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The Rice Owls (2-3) look to get back on track with this week’s trip to play the Florida Atlantic Owls (1-3). Check out the Rice vs. Florida Atlantic prediction and game preview.

Rice vs. Florida Atlantic Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 10
Venue: FAU Stadium, Boca Raton, Florida
Game Time: 2:30 ET
Network: Fox College Sports

Why You Need To Care

It’ll be an all-Owl battle in Boca Raton, as Rice meets Florida Atlantic. Rice has reached a crossroad in its season after being outclassed in consecutive games. The Baylor drubbing was excusable, but the one administered by Western Kentucky was not. Florida Atlantic returns to action after beating Charlotte two weeks ago for its first win of the year.

Why Rice Will Win

The Owls can’t possibly be as bad—or as unmotivated—as they appeared to be in last week’s loss to Western Kentucky. Rice ought to be able to outscore an anemic Florida Atlantic with QB Driphus Jackson and a deep backfield. Jackson, in particular, will be driven after briefly being benched last week.

Why Florida Atlantic Will Win

A week off came at an opportune time for the Owls, which are banking on less rust from QB Jaquez Johnson, their offensive hub. Johnson, RB Greg Howell and WR Jenson Stoshak will be facing a dreadful Rice defense that’s allowed more than seven yards a play to the last four opponents … including North Texas.

Player Who Matters

Line play has been one of Rice’s biggest problems. The Owls have bagged just five sacks while allowing 18, second most in the country. Now, the visitors must contend with FAU defensive linemen Trevon Coley and Trey Hendrickson, who can get off the snap quickly and force Jackson to operate on the move.

What’s Going To Happen?

Rice is plummeting quickly. And a trip to Boca to play well-rested Florida Atlantic won’t change the team’s current course. Johnson will be much crisper than he was in his return two weeks ago, while the quick Owl defensive front will vex the Rice blockers all afternoon.

Rice vs. Florida Atlantic Prediction

Final Score: Florida Atlantic 28, Rice 23, Line: Florida Atlantic -3.5, o/u: 58
Must See Rating: 5: The Walk – 1: Pan … 1

MORE: College Football Bowl Projections After Week 5