| MATCHUP | Rice Owls | Fresno State Bulldogs |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 1-2 | 2-1 |
| Spread | +13.5 -110 | -13.5 -110 |
| Moneyline | +410 | -550 |
| Total | Over 44.5 (-105) | Under 44.5 (-115) |
| Where | Valley Children's Stadium, Fresno, CA | |
| When | Saturday, September 26, 2026 | |
| Time | 10:00 PM EDT | |
| TV | CW | |
Rice Owls Betting Preview
The Rice Owls lost to Notre Dame and Western Michigan, and will play UTSA next. The Rice Owls have lost 5 of their last 6 games. Jacurri Brown is completing 61.1 percent of his passes for 203 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Barry Jackson Jr. and Payton Matthews have combined for 108 receiving yards and 1 touchdown, while Braylen Walker has 3 receptions.
The Rice Owls’ ground game is averaging 243.7 yards per contest, and Jacurri Brown leads the way with 258 yards and 1 touchdown. Defensively, Rice is allowing 27.7 points and 349.7 yards per game. AJ Brown leads the Rice Owls with 20 tackles, Chibby Nwajuaku has 2 sacks, and Jerrick Harper has 1 interception.
Fresno State Bulldogs Betting Preview
The Fresno State Bulldogs beat Sacramento State and San Jose State, and they play Washington State next. The Fresno State Bulldogs have won 11 of their last 15 games. Jayden Mandal is completing 64.3 percent of his passes for 579 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Ezekiel Avit and Josiah Freeman have combined for 356 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, while Rayshon Luke has 9 receptions.
The Fresno State Bulldogs’ ground game is averaging 133.3 yards per contest, and Bryson Donelson leads the way with 174 yards and 4 touchdowns. On defense, Fresno State allows 17.3 points and 383 yards per game. K’vion Thunderbird leads the Fresno State Bulldogs with 23 tackles, Andre Cobb has 1 sack, and Simeon Harris has 2 interceptions.
Why the Fresno State Bulldogs will win
- Fresno State has won each of its last 11 September games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Rice has lost each of its last 11 September games as a road underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
- The favorite has covered the spread in each of Fresno State’s last five games.
- Rice has failed to cover the spread in six of its last eight September games as a road underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Rice has lost the first half in each of its last seven games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
Why the Rice Owls will win
- Rice has covered the spread in four of its last five games in September.
Total Points Facts
- Nine of Rice’s last 11 September games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
- Four of Fresno State’s last five games against non-AP-ranked teams at Valley Children’s Stadium have gone UNDER the total points line.
Fresno State Bulldogs Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 4, Simeon Harris ranks T8th amongst FBS players for interceptions (2) this season.
Rice Owls Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 4, Jacurri Brown ranks T24th amongst FBS players for rushing attempts (52) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Fresno State ranks 125th among FBS teams for passing yards allowed per game this season (268.7).
- Fresno State ranks 125th among FBS teams for 3rd down conversion percentage this season (31.4).
- Rice ranks T127th among FBS teams for Q3 points per game this season (2.3).
- Rice ranks T126th among FBS teams for points per game this season (17.3).
Rice vs Fresno State Prediction
Fresno State is the better team with a proven defense, but I’m still leaning toward Rice and the points. Rice is coming off a solid showing against Western Michigan and played in Notre Dame, games that will prepare it for a spot like this. Rice also has a playmaker quarterback who can be tough to defend in the running game. This feels like too many points in a spot where Rice can do just enough to keep it within the number. I’ll grab the points with the Owls.