Texas State Bobcats (7-5) vs. Rice Owls (6-6)
Texas State Bobcats vs. Rice Owls 12/26/23 – On Tuesday at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, in the First Responder Bowl, Texas State Bobcats take on Rice Owls for bowl glory and as an NCAAF bowl free tips competition. Texas State has shown consistency throughout its campaign while Rice Owls has shown resilience during theirs.
Texas State’s offense has been significantly boosted by Ismail Mahdi and Joey Hobert. Mahdi has amassed 1,209 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns for Texas State this season, complementing Hobert’s 847 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns to make them formidable forces on the field.
On the Rice Owls side of things, Running Back Dean Connors and Wide Receiver Luke McCaffrey have proven indispensable to their offense. Connors boasts 707 rushing yards and five touchdowns to his name while McCaffrey boasts 963 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns to make him an essential target during passing play, often performing under pressure.
Texas State Bobcats vs. Rice Owls 12/26/23 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 put together a strong 2022 campaign for the Bobcats. He’s thrown for over 3,200 yards with 24 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. Finley excels at pushing the ball downfield, averaging 8.5 yards per pass attempt. His Accuracy has improved in his second year as the starter. However, he has a tendency to force throws into coverage leading to pivotal turnovers.
Meanwhile, JT Daniels has given the Rice offense stability since taking over as the starter. In 9 games, he’s passed for over 2,400 yards with 21 touchdowns and 7 picks. Daniels displays good pocket awareness and goes through progressions well. His ball placement and deep ball accuracy are areas for improvement. Like Finley, Daniels must avoid critical mistakes for Rice to stay competitive.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Texas State Bobcats -220, Total Odds: 59
The odds favor the Texas State Bobcats, reflecting their superior season record and offensive potency. The point spread at -5.5 for the Bobcats suggests confidence in their ability to win by a margin. The total of 59 points indicates expectations of a high-scoring game, likely influenced by both teams’ offensive capabilities.
Texas State Bobcats Betting Trends
The Bobcats are just 2-5 against the spread (ATS) over their last 7 contests. This indicates they have struggled to meet betting market expectations. However, Texas State has gone under the total in 4 of their last 5 matchups against Conference USA opponents. So the under on the 59 total could be in play. Additionally, Texas State is 8-2 straight up in their last 10 games as favorites. So while their ATS mark is worrisome, the Bobcats have taken care of business outright when tagged as chalk.
Rice Owls Betting Trends
In contrast to Texas State’s ATS struggles, Rice has covered in 8 of their last 12 games. The total has gone under in 4 of Rice’s previous 6 contests as well. And they have gone over the total in 5 straight games against Sun Belt foes. The over on the 59 total aligns with those trends. Moreover, Rice is an impressive 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as underdogs. With the Owls getting 5.5 points, this trend indicates they can keep it close. Rice is also 5-2 ATS over their last 7 December games, continuing to show an ability to cover as dogs late in the year.
Texas State Bobcats vs. Rice Owls 12/26/23 Betting Picks
The statistics and trends point towards an intriguing clash. The Bobcats’ offensive strength, led by Finley, Mahdi, and Hobert, is a significant factor. However, the Owls’ resilience and tendency to outperform expectations, especially in underdog roles, make them a dangerous opponent.
The better pick in this matchup leans towards the Bobcats, given their overall season performance and offensive edge. However, considering the Owls’ ATS record, they could cover the spread. In terms of prop bets, focusing on individual player performances could be lucrative, especially given the prowess of key players on both sides. The over/under is a tricky bet, but the offensive strengths of both teams suggest the potential for a high-scoring game. For those looking for the best handicapper tips, examining the nuanced statistics and trends of both teams is crucial.
Free Pick and Prediction: Texas State Bobcats 35, Rice Owls 28