The last two times these teams played each other was in 1987 were Rice won 38 to 28. This is Rice's back to back bowl appearance so they will be motivated to play a rival team in the state. This is an inter state rival bowl game played for the first time by two Texas teams. This is Texas State's first appearance in a bowl game after 12 years in FBS play so they will be super motivated. These teams will be hyped to play each other but the more important part is that both don't play defense as good as they play offense. JT Daniels is not playing for Rice and the backup AJ Padgett is in so this will help with the offensive game as he is still decent and this team loves to throw the ball. They will be able to get points on the Bobcats weak defense which helps bring the combined score over the total. The Bobcats have an explosive offense and will want to put the points up as they will trade scores with the Owls all day as in their past efforts, this score should go over the total. The Bobcats average 36 points per game but allow 33.8 points and Rice puts up around 30 points average per game and allow on average 26.67 points per game. This game should see both teams getting 30 plus points in this barn burner rivalry showdown in Texas that will be very entertaining.

The total has gone Over in 5 of Rice's last 5 games against an opponent in the Sun Belt conference. The Bobcats are 5-1 to the Over this season when the total is between 56.5 and 63. The Owls are 3-1 to the Over this season when the total is between 56.5 and 63. Rice is 12-1 to the Over in the last three seasons and 51-27 to the Over since 1992 in non-conference games.

Best bet: take the Over the Total.