Houston vs Rice Picks and Prediction for Saturday, September 6, 2025
Get ready for an electrifying Week 2 showdown as the Houston Cougars clash with the Rice Owls. Set to unfold at Rice Stadium on September 6th at 7:00 PM ET, this game, airing on ESPN+, promises an exciting matchup with two teams at 1-0 right now for our Cougars vs. Owls. With these teams coming off strong Week One games, let's dive into the stats, injuries, and key insights to preview what's in store. Find the edge fast with our NCAAF picks for the Houston Cougars vs Rice Owls.
Cougars on the Prowl
The Houston Cougars are getting ready to continue improving on the offensive side of the ball and this should be able to continue doing well as they are coming off a 27-0 home victory over the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks. Houston’s offense is led by quarterback Conner Weigman, who was able to complete 15-of-28 passes for 159 yards and three passing touchdowns against the Lumberjacks. Their total offense stands at 343.0 yards per game, ranking 40th nationally, with rushing accounting for a solid 191.0 yards (tied for 51st nationally). The passing game is ranked tied for 103rd with an average of 152.0 yards per game
Defensively, Houston has been solid, allowing 144.0 total yards per game (fourth nationally), with their rush defense standing out, allowing just 1.6 yards per carry (fifth nationally). The Cougars need to figure out how to keep that defense playing at a similar level to be considered a strong team this season.
Injury Report for Houston
- Linebacker Corey Platt Jr: Undisclosed (Probable)
- Running back De’Shaun Sanford II: Undisclosed (OUT)
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Owls Looking to Spread Their Wings
The Rice Owls are looking to get off to a hot start this season and they coming off a 14-12 road win over the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns. Quarterback Chase Jenkins did not contribute in this game as he completed 7-of-9 passes for 45 yards. As a team, they are ranked 136th nationally in passing yards, averaging 45.0 per game. Rice’s total offense, which averages 251.0 yards per game, will need to find new ways to maintain its efficiency. The rushing game, contributing 206.0 yards per game (39th nationally), might see an increased emphasis to hand the ball off.
The Owls’ defense, allowing an average of 239.0 total yards per game, has been their strength this season. Their pass defense, in particular, has been impressive, conceding only 88.0 yards per game. Their rush defense, allowing 151.0 yards per game, remains a strong point and will be a critical force for the result of this game.
Injury Report for Rice
- No Injuries to Report
Houston vs. Rice Pick
Spread Pick for Houston vs. Rice
- Houston Cougars -13.5 (5 units)
The Rice Owls looked as if they were an offense physically unable to pass the football last week, so I am going to need to see Chase Jenkins be able to complete passes past the sticks in order to believe in the offense. A Power 5 vs. Group of 5 game is going to make things intriguing, but Houston’s offense looked more dynamic. This should be an easy cover for Houston as they go on the road here and secure their second win of the year.
Over/Under pick for Houston vs. Rice
- Over 39.5 (4 units)
It is difficult to take much out of the opening game of the season as those teams had an entire offseason to scout and prepare. However, these running games are expected to be a force as Rice’s Quinton Jackson ran for 5.4 yards per attempt and a touchdown in Week 1 to move the football. For Houston, quarterback Conner Weigman has shown the ability to throw the football well and find the end zone. These defenses had great showings, allowing a combined 12 points last week, but these offenses should be able to move the football better this week so take over 39.5 total points here.
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