- Matchup: UTSA Roadrunners vs Rice Owls
- Event Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
- Venue: Rice Stadium, Houston, TX
- Broadcast: ESPN+
- Point Spread: Owls (+11.0)
- Total Points: 54.5
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On Saturday, October 3, 2026, the Rice Owls (1-3) will clash with the UTSA Roadrunners (3-1) at the iconic Rice Stadium. The oddsmakers favor UTSA by 11 points for this match-up. The over/under line is set at 54.5 points.
Entering this game, the UTSA Roadrunners hold a 3-1 record for the current season. In their previous outing, they triumphed over the Colorado State Rams with a score of 59-45. The Roadrunners executed 42 rushing attempts, amassing 239 yards, which translates to an average of 5.7 yards per carry. They powered through a total of 72 plays resulting in 542 yards. Defensively, UTSA allowed 29 completions out of 46 attempts, surrendering 344 passing yards with a completion rate of 63.0%. In terms of rushing defense, they yielded 156 yards on 32 attempts, averaging 4.9 yards per run.
The UTSA Roadrunners have exhibited impressive offensive skills, scoring an average of 35.3 points per game. They have accumulated 175.8 rushing yards per contest, placing them 53rd nationally. Overall, they have gathered 1,609 total yards this season, achieving 8 passing touchdowns alongside 8 rushing touchdowns. The team has secured 79 first downs, and they have incurred 37 penalties totaling 390 yards. Moreover, they have turned the ball over just once.
Defensively, UTSA ranks 112th nationally in allowing points, with an average of 29.3 points against per game. They concede an average of 5.2 yards per rush and 213.3 rushing yards per game, which sums up to 853 rushing yards over four contests. In pass defense, the Roadrunners have allowed 950 yards, ranking them 106th, with an air yardage average of 237.5 yards per game and a completion rate of 56.7%. On average, UTSA has conceded a total of 450.8 yards per game, putting them at 133rd nationwide. This includes allowing 5 passing touchdowns and 7 rushing touchdowns across the season.
The Rice Owls, with a current record of 1-3, faced a tough game last week, falling 38-24 to the Fresno State Bulldogs. The Owls managed to rush for an impressive 7.5 yards per attempt, totaling 344 yards on 46 carries. They had a strong performance, finishing with 463 yards, executing 63 plays for an average of 7.3 yards per play. Their passing defense allowed a completion rate of 64.7%, giving up 210 yards on 22 of 34 attempts, while their rushing defense conceded 249 yards on 34 attempts, averaging 7.3 yards per carry.
When it comes to scoring, Rice ranks 126th in the nation, averaging 19.0 points per game. The Owls generate an average of 353.5 yards per game, placing them at 103rd overall. Offensively, Rice has accumulated 152 penalty yards from 16 infractions, ranking them 131st in Division 1 for aiding their opponents. They have thrown 1 interception and lost 5 fumbles, achieving a total of 76 first downs. So far this season, they have amassed 339 passing yards, averaging 84.8 yards per game, putting them at 136th in Division 1. Their ground game, however, is robust, averaging 268.8 yards per game, with a total of 1,075 rushing yards.
Defensively, Rice has surrendered 732 rushing yards (183.0 yards per game) and 7 rushing touchdowns this season. In the air, they have conceded 8 passing touchdowns and 196.0 passing yards per game, ranking them 58th in the nation for pass defense. Overall, they have allowed 121 points this season, along with recovering 1 fumble and securing 1 interception. The Owls’ defense has been active on 254 plays, ranking them 66th nationally, while yielding an average of 30.3 points per game, placing them at 117th in Division 1.
Who will emerge victorious in tonight’s duel between the Roadrunners and Owls? Will they beat the spread?
Expert’s Prediction: Bet on the Owls +11.0
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