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Game Preview Rice Owls vs Memphis Tigers
The Memphis Tigers head to Houston for a Week 10 American Athletic Conference battle against the Rice Owls. Ranked No. 25 in the nation, Memphis looks to keep its playoff hopes alive and strengthen its case ahead of the next CFP rankings.
At 7-1 overall and 3-1 in the AAC, Memphis sits just behind Tulane and Navy, with both still on the schedule. The Tigers enter this matchup after a 34-31 comeback win over South Florida. Rice, meanwhile, improved to 4-4 after a 37-34 double-overtime victory over UConn, ending a three-game losing streak.
For updated lines and real-time totals across college football, check the NCAAF odds and scores page before kickoff.
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Line Movement and Odds
Memphis opened as a 14-point favorite with a moneyline of -626, while Rice sits at +446. The total has hovered near 50.5 points through the week. Bettors respect Memphis’s recent record against the spread but also recognize Rice’s track record as a home underdog.
The latest projections and premium releases for this matchup can be found on the NCAAF picks page, where expert handicappers track spreads and totals for every game.
Memphis Tigers Outlook
Brendon Lewis has continued to elevate the Memphis offense, throwing for a career-high 307 yards in last week’s win over South Florida while adding 35 yards on the ground. The Tigers rank among the top 20 nationally in scoring, rushing yards, sacks, and interceptions.
Running back Sutton Smith has totaled 515 yards and six touchdowns, while wide receiver Cortez Braham Jr. leads the team with 566 receiving yards and seven scores. Their offensive balance remains a strength, especially against a Rice defense that allows 28 points per game.
For deeper matchup breakdowns and data-driven betting strategies, see the NCAAF expert betting guide.
Memphis Tigers Injury Report
Cameron Miller (DB) – Questionable
Kourtlan Marsh (DB) – Out
Chauncey Logan Jr. (DB) – Questionable
Cade Law (LB) – Out
Crews Law (LB) – Questionable
Oliver Castaneda (K) – Questionable
Grant Troutman (QB) – Out
Rice Owls Outlook
The Rice Owls leaned on Quinton Jackson’s breakout performance to beat UConn in double overtime. Jackson totaled 168 rushing yards, 80 receiving yards, and four touchdowns, including the walk-off score.
Rice’s triple-option attack ranks 10th nationally in rushing yards with 1,819 and helps control tempo through long, sustained drives. Defensively, Rice ranks among the top 20 in sacks (15) and top five in interceptions, capable of forcing turnovers to keep them competitive against high-powered offenses.
Rice Owls Injury Report
Max Balthazar (RB) – Out
John Long (OL) – Questionable
Shepherd Bowling (S) – Questionable
Michael Daley (DE) – Questionable
Luke Needham (OL) – Questionable
Cole Morgan (OL) – Questionable
Owen Carter (WR) – Questionable
Will Swartz (TE) – Questionable
Ejike Adele (DL) – Out
Key Matchup / Path to Victory
Memphis must protect Brendon Lewis and establish Sutton Smith early to open up play-action against Rice’s pressure-heavy defense. If the Tigers execute efficiently in the red zone, their balanced attack could overwhelm the Owls.
Rice’s best chance lies in controlling time of possession and forcing early turnovers. Sustained drives through Jackson’s ground production could keep Memphis’s offense off the field and shorten the game.
Betting Trends
- Memphis is 24-3 straight up as a favorite in its last 27 games.
- Memphis is 9-1 against the spread over its last 10 contests.
- Memphis is 9-1 ATS in games with totals of 50 or more since 2024.
- Rice is 17-9 ATS as an underdog since 2022.
- Rice has gone over in 19 of its last 29 games with totals above 50.
- Rice is 18-7 to the over in home games since 2021.
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Prediction
Memphis’s passing balance and overall talent advantage should prove too much for Rice to contain for four quarters. Expect the Tigers to pull away in the second half, maintaining their momentum in the AAC race.
Projected Score: Memphis 38, Rice 20
Best Bet: Memphis -14
Total Lean: Over 50.5
