Memphis Tigers at Rice Owls Picks and Prediction for Friday, October 31, 2025
Use Code SSWC The Memphis Tigers head to Houston to face the Rice Owls on Friday at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN2 in an AAC showdown. Memphis enters with a 7-1 overall record and a 3-1 mark in conference play, fresh off a dramatic 34-31 win over South Florida. Rice is 4-4 and 1-3 in the AAC after a double-overtime 37-34 victory against UConn that snapped a three-game skid. Find the edge fast with NCAAF picks for the Memphis Tigers at the Rice Owls.
Memphis Tigers Keep Finding Ways To Win
Memphis improved to 7-1 after rallying late to beat South Florida 34-31. Quarterback Brendon Lewis led the comeback, throwing for 307 yards and two touchdowns on 27-of-44 passing. The Tigers totaled 450 yards of offense while committing zero turnovers and controlling possession for nearly 34 minutes. Memphis has now surpassed 30 points in four of its last five games. Lewis is completing 67.8% of his passes for 1,644 yards with 10 TDs and four picks. The Nevada transfer also has 475 yards rushing and seven TDs.
Running back Sutton Smith remains the backbone of the rushing attack with 515 yards and six touchdowns on 85 carries this season. Against USF, Memphis relied more on the passing game, but Smith and fellow back Greg Desrosiers Jr. combined for key red-zone production, including a 13-yard touchdown that pulled the Tigers within one score in the fourth quarter.
Through the air, Cortez Braham Jr. continues to be the main target, leading the team with 566 yards and seven touchdowns on 36 receptions. His late touchdown catch against the Bulls sealed another one-possession win for Memphis. The offense has averaged well over 400 total yards per game and has been very strong in the passing game.
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Defensively, Memphis showed toughness against USF. Linebacker Sam Brumfield was all over the field with 13 tackles, including nine solo stops. He leads the team with 54 total tackles and 4.5 sacks, setting the tone for a defense that bends but often finds key stops when needed. Memphis has allowed an average of 31 points per game over its last two, which needs to improve against a Rice offense that can sustain drives.
Injuries: Kicker O. Castaneda, linebacker C. Law, and cornerbacks C. Miller and C. Logan as questionable. Quarterback G. Troutman and cornerback K. Marsh are out.
Rice Relies On Ground Game To Stay Competitive
Rice returned to .500 after an exciting 37-34 double-overtime win over UConn. Running back Quinton Jackson delivered one of the best performances in college football last weekend, rushing for 168 yards and three touchdowns while also catching three passes for 80 yards and another score. His 256 total yards carried the Owls’ offense, including the 23-yard game-winning run in the second overtime.
Quarterback Chase Jenkins managed the game well, completing 17 of 22 passes for 191 yards and a touchdown without a turnover. Jenkins has thrown for 744 yards and five touchdowns this season, giving the Owls a consistent presence under center. The offense had 491 total yards and converted six of 18 third-down attempts, showing progress in sustaining drives.
On the season, Rice’s ground game behind Jackson and Quinton Jackson Jr. has been outstanding, averaging nearly 260 yards per game to rank seventh in the nation. But their passing game has been unreliable, averaging 118.4 yards per game (134th). Wide receiver Drayden Dickmann has been a reliable option, totaling 292 yards and three touchdowns.
Defensively, linebacker Andrew Awe continues to lead the group with 58 tackles, providing steady production in the middle. Defensive end Michael Daley has contributed four sacks, helping generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. However, the unit has struggled to contain big plays, allowing over 60 points to UTSA earlier this month and giving up more than 400 total yards in multiple outings.
Injuries: Rice lists tight end W. Swartz, guards L. Needham, C. Morgan, and J. Long, as well as defensive lineman M. Daley and safety S. Bowling, as questionable. Receivers O. Carter and M. Balthazar and lineman E. Adele are out. The Owls’ offensive line health is a major concern heading into this matchup..
Memphis Tigers at Rice Owls Pick
Spread Pick for Memphis Tigers at Rice Owls
- Memphis -13.5 (4 Units)
Memphis has been more complete and consistent, with Brendon Lewis leading an offense that averages over 30 points per game. Rice’s defense remains vulnerable to big plays and now faces one of the AAC’s most productive passing attacks. Memphis’ defense, led by Sam Brumfield, should limit Rice’s ground game enough to control tempo and create short fields for the offense. The Tigers are pretty good against the run, allowing 130.3 yards per game and they'll stack the box, forcing Rice to throw. Memphis has the tools to pull away and cover the two-touchdown spread on the road.
Over/Under Pick for Memphis Tigers at Rice Owls
- Over 49.5 (5 Units)
Both teams have capable offenses and below-average defenses, setting up a strong case for the over. Memphis has surpassed 30 points in four of its last five, while Rice just scored 37 in double overtime. With Lewis throwing confidently and Jackson in top form, both sides should find the end zone multiple times. Memphis’ passing attack and Rice’s rushing game point toward steady scoring, and defensive problems on both make a total above 49.5 a solid play.
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