Rice Owls vs UL Lafayette Ragin Cajuns Point Spread Picks

Rice went 4-8 last year. The one thing they had going for them on offense was QB E.J. Warner (17 TDs, 13 INTs), the son of Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner, but he has since transferred to Fresno State. They bring in a new coach, Scott Abell, and a new playbook. He has never coached at the FBS level in any capacity. Abell and offensive coordinator Vince Munch are bringing in a run-oriented offense. Rice is on a 10-6 run UNDER the total. UL Lafayette must replace two quarterbacks and is also seeking to establish a strong running game in 2025. Look for more field attempts and punts than points. Play Rice/UL Lafayette UNDER the total. 

UL Lafayette is off a 13-1 season anchored by a terrific defense. Many of the key defensive players have returned and they're 2-0 allowing 14 points per game. The offense lost starting QB Levi Lewis while the offensive line has only one starter back. Sophomore QB Chandler Fields is the new signal caller but despite being 2-0 the running game is averaging just 3.9 yards per carry behind this relatively new O-line. They were behind 14-0 at the half last week at home to Eastern Michigan before rallying. UL Lafayette is on an 18-8 run UNDER the total, as well as 15-7-1 UNDER after getting 450+ total yards in the last contest. Rice is off a 4-8 campaign and split its first two games, getting crushed by USC in the opener. The Owls are very good at controlling the clock, tenth in the nation last year and No. 1 in Conference USA holding the ball for 33+ minutes per contest. It's a run-oriented offense again getting 355 yards rushing in two games, with a three-headed attack of Ali Broussard, Cameron Montgomery, and Dean Connors. Controlling the ball keeps the clock moving and this total is too high. Play UL Lafayette/Rice UNDER the total.