Texas State Bobcats (7-5) vs. Rice Owls (6-6)
Texas State Bobcats vs. Rice Owls – In an exciting First Responder Bowl, the Texas State Bobcats face off against the Rice Owls. The Bobcats, with a solid 7-5 record, take on the evenly matched 6-6 Owls in a game that promises to be a close contest. This game is not just a bowl matchup but a crucial moment for those looking for NCAAF bowl free picks.
Texas State Bobcats vs. Rice Owls Game Info
| When: | Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at 5:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Gerald J. Ford Stadium |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
TJ Finley QB vs. JT Daniels QB
TJ Finley has orchestrated a top-25 passing offense for Texas State this season. His 68.6% completion percentage and 24/8 TD/INT ratio demonstrate efficiency moving the chains and taking care of the football. Finley excels going through progressions and stands tall under pressure. His deep ball prowess results in 8.5 yards per attempt as he frequently attacks downfield. Finley’s accuracy and touch on the move are underrated aspects of his game. He will look to utilize his athleticism when improvising. The Rice secondary has been vulnerable, so Finley should find open targets. But he cannot try to play hero ball and must avoid dangerous throws.
JT Daniels has the experience edge as a former SEC starter. While he does not possess high-end physical tools, Daniels’ mental grasp of the game is impressive. He demonstrates good pre-snap recognition and makes quick decisions after the snap. Daniels’ ability to diagnose coverages allows him to find the open man. However, he lacks top-tier arm strength and can struggle when forced off his first read. Daniels must get the ball out quickly and trust his playmakers to make plays. He could fall into trouble if the Texas State pass rush overwhelms the Owls offensive line. But if given time, the cerebral Daniels can efficiently lead the Rice offense. His protecting the football will be critical to any upset hopes.
Explosive Texas State Offense Capable of Lighting Up Scoreboard
The Bobcats have one of the most explosive offenses in the Sun Belt conference. Led by Finley at quarterback, they average over 30 points per game. Running back Ismail Mahdi powers the ground attack, racking up over 1200 rushing yards on the year. The Owls defense surrenders nearly 400 yards per game, so Finley should be able to exploit weaknesses in the secondary. Wideout Joey Hobert leads the receiving corps with 11 yards per catch and 8 touchdowns. Texas State has the offensive firepower to light up the scoreboard if Rice cannot get stops.
Owls’ Aerial Assault: Rice’s Key Weapons
Dean Connors, Rice’s running back, has been a consistent performer with 707 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns. Luke McCaffrey, the standout wide receiver, has racked up 963 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, proving to be a significant threat in the Owls’ offense.
NCAAF Betting Odds: Texas State Bobcats -220, Over/Under: 59
The odds favor Texas State, with their stronger overall record and position as favorites in recent matchups. The over/under set at 59 points suggests expectations of a high-scoring game.
Texas State Bobcats Betting Trends
Texas State are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas State’s last 5 games against an opponent in the Conference USA conference.
Texas State are 8-2 SU in their last 10 games when playing as the favourite.
Rice Owls Betting Trends
Rice are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Rice’s last 6 games.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Rice’s last 5 games against an opponent in the Sun Belt conference.
Rice are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games played in December.
Rice are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games when playing as the underdog.
Texas State Bobcats vs. Rice Owls Betting Picks
This matchup is shaping up to be a tightly contested battle. Texas State’s offensive firepower, led by Finley and Mahdi, makes them a strong contender. However, Rice’s resilience, especially as underdogs, cannot be underestimated.
The over/under suggests a high-scoring affair, which could play into the hands of both teams’ potent offenses. For those looking to place bets, visiting reputable betting websites for the latest odds and insights is advisable.
Receiving Yards Prop: Texas State 35, Rice 28.
