Memphis vs. Rice Prediction, Betting Odds & How To Watch

The complexion of Memphis’ season has drastically changed multiple times in the past few weeks.

The Tigers were regarded as one of the best Group of Five programs going into their matchup with UAB, as they were undefeated and had a Power Four win over Arkansas on their resume.

But then the Blazers ended up upsetting Memphis. And considering who else the Tigers have on their schedule, the room for error to make it to the American Conference Championship shrunk considerably.

But Memphis rebounded with a comeback win over South Florida, then ranked in the Associated Press Top 25, 34-31 last week. The Tigers are right back in the mix for a conference title berth and a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Memphis (7-1, 3-1 American) is back at No. 1 in this week’s HERO Sports Group of Five Top 25 Media Poll. But the Tigers can’t afford to lose much more. 

They go back on the road to face Rice this week, and it may not be an easy matchup. The Owls lost three straight games against Navy, FAU, and UTSA, but they responded with a win over UConn in their last outing. 

At 4-4 overall, Rice still has a chance to earn bowl-eligibility in Scott Abell’s first season as head coach.

Memphis vs. Rice Betting Odds

Rice is a +14 college football betting odds underdog against Memphis, with the Over/Under being 48.5 as of this writing. The moneyline for Memphis is -600, while it’s +425 for Rice.

Memphis vs. Rice On TV

The matchup between Memphis and Rice will be televised on ESPN2. 

The game will kick off at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Oct. 31. The contest is taking place at Rice Stadium in Houston, Texas.

Memphis vs. Rice Prediction

I predict Memphis will win but Rice will cover the 14-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 48.5 total points.

I do think that UAB loss is going to prove to be an anomaly when people look back on this season for Memphis, so I do expect the Tigers to win. But even in losses, Rice has managed to keep some games close.

The Owls lost to Navy and FAU earlier this season, sure, but those back-to-back games were decided by a collective 14 points. And I think Rice’s win over UConn is another sign of what the Owls are capable of, especially at home.

Rice is third in the American in rushing offense with 226 yards per game on the ground. While Memphis is fourth in rushing defense (130.3 YPG allowed), I could see the Owls moving the ball on offense on some methodical drives at certain points in this matchup.

And because I anticipate this game will be decided by less than two touchdowns, I think Memphis’ offense will be pushed to score. The Tigers are third in the American in scoring offense with 37.6 points per game and are fifth in total offense with 439.1 yards per game. 

And Memphis has plenty of standout players on offense. Quarterback Brendon Lewis has thrown for 1,644 yards, 10 touchdowns, and four interceptions on a 68% completion rate while rushing for 475 yards and seven TDs. Sutton Smith leads the Tigers with 515 yards rushing and has scored six TDs on the ground. Cortez Braham Jr. has a team-best 566 yards and seven touchdowns on 36 receptions. 

I expect Rice will keep this game close but that Memphis will ultimately have a great day on offense to win once again.