- Matchup: Rice Owls vs Texas State Bobcats
- Event Date: Friday, January 2, 2026
- Venue: Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, TX
- Broadcast: ESPN
- Betting Odds: Bobcats favored by 11.0 points
- Over/Under Total: 59.5
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Amon G. Carter Stadium will host the clash where the Texas State Bobcats (6-6) attempt to secure a victory against the Rice Owls (5-7) on January 2, 2026, in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl. The Bobcats enter this contest as 11.0-point favorites, with the total set at 59.5 points.
The Rice Owls are coming off a disappointing season, finishing at 5-7. Their recent game was a heavy defeat against the USF Bulls, ending with a score of 52-3. During that match, the Owls executed 58 plays for a total of 257 yards. On the ground, Rice managed 40 rushes for 153 yards, averaging 3.8 yards per carry. Defensively, they allowed 272 rushing yards on 49 carries, yielding an average of 5.6 yards per carry. In the air, the Owls conceded 18 completions on 28 attempts for 281 yards, reflecting a completion percentage of 64.3%.
Statistically, the Rice Owls are averaging 19.8 points per game this season, ranking 14th in the NCAA for rushing yards with an average of 213.3 per contest. They have totaled 3,736 yards throughout the season, scoring 10 passing touchdowns and 20 rushing touchdowns. The Owls have recorded 210 first downs but have faced 58 penalties for 587 yards, alongside 8 turnovers.
In terms of defense, the Owls have allowed 2,926 passing yards, ranking them 105th nationally. They concede an average of 243.8 passing yards per game at a completion rate of 61.2%. Overall, Rice’s defense permits 401.1 total yards per game, ranking them 95th in Division I, with 22 passing touchdowns and 24 rushing touchdowns against them, averaging 4.5 yards per carry and 157.3 yards rushed against per game.
The Bobcats stand at 6-6 for the season, having recently achieved victory with a score of 49-26 against the South Alabama Jaguars. In that game, Texas State amassed 544 yards from 69 plays, averaging 7.9 yards per play. On the ground, the Bobcats rushed for 263 yards on 43 attempts, averaging 6.1 yards per carry, while allowing 205 rushing yards on 38 attempts from South Alabama.
Offensively, the Bobcats rank 14th in the NCAA, averaging 36.1 points per game. With an average of 475.8 yards per game, they sit in 7th place nationally. Their offense has incurred 712 yards in penalties due to 82 infractions, ranking 40th in Division I. The team has thrown 7 interceptions and lost 8 fumbles while achieving 276 first downs. For the season, Texas State boasts 3,064 passing yards, averaging 255.3 per game, ranking 38th in Division I, alongside 220.5 rushing yards per game totaling 2,646 yards.
The Bobcats’ defense concedes an average of 30.6 points per game, placing them 112th in the NCAA. They have allowed 2,041 rushing yards (170.1 per game) and 25 rushing touchdowns this season, as well as 22 passing touchdowns and 228.4 yards per game, ranking them 87th nationally. Texas State has participated in 842 defensive plays, ranking 96th in Division I, registering 1 fumble recovery and 8 interceptions this season, totaling 367 points allowed.
Who will come out on top in tonight’s Owls vs Bobcats college football showdown against the spread?
Prediction: Bet on the Bobcats -11.0
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