College Football Odds, Picks & Prediction for Rice vs USF

There are not many things better in all of college football than being able to sit on your couch and bet Rice vs. USF.

During what is likely the best week of matchups we will see this season, who could miss out on a chance to capitalize on some AAC action?

Rice is entering conference play following two Big 12 matchups in which it went 1-1, with an impressive victory over Houston coming last week.

Meanwhile, South Florida had the attention of the country after holding Alabama to just 17 points in last week's monsoon in Tampa Bay. Luckily for the Bulls, they will get to stay home once again, as the Owls will flock east to begin conference play.

Consider me a fan of the Owls. Rice plays a physical style of football that begins up front.

So far this season, the Owls have surprised a pair of Big 12 squads, holding Texas to just one first-half touchdown and beating Houston outright two weeks ago.

Starting on offense, the Owls are averaging 51.0 points per game in their last two contests.

Rice has been superb in Finishing Drives this season. In 12 trips inside its opponents' 20-yard line, Rice has found the end zone seven times and only once has it failed to put points on the board.

After an abysmal outing against Texas, QB JT Daniels has rebounded with seven touchdowns to just one interception.

Rice is moving down the field and Finishing Drives, something that's been a weak point of the USF defense. In 10 attempts, USF has only prevented a score in the red zone one time this season.

Points should be available for the taking for Daniels this Saturday.

Moral victories are for losers, however, holding Alabama to 17 points and losing by just two scores is a pretty significant feat for USF.

For those expecting another shut-down week of defense for South Florida, you're probably out of luck. Alabama not only had to endure the worst weather of any game this season, but a coaching decision left its most dynamic and experienced quarterback on the sideline.

South Florida allowed 41 points to Western Kentucky in Week 1 – a team with a similar scheme and personnel to Rice. Conference games normally see an increase in competitiveness and lower scores, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the Owls score something similarly to the Hilltoppers.

The USF defense is averaging 11.0 missed tackles per game, according to Pro Football Focus. Rice will be able to get in space and create extra chunk plays as a result.

I do think 31 points by the Rice offense will be enough to cover this spread. I know Alabama is a formidable opponent and these numbers are likely skewed a bit, but South Florida's offensive line has allowed 15 sacks and 58 pressures in three games.

To be blunt, that is atrocious.

Rice will get out front and stay out front, especially if USF is forced to drop back and pass.

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Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how Rice and USF match up statistically:

Rice Offense vs. USF Defense

	Offense	Defense	Edge
Rush Success	84	89
Line Yards	100	62
Pass Success	7	49
Havoc	50	30
Finishing Drives	6	115
Quality Drives	48	76

USF Offense vs. Rice Defense

	Offense	Defense	Edge
Rush Success	112	104
Line Yards	41	97
Pass Success	131	14
Havoc	101	47
Finishing Drives	117	76
Quality Drives	119	90

Pace of Play / Other

PFF Tackling	92	122
PFF Coverage	104	110
Special Teams SP+	27	4
Middle 8	76	110
Seconds per Play	34.2 (133)	21.4 (3)
Rush Rate	55.4% (54)	60.4% (42)

It's simple: conference games are wacky and wild, and that's why we love them.

But in a spread under 3.o points, I'm of the belief to take the better team and quarterback.

Rice is the better team and has the better quarterback, so expect the Owls to cover 2.5 points easily.