Rice (0-0) vs Sam Houston State (0-0)
Game Info: Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 7:00 pm (Rice Stadium)
Betting Odds: Rice -9.5 / Sam Houston State +9.5 --- Over/Under: 49.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Sam Houston Bearkats and Rice Owls meet Saturday in week 1 college football action at Rice Stadium. Here’s a Sam Houston vs Rice Prediction. This article will include a Sam Houston vs Rice Pick.
Sam Houston Bearkats Betting Preview
The Sam Houston Bearkats won 3 games last season and enter the 11th season under coach K. C. Keeler. Sam Houston has a new defensive coordinator in Skyler Cassity. Grant Gunnell will take over at quarterback after 22 pass attempts last season for 100 yards and 0 touchdowns. John Gentry is back after leading the Bearkats with 391 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns, while Noah Smith and Malik Phillips are a receiving duo that combined for 1,200 yards and 7 touchdowns. Sam Houston has proven playmakers, it’s just a matter of Gunnell settling into his new role as the starting quarterback.
Defensively, Kavian Gaither returns after 72 tackles, Issiah Nixon led the Bearkats with 5 sacks and Caleb Weaver had 2 interceptions. The Sam Houston Bearkats is an experienced roster with 22 seniors and a proven coaching staff for the most part. Sam Houston should rebound from what was a disappointing season a year ago.
Rice Owls Betting Preview
The Rice Owls won 6 games last season and enter the seventh year under coach Mike Bloomgren. Rice has a chance to make three straight bowl games for the first time since 2012-14. Rice snagged Temple transfer quarterback E.J. Warner, and he has 6,100 passing yards and 41 touchdowns for his career. Dean Connors is back after leading Rice with 771 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns, while Boden Groen, Landon Ransom-Goelz and Rawson MacNeill are respectable receiving options. Rice also has three starting offensive linemen back. There are no excuses for the offensive side of the ball.
Defensively, Myron Morrison returns after leading Rice with 80 tackles, Chike Anigbogu had 2 sacks and Gabriel Taylor had 2 interceptions. Rice returns 8 starters from its defense, and this is probably the best team Bloomgren has had. Rice should make a run in the AAC and I wouldn’t talk you off the ledge if looking at those +1700 conference odds.
Why the Rice Owls will win
- Rice has won five of its last six games against non-conference opponents at Rice Stadium.
- The favorite has covered the spread in three of Rice's last four games.
Total Points Facts
- Thirteen of Rice's last 14 games against non-conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
- Four of Sam Houston State's last five games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Rice recorded the equal-most home wins by a margin of three points or less of any FBS team last season (2).
- Sam Houston State was one of only 22 FBS teams to lose 2+ games when leading after Q3 last season.
- Sam Houston State ranked T31st among FBS teams for H2 points allowed per game last season (10.3).
Sam Houston vs Rice Prediction
The Sam Houston Bearkats will be better than they were a season ago and have an explosive receiving duo that could keep them in this game. However, the Rice Owls are as talented as they've been, possibly ever. Rice has playmakers all over its offense and returns nearly its entire defense. Memphis, Tulane and others are going to get all of the headlines in the AAC, but Rice is a legit dark horse in that conference. If my thoughts hold true, this should be a double-digit victory for the Owls. Give me Rice in a comfortable home-opening victory.
Randy’s Pick Rice -9.5
AUTHOR: Randy Chambers
Mitch's Take...
