Sam Houston St. Bearkats vs
Rice OwlsPredictions & Preview

Rice Owls poised for dominant victory in season opener against Sam Houston State

The Sam Houston State Bearkats and Rice Owls will kick off the 2024 college football season at Rice Stadium this Saturday evening. The Bearkats finished last season 3-9, but finished strong with three wins in their last four games. The Owls made a bowl game with a 6-7 record last season, but fell to the Texas State Bobcats in the First Responders Bowl. Rice is currently favored by 10 points in the upcoming matchup.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Bearkats +310 | Owls -400
• Spread: Bearkats +10 (-110) | Owls -10 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 49.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Rice will win straight-up is 80%.

Sam Houston St. vs Rice Stats

Sam Houston St. Bearkats

The Sam Houston State Bearkats are experiencing changes in key offensive positions with the addition of transfer quarterback Jase Bauer and new running backs. Bauer has shown promise both passing and running, while the defense has been a strong point of the program, ranking 65th in the nation for points allowed per game. The team's performance will be interesting to watch with new safeties on board. In terms of power ranking, the Bearkats are currently ranked 0 in offense and defense, with a record of 0-0 this season.

Rice Owls Analysis

The Rice Owls are gearing up for the 2024 season with high hopes after a strong performance in the past. With new starting quarterback E.J. Warner, who showcased solid stats in 2023, the team is looking to continue their success on the offensive side of the ball. Despite a respectable defensive performance in allowing an average of 26.7 points per game, the defense struggled to pressure quarterbacks and force turnovers. Currently ranked 62nd in power rankings, the Owls are ranked 55th for offense and 81st for defense, scoring an average of 29.54 points per game and allowing 28.08 points per game. In their last three matchups against Sam Houston St., Rice has a record of 0-0.

Rice Owls poised for dominant victory in season opener against Sam Houston State

The Rice Owls have demonstrated their superior performance compared to Sam Houston State, with Jase Bauer facing challenges due to weaker skill positions and offensive line. On the contrary, E.J. Warner has exhibited consistent excellence in reaching the end zone. The Owls are known for their aggressive tackling and ability to disrupt the opponents' plays. Despite both teams lacking offensive prowess, Rice's defense stands out as significantly stronger. In this upcoming game, the disparity between the two teams is evident, solidifying Rice's expected dominance. Therefore, it is anticipated that the Rice Owls will secure a decisive victory on their home turf as they kick off the 2024 college football season.

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