The Rice Owls (5-7) take on the Southern Miss Golden Eagles (6-6) Saturday in the Lending Tree Bowl. Kickoff from Hancock Whitney Stadium is at 5:45 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Rice vs. Southern Miss odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
The Golden Eagles joined the Sunbelt conference this season as a dark horse candidate to win the conference title. They came up short of this goal but were still able to get to a bowl game. They know Rice well and have played in 8 seasons in a row prior to this game as members of Conference USA.
Rice comes into this game as the only team with a losing record to make a game this season. At 5-7, the academic aptitude of the Rice Owl roster meant that their APR was the highest in the country for those teams vying for the left-over bowl slot. Now they get to get 15 extra practices and a small paycheck to play in this game. While this is not an extraordinary game, any football is good football. Especially with the end of the season coming soon. So, watch and try to enjoy.
Check out: AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY sports
Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+
Rice vs. Southern Miss odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Rice +210 (bet $100 to win $210) | Southern Miss -260 (bet $260 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Rice +6.5 (-110) | Southern Miss -6.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 45.5 (O: -107 | U: -113)
Claim your risk-free bet up to $350. Catch the excitement and start betting with Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!
Rice vs. Southern Miss picks and predictions
Prediction
Southern Miss 27, Rice 13
Moneyline
PASS.
This game, despite the records being close, is a mismatch. Rice is down to its 4th-string QB and Southern Miss (-260) and RB Frank Gore Jr. will be able to move the ball easily against this team while limiting the offense. However, the price tag in this one is not worth the wager.
Against the spread
BET SOUTHERN MISS -6.5 (-110).
This is an easy call. Rice comes in as losers of 4 straight games and with a 4th string QB under center. I would barely trust an Alabama 4th String QB let alone one from Rice. The Golden Eagles will win and win big — SOUTHERN MISS -6.5 (-110) is my favorite play in this game.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 45.5 (-113).
Southern Miss can score a bit, but can Rice? This is the reason I am looking Under 45.5 in this game. Rice has been destroyed by injury and I do not see it being able to move the ball well.
The Owls could get to double-digit points — but not much more. I think this will be a game of coasting for the Golden Eagles. If they want to get to 40, they can, but I think they will get to the mid 20s and cruise which makes me lean UNDER 45.5 (-113).
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Want action on this game or any other NCAA football matchup? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow Dominick Petrillo on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / Iowa / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]