Rice Owls vs Texas State Bobcats Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 01/02/26

Catching more than two touchdowns in a bowl game in itself could offer tremendous equity. This is especially true considering the profile of the favorite. The Bobcats have a penchant for shootouts and their defense is not a feature of their approach. Texas State’s identity is clear – tempo, explosiveness, and aggression on offense, paired with a defense that can absolutely leak yards and points. That’s not the kind of profile conducive to laying two full scores. Games that often turn into track meets make it naturally harder to separate and sit on a big margin for four quarters. That is what the Cats bring to the table here.

Rice, meanwhile, will be overlooked because they only got a bowl invite since so many others declined. But that makes them dangerous here because they are playing with house money. Add in an enhanced point allotment and a porous defense, this dog has the DNA to get us home. Texas State may be a “sexy” favorite but they are also not built to be laying this kind of margin. However, high-scoring outfits are teams that casual bettors have a tendency to like to ride even if there is voltaility that accompanies them. We won’t follow suit though. We know Rice doesn’t need to be perfect; they just need to hang around, trade scores, and avoid the avalanche. Texas State’s defense makes that feasible.

Rice vs Texas State prediction: Rice Owls +14 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable at the number.

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