The Texas State Bobcats and Rice Owls will face off on Tuesday, December 26th at 5:30 ET. You kind find this week 1 NCAAF game between the Bobcats and Owls on ESPN. In this non-conference battle, the Bobcats are favored by 5 on the point spread. Is taking them on the spread the best choice, or could the Owls offer more value? Continue reading to get our pick.

TEXAS STATE BOBCATS VS RICE OWLS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Texas State Bobcats -5

This game will be played at Gerald J. Ford Stadium at 5:30 ET on Tuesday, December 26th.

WHY BET THE TEXAS STATE BOBCATS:

  • We have this one finishing with a projected score of 35-27 in favor of Texas State.
  • Not only will Texas State pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -5.
  • The over/under is currently sitting at 61 points, and we like the over with a projected 62 points.

Will the Bobcats Make it Happen in Dallas?

So far, the Texas State Bobcats are 7-5, including going 2-4 on the road and 5-1 at home.

Heading into this week’s matchup with Rice, the Bobcats have been favored in seven games and the underdog in five. Their ATS mark coming into the game is 6-6.

In 12 games played, the average over/under line for Texas State’s games has been set at 61 points. These contests have seen an average combined score of 69.8 points, resulting in an OU record of 5-6-1.

The Bobcats’ offense is set to face Rice while averaging 192.2 rushing yards per game and 4 yards per attempt. In the national rankings, they currently stand at 25th for rushing yards and 28th for passing yards, with an average of 280.8 yards per matchup. Overall, Texas State is putting up 36 points per game, which is 20th nationally.

The Bobcats defense comes into the game with 34 sacks, and ranked 1st in QB hurries. In terms of points allowed, they are giving up 33.8 points per game (142nd). When it comes to defending the pass, they are ranked 151st in the NCAA, allowing an average of 256.4 passing yards per game. Additionally, Texas State’s run defense comes in allowing 158.8 rushing yards per contest.

Does Rice Have What it Takes at Home?

This season, the Rice Owls are currently 6-6. So far this season, they have played five road games and five at home.

Against the spread, Rice has gone 6-3-1 this season. The Owls have been favored four times compared to five games as the underdog.

This season, Rice has an over/under record of 4-6. Their games have, on average, produced a combined total of 56.9 points, with the typical over/under line being 52.8 points.

On offense, the Owls come in with the 36th ranked offense in terms of passing attempts and are averaging 264.2 passing yards per game. In the running game, they are 91st in terms of attempts.

Coming into this week’s game, the Rice defense is 102nd in points allowed at 26.7 points per game. So far, team’s have averaged 217.2 passing yards per game vs. the unit (80th). On the ground, they are giving up 154.9 rushing yards, putting them 91st in college football.