---

Rice vs. Western Kentucky prediction and game preview for the season-opener between the Owls and the Hilltoppers.

---

Rice vs. Western Kentucky Game Preview

Broadcast Info

Date: Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016

Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. ET

Venue: L.T. Smith Stadium, Bowling Green, KY

Television Station: CBSSN

Rice vs. Western Kentucky Storylines

The Hilltoppers remain under Jeff Brohm’s control despite the head coach getting consideration for openings at Virginia and South Carolina. The squad finished last season ranked No. 24 in the final AP poll, but replacing Brandon Doughty will be a daunting task after he led FBS in passing yards and touchdown passes. However, the defense’s turnaround should carry over from 2015 with the returning T.J. McCollum, who starred at linebacker after coming over from UAB.

Meanwhile, the Owls failed to make a bowl game last season after three consecutive trips, as a subpar defense and poor quarterback play were the main culprits. Head coach David Bailiff has to be excited that 2014 C-USA all-freshman selection Graysen Schantz is back from a knee injury to help out at defensive end, but the team has questions under center.

Here’s a look at some of the statistics as we head into the season opener.

Statistics reflect the 2015 college football season.

Rice Offensive Stats

Passing Offense: 224.3
Rushing Offense: 178.1
Total Offense: 402.4 ypg
Scoring Offense: 26.1

Western Kentucky Offensive Stats

Passing Offense: 372.2 ypg
Rushing Offense: 154.6 ypg
Total Offense: 526.9 ypg
Scoring Offense: 44.3 ppg

Rice Defensive Stats

Passing Defense: 257.2 ypg

Rushing Defense: 190.3 ypg
Total Defense: 447.5 ypg
Scoring Defense: 35.8 ppg
Turnover Margin: -1.00

Western Kentucky Defensive Stats

Passing Defense: 239.2 ypg
Rushing Defense: 1644 ypg
Total Defense: 403.6 ypg
Scoring Defense: 25.9 ppg
Turnover Margin: 1.00

Matchup to Watch

WKU ground game vs. Rice’s front seven

The Hilltoppers have a very deep backfield with Anthony Wales, Leon Allen and D’Andre Ferby all possessing the talent to start. The Owls, meanwhile, ranked No. 102 in the country in yards allowed.

Advantages

Offense: Western Kentucky. Even without Doughty, the Hilltoppers will have a prolific offense under Brohm.

Defense: Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers were greatly improved from their 2014 struggles, as they forced a conference-best 31 turnovers last year.

Special Teams: Even. Both teams were solid in special teams efficiency last year.

Coaching: Even. Both Brohm and Bailiff have done good jobs at their schools.

Intangibles: Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers will be in front of the home crowd trying to keep their C-USA winning streak alive.

Rice vs. Western Kentucky Betting Odds

Spread: Western Kentucky -14.5

Over/Under: 60

Rice vs. Western Kentucky Prediction

Quarterback play will not be an issue for the Hilltoppers. No matter who is under center, he will find success because there are just too many talented skill-position players on offense. That spells doom for a Rice team that struggled to generate a consistent pass rush last fall.

Final Score Prediction For Rice vs. Western Kentucky: Western Kentucky 42, Rice 23

MORE: 2016 College Football Bowl Projections