Rice vs. Charlotte Prediction, Game Preview


Rice vs. Charlotte prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins between the Owls and 49ers on Saturday in Charlotte, NC.


Rice vs. Charlotte Game Preview

When: Saturday, Nov. 12 – 2:00 p.m. ET
Where: McColl-Richardson Field, Charlotte, NC
TV Broadcast: N/A

The Owls (1-8, 0-6 Conference USA) were overwhelmed by Florida Atlantic last week in a 42-25 home loss. David Bailiff’s squad allowed FAU to put up a program-record 657 total yards, which eclipsed its previous record of 624 total yards set in 2008. Rice quarterback Tyler Stehling threw for 254 yards and a touchdown in the loss.

Meanwhile, the 49ers (4-5, 3-2) rallied on the road for a 38-27 win over Southern Miss last week behind the play of quarterback Hasaan Klugh, who ran for a touchdown and capped a 21-point second quarter with an 18-yard pass to T.L. Ford II. It was the young program’s best win since transitioning into FBS.

When these teams met in 2015, Rice scored all of its points in the second half to claim a 27-7 win in Houston. Driphus Jackson finished 14-of-22 passing for 122 yards and an interception. The Owls recorded 307 yards on the ground in the victory.

What To Know About Rice

One week after the Owls were dominated by Louisiana Tech in a 61-16 beat down that featured the Bulldogs piling up a season-high 735 total yards, including four plays of 70 yards or longer, they allowed FAU to set a program-record for total yards in a 17-point setback. The lone victory for the Owls this season came against Prairie View, a 65-44 contest that saw Stehling throw for 407 yards and five touchdowns. It has been a very rough campaign for Bailiff and Co., as the Owls are one of the worst teams in the FBS. While there have been a couple of close losses, the overall level of play has not been great for the Houston-based school.

What to Know About Charlotte

Brad Lambert’s 49ers continue to improve, as they notched their third win in four games last week against Southern Miss after enduring a four-game skid. There is real progress being made in the program’s second year at the FBS level. Star tackle Larry Ogunjobi is part of a defense that has been solid against the run the last few weeks, and the offense looks much different with Klugh at quarterback, who is able to create something out of nothing on broken plays. The team is 3-1 since Klugh took over the offense, although his play as a passer needs to be a bit more consistent. But the bottom line is that this is a much different Charlotte outfit than what we saw through the first part of the season.

Advantages

Offense: Charlotte. The 49ers are averaging 12.5 more yards per game than Rice, and it’s a unit now that is more intriguing with Klugh at the helm.

Defense: Neither unit it stout, but Rice is allowing an astounding 557.8 yards per game.

Special Teams: Charlotte. Blake Brewer has improved the 49ers’ kicking game after Stephen Muscarello missed four extra points on the season.

Coaching: Charlotte. Lambert’s 49ers have improved each week.

Intangibles: Charlotte. The Owls are a wounded bunch right now after getting blown out in back-to-back weeks.

Matchup To Watch

Kalif Phillips vs. Rice run defense

Both passing defenses are porous, while the Rice rushing defense is very giving as well. Phillips has rushed for 405 yards over his last three games, and he should feast on this Owls run defense. That will only open things up more for Klugh and the 49ers offense.

Betting Odds

Spread: Charlotte -10.5
Over/Under: 64

Rice vs. Charlotte Prediction

It’s hard to see the Owls winning this game when they are coming off of back-to-back blowout losses while the 49ers are trending upward.

Rice vs. Charlotte Score Prediction: Charlotte 34, Rice 26

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