Staff Predictions: Rice

Tight race for the staff predictions crown. Here are our picks for the week.

Jared Kalmus - UnderdogDynasty.com/Alamodome Audible Podcast - Record (2-3)

The UTSA Roadrunners return to San Antonio for Homecoming this weekend but the mood around the program is likely one of disappointment, anger, and bitterness after the Roadrunners failed to show up in huge games against Southern Miss and North Texas. They'll face a Rice team that ranks in the bottom of nearly every statistical category in college football. The Owls should have renewed energy though as they'll return several key players who have suffered injuries this season. While Rice could be a threat with so many injured players returning, I expect UTSA to take out their pent-up frustration on the poor Owls. UTSA shouldn't leave any doubt of what they're capable of on the field after the past two weeks' embarrassment.

UTSA 41 - Rice 18

Burk Frey - Photog - Record (2-3)

As I write this, Rice has named Sam Glaesmann as their starting QB, who is returning from an injury to his non-throwing shoulder. Despite a beyond rough collegiate start for Sam (Rice vs. Stanford in Sydney, remember that?), I think the Roadrunners would be unwise to ignore him on Saturday. Nevertheless, UTSA's defensive focus will be stifling the run, and the offense needs to buckle down in pass pro to get Dalton Sturm back into a rhythm. This UTSA team may not be all the hype, but it is better than the results have shown lately.

UTSA 45 - Rice 13

Jared Cole - Staff Writer - Record (2-3)

Editor's note: Jared had some technical difficulties this week and couldn't send in his prediction. He was able to send me a score prediction.

UTSA 41 - Rice 17

Stephen Whitaker - Staff Writer - Record (3-2)

It's been a rough two weeks for the Roadrunners but starting this week the schedule eases a little bit. The Roadrunners have played the Rice Owls more than any other opponent in school history and have a chance to move to 3-3 all time against the smart kids from Houston. Last year's game was a nail-biter. This year the collective finger nails of San Antonio should be safe. UTSA is angry and they will channel that anger into the Owls. The Roadrunners get back on the winning track this week.

UTSA 31 - Rice 14

Javi Cardenas - Publisher - Record (3-2)

UTSA is back in the Dome looking for their first conference win of the season. Crazy to think that UTSA has already lost as many conference games as they did all of last year only two games in. It is hard for me to believe as talented as this UTSA team is that they will lose a third straight game to a pretty subpar Rice team. The Owls are coming off a bye week and have gotten several guys back from injury including their starting quarterback and running back, but I just don’t think they have enough depth to compete all four quarters. The Roadrunners start slow, but win big at the end.

UTSA 38 - Rice 17