Texas Southern vs Rice Picks and Prediction – 9/7/2024

In a Week 2 clash of Texas programs, the Rice Owls host the Texas Southern Tigers at Rice Stadium in Houston. This matchup offers Rice an opportunity to continue their progress under head coach Mike Bloomgren, while Texas Southern looks to make a statement against an FBS opponent. Get ready for all the college football action with our free NCAAF picks.

The Rice Owls (0-1) come into this game with aspirations of rebounding from a Week 1 loss to Sam Houston State. Quarterback E.J. Warner (227 yards) leads the Rice offense. Warner will look to exploit the Tigers' defense by spreading the ball to a talented group of receivers, including Matt Sykes (74 yards) who has a knack for making big plays downfield. On the defensive side, the Owls will rely on d-lineman Charlie Looes to anchor the unit and produce sacks as he did last week.

Texas Southern (1-0) enters this game off a win against Prairie View. The Tigers’ offense will be spearheaded by quarterback KJ Cooper, whose dual-threat ability makes him a constant danger to defenses. Cooper lead the team in passing, with 98 yards, and rushing, with 52 yards. Texas Southern will approach this game with a run-heavy attack, which may give Rice problems, like it did against Sam Houston.

This game may play out closer than other FCS vs. FBS matchups. Texas Southern had a succint gameplan and executed well in their opener. Rice looked feeble on both sides of the ball against a weak Sam Houston State team. This is a step up in level for TSU, and they likely lose, but it will be closely contested. Prediction: Rice wins 19-13.