It is an all-Texas showdown when Rice hosts Sam Houston on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 7:00 PM ET. Rice enters this game as a 10-point favorite, while the total for this contest is set at 49.5 points over at DraftKings Sportsbook. Read on to get our college football picks for Saturday’s Sam Houston vs Rice matchup in college football.
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Sam Houston Hoping For Better Luck In Close Games
Last year looked bad on paper for the Sam Houston State Bearkats, as they went 3-9 in their first year of FBS football. But a closer look at their losses would reveal that they had some bad luck in close games, losing multiple times in overtime and dropping several other close games. This weekend, Sam Houston opens its second FBS season and will hope variance is on their side in close games this time around.
Of course, making some strides on the offensive side of the ball will be more important than luck in close games for the Bearkats in 2024. Sam Houston State averaged just 20 points per game last season and will have to be better at converting on scoring chances if they are going to have a shot at a better year, starting with their season opener against Rice.
Rice Relying On Continuity to Have Success In 2024
Rice finished in the middle of the pack in the American Athletic Conference last season, going 6-7 overall after a bowl loss, and 4-4 in the AAC. But there is some optimism surrounding the Rice program heading into their season opener against Sam Houston State. With a ton of starters coming back from last year’s team, the Owls are hoping that they will benefit from not having too many moving parts on this year’s roster.
One area where Rice has made a change is at the quarterback position, where Temple transfer EJ Warner is set to play this season. Warner was incredibly productive for the Owls, who were one of the worst FBS teams a season ago. On a better roster, Warner could have a breakout year to help Rice enjoy one of its best seasons in quite some time.
Sam Houston vs Rice Best Bet
We really like what Rice is building in the AAC going into 2024. They continue to get better and should be able to finish this season above the .500 mark barring injuries or some other issue taking place. We will lay the points with the Owls here, who should be able to defend their home turf against a Sam Houston team still getting its feet under it at the FBS level.
