The Houston Cougars take on the Rice Owls in Houston, Texas. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. EDT on ESPN+.
Houston is favored by 14 points on the spread with a moneyline of -625. The total is set at 39.5 points.
Here’s my Houston vs. Rice prediction and college football picks for Saturday, September 6, 2025.
Houston vs Rice Prediction
- Houston vs. Rice Pick: Rice +14 (-110, BetMGM)
My Rice vs. Houston best bet is on the Owls to cover the spread. Find the best line available on our live NCAAF odds page.
Houston vs Rice Odds
| Houston Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-14 -110 | 39.5 -110o / -110u | -625 |
| Rice Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+14 -110 | 39.5 -110o / -110u | +450 |
- Houston vs Rice point spread: Houston -14 (-110), Rice +14 (-110)
- Houston vs Rice over/under: 39.5 (-110o / -110u)
- Houston vs Rice moneyline: Houston -625, Rice +450
Houston vs Rice Pick, Betting Analysis
On paper, Rice was significantly outmatched last week against Louisiana.
Yet, the Owls battled hard, dominated time of possession, and truncated the game down just like Scott Abell wanted to with a rush-heavy offense. The game finished with 10 total possessions, a slow-bleed from Rice, which amassed 209 yards on 53 attempts.
There were no explosives, but the Owls were consistent, beating Louisiana four yards at a time.
Meanwhile, Rice was excellent in coverage last week, holding Louisiana quarterback Walker Howard to 10-for-22 passing for 88 yards.
I see Rice having a similar game plan in Week 2.
The Owls should scheme well in the secondary, run for four yards per carry, dominate time of possession and control the clock. I could see this game finishing in the 17-10 range.
I also expect Rice to throw its best punch against in-state Big Brother. I’ll take the two touchdowns.
Pick: Rice +14 (-110, BetMGM)
