The Rice Owls (0-1) will look to upset the Houston Cougars (1-0) on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at Rice Stadium. The Cougars are notable favorites in this one, with the spread posted at 7 points. An over/under of 51 points has been set for the outing.
Houston vs. Rice Odds
| Favorite | Spread | Favorite Spread Odds | Underdog Spread Odds | Total | Over Total Odds | Under Total Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | -7 | -112 | -108 | 51 | -110 | -110 |
Computer Pick
| ATS | Total | Score prediction |
|---|---|---|
| Houston (-7) | Under (51) | Houston 29 Rice 10 |
Predictions are calculated by a data-driven algorithm (raw power score) that ranks head-to-head matchup results within a closed network of games. Prediction confidence is determined by the delta between each team’s raw power score.
Team Stat Comparison
| Houston | Rice | |
|---|---|---|
| Off. Points per Game (Rank) | 17.0 (102) | 10.0 (120) |
| Def. Points per Game (Rank) | 14.0 (41) | 37.0 (99) |
| Turnovers Allowed (Rank) | 0 (1) | 3 (108) |
| Turnovers Forced (Rank) | 3 (9) | 0 (95) |
Houston vs. Rice Betting Insights
Houston Stats and Trends
- Houston has covered once in one matchups with a spread this season.
- UH has an average total of 59.5 in their contests this year, 8.5 more points than this game’s over/under.
Recent Head-to-Head Matchups
Houston holds an edge against Rice in the last two matchups between these two squads, recording a 2-0 record in those games. The Cougars and Owls are split 1-1 against the spread in those games while going over the total both times. Houston totaled 78 points in those two matchups compared to Rice’s 34.
Rice Stats and Trends
- Rice has covered once in one chances against the spread this season.
- The Owls have been an underdog by 7 points or more once this season, and covered the spread.
- So far this season, no Rice game has hit the over.
- Rice’s average game total this season has been 59.0, 8.0 more points than this matchup’s over/under.
Houston Players to Watch
- Donovan Smith has passed for 233 yards (22-for-34), with two touchdowns and zero interceptions (233.0 YPG). He’s also carried the football 13 times for 31 yards, averaging 31.0 yards per game.
- Tony Mathis has run for a team-best 38 yards (38.0 YPG).
- Sam Brown has hauled in six passes for a team-high 106 yards. He averages 106.0 receiving yards per game.
- Joseph Manjack IV has been targeted zero times and contributed with 67 yards (on six catches) plus one touchdown.
- Matthew Golden has 36 receiving yards on four receptions (zero targets), with one touchdown, averaging 36.0 yards per game.
- Nelson Caeser has one sack to lead the team, and has also added one TFL and four tackles.
- Alex Hogan has totaled six tackles and one TFL, and he’s tops on his team in tackles.
- This season Malik Fleming leads the team with two interceptions and has added three tackles and two passes defended.
Rice Players to Watch
- JT Daniels has 149 passing yards (149.0 per game) and a 53.8% completion percentage, throwing one touchdown pass and two interceptions.
- Dean Connors has run for a team-high 23 yards on eight attempts (23.0 yards per game) and zero touchdowns.
- Tre’Shon Devones has 6 yards on one carries (6.0 yards per game).
- This season Braylen Walker has two catches for a team-high 47 yards (47.0 per game).
- Boden Groen has contributed with four receptions (on zero targets) for 28 yards.
- Luke McCaffrey is averaging 22.0 yards per game, with two catches for 22 yards and one touchdown.
- De’Braylon Carroll has collected a team-leading one sack, while adding one TFL and three tackles.
- Plae Wyatt has racked up eight tackles, and he’s tops on his team in tackles.
