Western Michigan at Rice

This may be one of the highest scoring Bowl games of the season. The Broncos scored 3+ TDs on all but one opponent this season, and over their last five games Rice scored five or more on everyone. With its late season surge, Rice vaulted itself into the top 10 in the NCAAF offensively, averaging 43.2 ppg. Western Michigan has certainly been no slouch as they finished at #29, scoring 30 ppg. Chase Clement has had an outstanding season for Rice, throwing for 41 TDs to just seven INTs, and rushing for 621 more. He has two potent weapons in Casey and Dillard that have combined for 183 catches, 2,441 yards and 31 TDs. That trio is basically the Rice offense. Tim Hiller has been equally impressive for the Broncos with 34 TDs and eight INTs against arguably better competition. The difference in this game is Hiller just has more targets to throw to than Clement, and a better defense to go with it. Although Rice has a big offense, their defense bad and negates most of the benefit from the high-octane offense. They rank in the bottom five of NCAAF and allow 35 ppg. Western Michigan is ranked #84, but allows just 23.8 ppg. Both of these teams are going to get their points, but when it comes time to get a critical stop or two, would you expect it from a team that allows 35 ppg and ranked fifth from the bottom? It's hard to put money on a team that can't stop anyone, no matter how good the offense is. I like this one to go OVER and and for the Broncos to come out on top.