This will be a battle between two head coaches who are in their first years of leading their respective teams.
Scott Abell has already led Rice to a promising 2-1 start. The Owls beat Louisiana to begin the year before losing to Houston. They beat FCS Prairie View A&M to get back above .500.
Tim Albin’s first year at Charlotte has started a bit slower. The 49ers lost to App State and North Carolina before getting their first win of the year over Monmouth.
Now both teams will face off in what is the first American Conference game for both teams.
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Rice vs. Charlotte Betting Odds
Rice is a -2.5 college football betting odds favorite against Charlotte, with the Over/Under being 42.5. The moneyline for Rice is -125, while it’s +105 for Charlotte.
Rice vs. Charlotte On TV
The matchup between Rice and Charlotte will be televised on ESPN.
The game will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, Sept. 18. The contest is taking place at Jerry Richardson Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Rice vs. Charlotte Prediction
I predict Charlotte will win and cover the 2.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 42.5 total points.
I know it was against Monmouth, but I really like what I saw from the 49ers’ offense last week. Conner Harrell threw for 382 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception on 26-of-30 passing while rushing for 47 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver E. Jai Mason was also fantastic, catching 10 passes for 228 yards and two touchdowns.
In order for Charlotte to win, I’m expecting that offense will have to be explosive again. Rice’s defense has been solid, especially in that 14-12 win over Louisiana to start the year.
But I believe the 49ers will continue that momentum they found, especially at home. Going into the season, I didn’t think head coach Tim Albin would need much time before leading Charlotte to promising results. I believe we start seeing progress in the 49ers’ first game of the season against an American Conference opponent.
