Memphis Tigers vs. Rice Owls: A Game Preview and Insights

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As the college football season heats up, the spotlight is on the No. 25 Memphis Tigers (7-1, 3-1) as they aim to solidify their position in the College Football Playoff race. After a brief setback against UAB, this team is focused on clinching the Group of 5’s bid. The upcoming clash against the Rice Owls is critical for the Tigers, who have a challenging schedule ahead, which includes matchups against Tulane, Navy, and ECU.

Memphis vs. Rice Odds and Prediction

The odds are not in favor of the Rice Owls, who are facing uphill challenges, but recent performances suggest they may prove naysayers wrong. Here’s a closer look at the odds and predictions.

Rice Owls’ Season Overview

The Owls are having an unpredictable season characterized by significant highs and lows:

• Season Start: Rice kicked off the season strong with a gritty win against Louisiana, marking their best start since 2001 at 3-1.
• Midseason Struggles: They hit a rough patch, losing two nail-biters to Navy and FAU, dropping their record to 3-3.
• Recent Upset: In an unexpected turn, Rice pulled off an upset against UConn, winning as +10.5 point underdogs last week.

Despite a .500 record, Rice has shown moments of promise. However, a staggering 61-13 loss to UTSA raised questions about their consistency.

The Memphis Tigers: Momentum and Motivation

Memphis comes off a significant victory against USF, aiming to maintain momentum as they prepare to face Rice. With their schedule packed with demanding opponents, this matchup can significantly impact their playoff aspirations.

A Ground Game Showdown

The style of play for both Memphis and Rice will dictate the pace and flow of the game:

• Rice Owls: Known for implementing a triple-option offense, Rice places emphasis on running the ball, ranking among the top teams in FBS for rushing attempts.
• Memphis Tigers: Similarly, Memphis also favors the run game, ranking 17th in rushing yards per game.

This alignment in playing styles means clock management will be key, which complicates covering larger point spreads.

Betting Insights and Takeaways

Key Statistics:

• Look for both teams to focus on running plays, which could keep the score tighter than expected.
• A significant factor is how Memphis manages the game in the fourth quarter, especially if they take a commanding lead.

The Play: Take Rice +13.5 (-110, FanDuel)

If you’re interested in college football betting, this game is an intriguing match-up full of potential surprises.

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Conclusion

Memphis looks to capitalize on its current form while Rice aims to defy expectations. With both teams employing similar ground-oriented strategies, this matchup presents an interesting dynamic that could challenge conventional betting wisdom. Tune in this Friday night to see if Rice can continue its trend of surprising outcomes or if Memphis will fortify its playoff ambitions.

For more details, consider checking out resources on College Football Playoff standings and stay updated on team performance stats.

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