Staff Predictions: Rice
UTSA looks to stay perfect in conference play as they take on the Rice Owls.
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Chase Otero - Photog - (7-2)
The 2023 season is nearing the finish line with the last three games of the regular season beginning this weekend. The Rice Owls take a trip down to the Alamodome, and look to topple the streaking UTSA Roadrunners.
Last week’s contest saw Rice’s starting quarterback, JT Daniels, taken out of the game with a concussion. Signs point to him not playing this weekend so things will be shaken up offensively, to say the least. On the other hand, UTSA is getting a few more players back from injuries this week, helping them utilize their depth deep into ballgames. The main “worry” that should be at the forefront of the Roadrunners is falling into a “trap-game” mindset, or getting caught looking ahead. On paper, this matchup would seem lopsided, but I have a feeling Rice is going to show up ready to fight Saturday night.
UTSA 42, Rice 35
Stephen Whitaker - Staff Writer - (7-2)
UTSA welcomes Rice to town this weekend for the annual Military Appreciation Game. The Roadrunners are 7-5 in past military appreciation games and beat Rice in the 2015 game celebrating the troops. That win also started UTSA on its current streak of seven in a row against the Owls. UTSA also comes in with a lengthy conference winning streak. Rice has come close to knocking off Tulane and SMU and would love nothing more than to dim the Roadrunners chances of a third straight conference championship game appearance. Someday Rice will get its fourth win over the Roadrunners but not this week. This is for the Troops. UTSA will do what it has to do in order to come away with the win.
UTSA 38, Rice 24
Burk Frey - Photog - (7-2)
UTSA vs Rice! I love this series. I guess that’s easier when viewing it from a UTSA lens, as the series has been largely dominated by the Roadrunners in recent years. Regardless, it’s been nice to have another in-state conference opponent for close travel games, and that continues as both teams enter the AAC together.
I don’t think many fans are giving Rice the respect they deserve this year. This Owls squad is a good team who is a game or two better than their 4-5 record, and if quarterback JT Daniels is playing, we might be looking at a different game. Alas it seems he’s out, and that gives me confidence to pick UTSA here. But watch and see which team comes out and pops the other in the mouth, which will tell us a lot about the remainder of the season.
UTSA 42, Rice 24
Brandon Holland - Staff Writer - (7-2)
Another bird team to ground this week for the Roadrunners; this week it is the Rice Owls. I expect Frank Harris to have a big game, and regardless of who Rice has at quarterback I expect the defense to apply pressure and keep them off timing. I’m looking to see explosive plays minimized and for a complete game to played in all 3 phases of the game by UTSA.
UTSA 41, Rice 17
Julio Gonzales Jr. - Staff Writer - (7-2)
The UTSA Roadrunners (6-3, 5-0) are hot right now. They have won five straight games and are tied for first in the AAC with Tulane and SMU. They now get ready to host the Rice Owls (4-5, 2-3), who are coming off consecutive losses to Tulane 30-28 and SMU last week 36-31. The Roadrunners are 14-point favorites, but I think this game will be closer than that. The Owls average 33 points per game, and slowing down wide receiver Luke McCaffery will be the key. Ultimately, the Roadrunners will win and move their winning streak to six.
UTSA 35 Rice 31
Javi Cardenas - Publisher - (6-3)
The Roadrunners continue to roll through their conference schedule. Next on the docket is a Rice team that comes into the Alamodome with a few bumps and bruises. If JT Daniels plays things could turn out a bit differently. If he cannot go I think this will go the way of the last seven meetings. Even if Daniels is to play, Rice is facing an uphill battle against a UTSA that seems to be playing to their standard. The Roadrunners cook Rice for the eighth year in a row.
UTSA 34, Rice 20
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