Memphis at Rice

The Tigers are going to struggle this season. They are 0-4 vs. Div-1 competition, and they have been bad on both sides of the ball. They have been out-scored by a 186-48 count, or by 34.5 points per game. When you consider that two of the four games were vs. Sun Belt Conference teams and in-conference games this season, the prospects are not very bright. The Owls are only 1-3, but when you consider that they have had four tough games, they will be hungry and tested here. And they also have a big win in their only home game vs. Purdue. Despite the tough competition, QB Taylor McHargue has managed the game well, throwing just one INT vs. some good defenses, and should step-up big here. The Tigers have not only been uncompetitive in the win/loss columns, they are just 9-20-1 ATS in their last 30 games overall, including 7-18-1 ATS as a dog. The Owls don't make it to the favorite side of the ledger often, but when they do they are plenty equipped to take advantage of it as they are 7-1 ATS in their last eight in the role of a favorite. Rice gets it done in this one.