Rice vs. Southern Miss

Rice made a bowl despite a losing record while leading the nation with 30 giveaways in 12 games, an average of 2.5 turnovers per contest. They got in only because there was a shortage of six-win teams. Their three quarterbacks have combined for 20 TDs, and 19 interceptions, with freshman QB A.J. Padgett (339 yards, 50% completions) the current starter by default. The Rice defense surrendered 40+ points five times, including a 56-23 loss to Charlotte as a 15-point favorite. The defense is 120th in the nation in points allowed (36 per game), 82nd in rush defense (166.4 pg), plus 113th on third down (44.29%). Southern Miss is 6-6 and has a chance to have its first winning season under second-year head coach Will Hall with a win. RB Frank Gore Jr (1,053 yards, 5.1 ypc) leads the offense while the defense allows 24.7 points per game. Southern Miss is on a 4-3 SU, 5-2 ATS run, and is 24-7 ATS away from home after outrushing their last opponent by 125+ yards. Play Southern Miss.