Rice Owls vs. Charlotte 49ers Prediction and Picks - September 18, 2025
Thursday evening College Football action, and we have a Rice Owls vs. Charlotte 49ers Prediction ready to roll. Rice comes in off a 38-17 win over Prairie View A&M to move to 2-1 on the year. Charlotte started the year at 0-2, but they got in the win column last week with a 42-35 win over Monmouth. How will this one play out? Continue reading to see our Rice vs Charlotte prediction.
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Rice Is Off To A 2-1 Start
Rice enters Thursday’s contest riding high after a 38–17 win over Prairie View A&M, where they piled up 347 rushing yards and controlled the clock with 60 carries. Quarterback Chase Jenkins was the engine, throwing for 87 yards and a touchdown while rushing 21 times for 124 yards and another score. The Owls have leaned heavily on their triple-option attack under new head coach Scott Abell, averaging 243.3 rushing yards per game—14th nationally—and ranking top 10 in time of possession. Their ability to grind down defenses and keep games on script has been a defining strength through three weeks.
The offensive line has quietly been one of the most efficient units in the AAC, anchored by veterans David Stickle and Trace Norfleet, with Yale transfer Sean Sullivan stepping in at tackle. Quinton Jackson and Taji Atkins offer burst out of the backfield, while Micah Barnett provides power in short-yardage spots. Though the passing game is limited, Rice has made the most of its opportunities—Landon Ransom-Goelz and Aaron Turner have combined for three explosive plays over 20 yards, and Jenkins has completed 62.5% of his throws with just one interception. The Owls don’t need volume—they need precision, and so far, they’ve delivered.
Defensively, Rice has held opponents to just 294 yards per game, ranking 43rd in the FBS. Ty Morris leads the team with 20 tackles and 1.5 sacks, while Andrew Awe and Joe Chavez have been active in the hybrid VIPER role. The secondary has been especially stingy, allowing a 50% completion rate and just two passing touchdowns through three games. Cornerbacks Khary Crump and Omari Porter have combined to hold opponents to a 31.6% completion rate when targeted, and safety Daveon Hook adds veteran stability. With discipline, depth, and a scheme built to limit big plays, Rice’s defense complements its ball-control offense perfectly.
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Charlotte Picks Up First Win Of The Year
Charlotte picked up its first win of the season last week in a 42–35 shootout over Monmouth, where quarterback Conner Harrell exploded for 382 passing yards, three touchdowns, and two rushing scores. Harrell, a UNC transfer, has quickly become the centerpiece of Tim Albin’s new-look offense, which is still finding its rhythm but shows flashes of explosiveness. E. Jai Mason was unstoppable in that game, catching 10 passes for 228 yards and two touchdowns, and Rod Gainey Jr. added 74 rushing yards and a score. The 49ers rank 44th nationally in passing yards per game but sit just 93rd in total offense, with the run game still developing.
The offensive line is anchored by Jonny King, the lone returning starter, while Charlotte’s skill positions are stacked with Power Four transfers. Tight end Jake Young (Western Carolina) has emerged as a reliable target, and the wide receiver room—led by Mason and supported by Javen Nicholas and Miles Burris—has shown big-play potential. Charlotte has thrown for over 250 yards in two of three games, but third-down efficiency and red zone execution remain concerns. If Harrell continues to build chemistry with his receivers and the run game stabilizes, this unit could become one of the AAC’s more dangerous attacks.
Defensively, Charlotte has struggled, allowing 449 yards and 29.7 points per game. The 49ers have given up 774 passing yards and 378 rushing yards through three games, ranking near the bottom in red zone efficiency and first downs allowed. Linebacker Reid Williford leads the team with 20 tackles and two sacks, while JUCO standout Gavin Willis adds range and tackling volume. The secondary is still gelling, with Caleb Curtain (Elon transfer) and Dwight Bootle II working to anchor coverage. Charlotte has forced six turnovers but committed 23 penalties for 200 yards—discipline and tackling will be critical against Rice’s methodical ground game.
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Rice vs. Charlotte Pick
Rice vs Charlotte Spread Pick
- Rice -2.5 (5 Units)
Rice -2.5 is a sharp play in Thursday’s AAC opener, with the Owls bringing a disciplined, run-heavy identity that matches up well against Charlotte’s soft front. Rice ranks 14th nationally in rushing yards per game (243.3) and fifth in rush attempts, controlling tempo and limiting possessions. Chase Jenkins has quietly become a dual-threat weapon, and Quinton Jackson leads a backfield that’s averaging 5.8 yards per carry. Charlotte, meanwhile, is allowing 4.0 yards per rush and has been outgained by nearly 100 yards per game this season. Against a team that thrives on ball control and defensive containment, the 49ers will struggle to dictate pace.
Defensively, Rice has allowed just 294 yards per game—43rd in the FBS—and ranks top 35 in pass defense, holding opponents to a 48.8% completion rate. Charlotte’s offense is explosive but inconsistent, and while Conner Harrell posted gaudy numbers against Monmouth, he’ll face a much more structured and physical unit on Thursday. The Owls have committed just 15 penalties all season and forced two turnovers, while Charlotte ranks bottom 30 in penalty yardage and has thrown four interceptions. With Rice’s ability to grind out drives and limit mistakes, they’re well-positioned to cover the short number and open conference play with a road win.
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Rice vs Charlotte Over/Under Pick
- Under 42 (4 Units)
Under 42 makes sense in this matchup, with Rice leaning heavily on a clock-draining ground game and Charlotte struggling to finish drives. The Owls rank 5th nationally in rush attempts per game and average just 20.3 points, while Charlotte sits 115th in scoring at 18.7 PPG. Both teams have hit the under in two of their first three games, and Rice’s defense has allowed just 294 total yards per contest—43rd in the FBS. With limited explosive plays, slow tempo, and red zone inefficiency on both sides, this game profiles as a grind-it-out AAC opener that stays in the 20–17 range.
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