Rice Preview
The Rice Owls are 6-6 (4-4) this year and they finished tied for fifth in the AAC standings. Rice started the season with a 3-2 record, but lost four of their next five games to fall to 4-6. The Owls did finish the season with wins over Charlotte and FAU to qualify for a bowl game. Rice did allow at least 30 points in seven of their twelve games this year. The Rice offense is averaging 30.3 points per game with 264.2 passing yards per game and 112.6 rushing yards per game. AJ Padgett has thrown for 636 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions for the Owls this season. Dean Connors has rushed for 707 yards and five touchdowns, while Luke McCaffrey has caught 68 passes for 963 yards and 12 scores. The Rice defense is giving up 26.7 points against per game this year.
Rice Owls Team Facts
- Rice has lost five of its last six games at neutral venues.
- Rice has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six games against non-conference opponents at neutral venues.
- Each of Rice's last four games as an underdog at neutral venues have gone OVER the total points line.
Texas State Bobcats Team Facts
- Texas State has lost each of its last five games against opponents from the American Athletic Conference.
- The underdog has covered the spread in each of Texas State's last three games.
- Three of Texas State's last four games have gone OVER the total points line.
Texas State vs Rice Betting Prediction
Rice comes into this game on a two game winning streak and will take on a Texas State team that was pretty bad defensively this season. The Owls had their issues on defense as well, but they played much better in their last two games. Texas State was able to offset some of those defensive issues with an offense that averaged 36 points per game, but they were one of the worst defenses in the country over the last few weeks. I think we are going to see plenty of points in this game, as Rice hasn’t been very good on defense either. Take the over here and make sure you get the best odds.
David’s Pick Over 59.5
AUTHOR: David Racey
Mitch's Take...
