Who's Playing

Charlotte @ Rice

Current Records: Charlotte 1-7; Rice 4-3

What to Know

The Rice Owls will be returning home after a two-game road trip. The Owls and the Charlotte 49ers will face off in a Conference USA battle at 2 p.m. ET Saturday at Rice Stadium. Rice is out to keep their three-game home win streak alive.

It was all tied up 35-35 between Rice and the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs going into overtime last week, but Rice pulled a 42-41 victory out of their hat in the final minutes. It took four tries, but Rice can finally say that they have a win on the road. They relied on the efforts of QB TJ McMahon, who passed for three TDs and 208 yards on 27 attempts in addition to rushing for one TD and 70 yards, and QB Luke McCaffrey, who punched in one rushing touchdown in addition to catching ten passes for two TDs and 171 yards. One of the most memorable plays of the matchup was McMahon's 64-yard touchdown rush in the fourth quarter.

Meanwhile, the contest between Charlotte and the FIU Panthers last week was not a total blowout, but with the 49ers falling 34-15 at home, it was darn close to turning into one. If the result catches you off guard, it should: Charlotte was far and away the favorite. QB Chris Reynolds had a memorable game, but not in the way you want to be remembered: despite one touchdown, he threw three interceptions and fumbled the ball once.

This next game looks promising for the Owls, who are favored by a full 15.5 points. Those burned by picking them against the spread last week might want to keep in mind that the team has not yet dropped back-to-back games against the spread this season.

Rice is now 4-3 while Charlotte sits at 1-7. A couple numbers to keep in mind before kickoff: Rice comes into the game boasting the 30th fewest passing yards allowed per game in the nation at 196.7. But the 49ers enter the game with 276.1 passing yards per game on average, good for 31st best in the nation. These opposing strengths should make for an exciting matchup.

How To Watch

  • When: Saturday at 2 p.m. ET
  • Where: Rice Stadium -- Houston, Texas
  • TV: ESPN3.com
  • Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
  • Follow: CBS Sports App
  • Ticket Cost: $14.00

Odds

The Owls are a big 15.5-point favorite against the 49ers, according to the latest college football odds.

The oddsmakers had a good feel for the line for this one, as the game opened with the Owls as a 16.5-point favorite.

Over/Under: -111

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Series History

Rice have won two out of their last three games against Charlotte.

  • Nov 06, 2021 - Charlotte 31 vs. Rice 24
  • Nov 12, 2016 - Rice 22 vs. Charlotte 21
  • Nov 28, 2015 - Rice 27 vs. Charlotte 7