| MATCHUP | Rice Owls | Florida Atlantic Owls |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 1-6 | 4-2 |
| Spread | +8.5 -115 | -8.5 -105 |
| Moneyline | +270 | -340 |
| Total | Over 52.5 (-112) | Under 52.5 (-108) |
| Where | Flagler Credit Union Stadium, Boca Raton, FL | |
| When | Saturday, October 24, 2026 | |
| Time | 12:00 PM EDT | |
| TV | ESPNU | |
Rice Owls Betting Preview
The Rice Owls enter Saturday’s matchup with a 1-6 overall win-loss record (1-3 record at home, 0-3 mark on the road and an 0-3 mark in AAC play). Rice has struggled to be competitive in 2026, losing the team’s last five games, including a 38-17 defeat to the Tulsa Golden Hurricane last week.The Rice offense has had clear issues generating consistent production this season. Through seven games played in 2026, the Rice Owls are averaging just 17 points per game while producing 318.6 total yards per contest. Rice has accumulated just 79.7 passing yards and 238.9 rushing yards per game this season.
Shifting our focus to the defensive side of the football, Rice has allowed 29 points and 371.3 total yards per game. Examining the data presented more closely, the Owls have had difficulty stopping the run, surrendering 182.6 rushing yards per contest.
Through seven games played in 2026, senior quarterback Jacurri Brown has compiled 478 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, 668 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, illustrating his dual threat ability. Freshman wide receiver Jordan Clark has tallied 18 receptions and 223 receiving yards, while running back Tyvonn Byars has amassed 372 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
Florida Atlantic Owls Betting Preview
The Florida Atlantic Owls enter Saturday’s contest with a 4-2 overall record (3-0 home record, 1-2 mar on the road and a 1-1 mark in AAC play). The Owls arrive at this contest in relatively good form, winning four of the team’s last five games played this season, including a 16-10 victory over Florida International last month.The Florida Atlantic offense has been one of the better passing attacks in the nation this season. The Owls are averaging 35.0 points and 422.3 total yards per game, including 307.3 passing yards per contest which ranks seventh in the nation.
Defensively, Florida Atlantic has struggled at times, allowing 31.5 points and 416.5 total yards per game. However, the Owls have been more effective against the pass, surrendering only 198.3 passing yards per contest.
Quarterback Caden Veltkamp has been outstanding, compiling 1,743 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns and only three interceptions. Wide receiver Kelby Valsin has added 601 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns.
Why the Rice Owls will win.
• Quality rushing attack. Rice is averaging 238.9 rushing yards per game.• Quarterback play. Senior quarterback Jacurri Brown has compiled 478 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, 668 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns.
• Enhanced motivation. The Rice Owls arrive at this contest on the heels of a five-game losing streak.
Why the Florida Atlantic Owls will win.
• Passing offense. Florida Atlantic ranks ninth nationally with 307.3 passing yards per game.• Quarterback play. Caden Veltkamp has thrown for 1,743 yards and 15 touchdowns.
• Offensive production. The Florida Atlantic Owls are averaging a whopping 35 points per game.
Rice vs. Florida Atlantic Prediction
In my view, this matchup favors the Florida Atlantic Owls. Why? Rice’s rushing attack should have success against a vulnerable Florida Atlantic run defense, but the Owls simply do not possess enough balance offensively. Rice ranks 136th nationally in passing offense, averaging only 79.7 passing yards per game.Meanwhile, Caden Veltkamp leads one of the nation’s most explosive passing attacks. The Florida Atlantic signal caller has thrown for 1,743 yards and 15 touchdowns. With Florida Atlantic playing at home and owning a significant edge at quarterback, I think the Owls are the side to be on in this matchup. I am backing the Florida Atlantic Owls to cover the 6.5 points in this game.