The Rice Owls take on the USF Bulls in Tampa, Florida. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
USF is favored by 28.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -6500. The total is set at 59.5 points.
Here’s my Rice vs. USF prediction and college football picks for Saturday, November 29.
Rice Owls vs USF Bulls Prediction, Picks
- Rice vs. USF Pick: USF Team Total Over 43.5
My USF vs. Rice best bet is on the Bulls' team total. Find the best line available on our live NCAAF odds page.
Rice vs USF Odds, Line, Spread
| Rice Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+28.5 -118 | 57.5 -110o / -110u | +2000 |
| S. Florida Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-28.5 -102 | 57.5 -110o / -110u | -6500 |
- Rice vs USF Spread: USF -28.5, Rice +28.5
- Rice vs USF Over/Under: 57.5 Points
- Rice vs USF Moneyline: USF ML -6500, Rice ML +2000
Rice vs USF College Football Betting Preview
Rice Owls Betting Preview
Rice has to think of this season as a success in year one under Scott Abell, as the Owls were competitive much of the way while implementing a new offensive system. We have seen the Owls attempt to execute their offensive game plan by truncating games and playing a service-academy style.
The future is positive, and I would expect this program to continue to improve under Abell as he progresses through his tenure.
Still, I think the Rice offense will struggle against USF.
Rice struggles to throw the football, and the Owls have not been competitive against the top teams in the AAC. Quarterback Chase Jenkins has been serviceable running the offense, but the passing game is not developed enough to exploit the USF defense.
The ground attack has been successful at times, but there is very little explosiveness, and the offensive line allows too many negative plays that put this group behind the chains.
Rice has protected its defense by playing keepaway, but the stop unit isn't good.
The secondary gets toasted far too often, and the defensive front doesn't generate enough pressure.
USF Bulls Betting Preview
USF has had such a special season and is seeking to clinch a 10-win campaign in its home finale.
Alex Golesh has seen his name thrown into the mix for higher-profile coaching jobs, which will likely come to fruition at the conclusion of the regular season.
We have seen the Bulls' offensive creativity take shape this year, and USF has been excellent at generating explosive chunk plays on the ground and through the air.
Defensively, USF has also improved this season and has been much stronger against the run. Opponents are averaging just 3.6 yards per carry against the Bulls, and they've significantly improved their red-zone defense and third-down defense compared to prior seasons.
Rice vs USF College Football Pick to Bet
I expect USF to take this game seriously and put on a show for its home fans in the season finale.
South Florida has scored 63, 54, 48, and 55 points in its past four home games and routinely puts the hammer down against inferior competition.
Alex Golesh is not afraid to punch in scores late in blowouts and run his offense with meaningful reps in the second half, even with the second-team unit on the field. They should not throttle down in this one and should have no issue moving the football.
Rice struggles badly defensively, giving up way too many explosive plays.
Without an effective pass rush to generate pressure, USF quarterback Byrum Brown should be able to hit big, explosive pass plays set up by the run game.
The Rice secondary is not good, allowing 469 passing yards last week on only 19 completions. The Owls have just three interceptions on the season and are allowing 8.5 yards per pass attempt.
Rice is lining up against a USF defense that is equipped to stop what it wants to do offensively.
The Bulls rank 31st nationally in yards per rush allowed and 39th in defensive rushing success rate.
Rice struggles to sustain drives and convert on third down with any consistency.
USF ranks 42nd nationally in generating havoc, and I expect Rice to be behind the chains frequently, in situations they will not be able to throw their way out of.
The Owls will not out-possess or truncate the possession count in this game, giving USF more chances to have the ball and score.
Pick: USF Team Total Over 43.5
Rice vs USF Betting Trends to Watch
