Rice vs Memphis Prediction College Football Picks 11/8/24

Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Rice Owls

Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Memphis Tigers

Recent betting trends in games played between Rice and Memphis

A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for the Rice vs Memphis game

Rice Owls Betting Preview

This year the Owls opened things up with a loss to Sam Houston and a win over Texas Southern. After losses to Houston, Army, and Charlotte, Rice would beat UTSA before falling to Tulane and UConn in the next pair.

On Saturday versus Navy, Rice scored in each of the first three quarters and eventually powered out a 24-10 victory. QB EJ Warner finished with 239 yards, one TD, and one pick. Dean Conners did most of the rushing work with 18 carries for 105 yards and two scores.

Memphis Tigers Betting Preview

Over on the Memphis side, they won their first three games versus North Alabama, Troy, and Florida State before a loss to Navy. The Tigers would rebound with wins over Middle Tennessee, South Florida, North Texas, and Charlotte in the next four outings, though.

In their matchup with UTSA over the weekend, the Tigers gave up double-digit points in each of the four quarters along the way to a tough loss 44-36. QB Seth Henigan logged 454 yards with four scores and a pick. DeMeer Blankumsee caught six balls for 142 yards and two touchdowns.

Why the Memphis Tigers will win

• Memphis has won each of its last six games at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
• Rice has lost each of its last four road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Rice has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six November games as a road underdog.
• Memphis has covered the spread in three of its last four home games in November.

Why the Rice Owls will win

• Rice has won each of its last three November games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Memphis has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six games.
• The road team has covered the spread in four of Memphis' last five games.

Total Points Facts

• Seven of Rice's last eight games in November have gone UNDER the total points line.
• Each of Memphis' last five November games against non-AP-ranked teams has gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• Memphis ranks 17th among FBS teams for 1st downs this season (203).
• Memphis ranks 21st among FBS teams for passing yards per game this season (282.9).
• Rice ranks 120th among FBS teams for time of possession per game this season (27:17).
• Rice ranks T119th among FBS teams for Q1 points per game this season (3.4).

Rice vs Memphis Prediction

I might try Rice here. The Owls are coming off a pretty nifty win over Navy, fueled by a solid defensive effort. Rice gave up just 260 yards (120 passing), 4.3 yards per play, 12 first downs, and 4-of-14 on third-down tries in that one, grabbing a couple of interceptions along the way. The offense wasn’t perfect (two turnovers) but they kept the ball moving.

As for Memphis, they couldn’t get out of their own way with 12 penalties for 86 yards and two turnovers in the UTSA loss. The Tigers gathered 516 total yards (454 passing) in the defeat but also went a tepid 4-of-13 on third downs. Rice is going to have their hands full on defense here, but I think they can eke out a cover if all goes well.