Rice Owls vs UTSA Roadrunners Betting Preview: Surprisingly Undefeated UTSA Looks to Add Another Win

UTSA is on a roll to say the least, as they enter this week as one of the remaining unbeatens in college football. And playing in Conference USA, there is a good chance that they could actually stay that way.

The Roadrunners aren’t going to sniff the playoffs, but an unbeaten season would still be a great achievement for a program that has been in existence for only a decade.

Rice is not likely to get rolled like they did against Texas, but this one might not be competitive for more than a half.

Rice Owls (2-3) vs UTSA Roadrunners (6-0), ESPN+, 6:00 p.m. ET

Rice Owls vs UTSA Roadrunners College Football Betting Odds

Moneyline

• Rice Owls +590
• UTSA Roadrunners -950

Total

• OVER 52.5 (-112)
• UNDER 52.5 (-108)

Spread

• Rice Owls +16.5 (-105)
• UTSA Roadrunners -16.5 (-115)

Rice Owls vs UTSA Roadrunners college football betting odds are via BetOnline Sportsbook as of Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 5:20 p.m. ET.

Rice Owls vs UTSA Roadrunners Betting Outlook

After three losses to start the season against quality teams, the competition lightened and the Owls have won their last two games.

The key has been putting some points on the board. Against Arkansas, Houston, and Texas, Rice scored only 24 points combined. They have averaged 36 points over the last two contests. Rice’s offense is balanced. But the problem with that balance is that it isn’t at a high enough level.

Things are not much better on defense. Similar to the offense, playing high-level competition killed the defensive numbers for Rice. They are giving up an average of 38 points per game on the season, but that has normalized over those two wins as well, dropping to 26 points per game. If they can hold the Roadrunners to that total this one might stay competitive. But it is hard to see that happening. Last year they gave up 31 points in a four-point loss to the Roadrunners. This year’s UTSA team is better.

Can Anyone in C-USA Ride With the Roadrunners?

UTSA is 6-0, but they have had a couple of close calls. Nevertheless, they are 5-1 ATS and with every win, they are drawing more and more market attention.

That is also what RB Sincere McCormick is receiving. He is having a fine season, but his yards per carry is down to 4.3 from 6 last season. Frank Harris is having a very nice season at quarterback and they needed him big time in a close win against Western Kentucky. He threw six TD passes last week, matching his production of the season to that game.

The Roadrunners needed all those points last week as they gave up 46 points, the most they have all season. UTSA’s splits show a team that is strong against the run (6th) but light against the pass (112th). Some of that is playing with the lead, but this group also got torched last week, allowing more than 500 yards through the air. That Western Kentucky team is a very good offensive club, however. Rice is not. I would expect the Roadrunners to look a lot better on defense this week just by virtue of the matchup.

College Football Betting Trends to Consider for Rice Owls vs UTSA Roadrunners

• Rice is 5-1 ATS in their last six games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
• The Owls are 5-1 ATS in their last six games following a straight up win.
• The Owls are 4-1 ATS in their last five conference games.
• UTSA is 7-1 ATS in their last eight games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
• The Roadrunners are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games following a straight up win.
• The Roadrunners are 6-1 ATS in their last seven home games.

Rice Owls vs UTSA Roadrunners Best Bet

UTSA -16.5

The Roadrunners are 2-1 ATS when favored by more than 10 points this season, including covering a -38 against FCS Lamar. This is a really good UTSA team so there is no reason to think they can’t win very comfortably at home against a Rice team that has only looked decent against bad competition. There are better values on the board, but I still like the home side.

Rice vs UTSA College Football Score Prediction

UTSA 38, Rice 19