Houston (1-0) vs Rice (1-0)
September 6, 2025 at 07:00 PM EDT
The Line: Betting Odds: Rice +14 — Over/Under: +38.5
The Houston Cougars and Rice Owls meet Saturday in college football action at Rice Stadium. Here’s a Houston vs Rice Prediction. This article will include a Houston vs Rice Pick.
The Houston Cougars beat Stephen F. Austin, and they play Colorado and Oregon State next. The Houston Cougars have split their last 8 games. Conner Weigman is completing 62.5 percent of his passes for 159 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Tanner Koziol and Amare Thomas have combined for 107 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, while J’Marion Burnette has 1 reception.
The Houston Cougars ground game is averaging 191 yards per contest, and Dean Connors leads the way with 50 yards on 15 carries. Defensively, Houston is allowing 0 points and 144 yards per game. Jalen Garner leads the Houston Cougars with 6 tackles, Brandon Mack II has 1 sack and C.J. Douglas has 1 interception.
The Rice Owls beat Louisiana, and will play Charlotte and Navy next. The Rice Owls have split their last 8 games. Chase Jenkins is completing 77.8 percent of his passes for 45 yards, 0 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Drayden Dickmann and Tyson Thompson have combined for 48 receiving yards on 4 catches, while Aaron Turner has 2 receptions.
Houston is obviously the more talented team and should be favored, but this is also a look ahead spot for the Cougars with Colorado on deck. Rice has played Houston strong in recent years, which includes an overtime upset win in 2023 as a 7-point dog. Rice has covered 7 of its last 8 games as a double-digit underdog, which includes a win last week over Louisiana. Throw in last years win over Navy and Rice has outright won its last two games as a double-digit underdog. Rice is a feisty team that’s defending well. I’ll take my chances with the two free touchdowns.
Houston Cougars Betting Preview
The Houston Cougars beat Stephen F. Austin, and they play Colorado and Oregon State next. The Houston Cougars have split their last 8 games. Conner Weigman is completing 62.5 percent of his passes for 159 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Tanner Koziol and Amare Thomas have combined for 107 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, while J’Marion Burnette has 1 reception.
The Houston Cougars ground game is averaging 191 yards per contest, and Dean Connors leads the way with 50 yards on 15 carries. Defensively, Houston is allowing 0 points and 144 yards per game. Jalen Garner leads the Houston Cougars with 6 tackles, Brandon Mack II has 1 sack and C.J. Douglas has 1 interception.
Rice Owls Betting Preview
The Rice Owls beat Louisiana, and will play Charlotte and Navy next. The Rice Owls have split their last 8 games. Chase Jenkins is completing 77.8 percent of his passes for 45 yards, 0 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Drayden Dickmann and Tyson Thompson have combined for 48 receiving yards on 4 catches, while Aaron Turner has 2 receptions.
The Rice Owls ground game is averaging 206 yards per contest, and Quinton Jackson leads the way with 119 yards and 1 touchdown. Defensively, Rice is allowing 12 points and 239 yards per game. Andrew Awe leads the Rice Owls with 7 tackles, Jospeh Mutombo has 1 sack and Jack Kane has 1 interception.
Houston vs Rice Prediction
Houston is obviously the more talented team and should be favored, but this is also a look ahead spot for the Cougars with Colorado on deck. Rice has played Houston strong in recent years, which includes an overtime upset win in 2023 as a 7-point dog. Rice has covered 7 of its last 8 games as a double-digit underdog, which includes a win last week over Louisiana. Throw in last years win over Navy and Rice has outright won its last two games as a double-digit underdog. Rice is a feisty team that’s defending well. I’ll take my chances with the two free touchdowns.