#25 Memphis vs. Rice Picks and Predictions: Will Tigers Handle Business on the Road?

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Sutton Smith has 644 rushing yards on just 96 carries along with seven touchdowns this season - Memphis Navy Picks

The American Athletic Conference is wide open. After the Tulane Green Wave went down last night, the No. 25 ranked Memphis Tigers have the door reopened for them. Tulane was one of two undefeated AAC teams remaining, and after their loss it’s just Navy, who has a tough contest against the North Texas Mean Green this weekend. Point being, in Friday night’s matchup between Memphis and the Rice Owls, there are potential season implications on the line. Let’s get into our favorite picks for Halloween!

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#25 Memphis Tigers vs. Rice Owls NCAA Football Insights

The Owls aren’t anything special. They started out 3-1 with their only loss being to Houston on the road, who is now ranked in the top 25. After that, they lost three straight in American Conference play, dropping games to Navy, Florida Atlantic and UTSA. However, just six short days ago they took down the UConn Huskies in double overtime to get a much needed, confidence boosting win. But now they face Memphis, who has all the motivation in the world.

Memphis was perhaps going to be looking ahead at Tulane next week in this contest, but after the Green Wave lost, the Tigers should know they are back in control. They have been perfect all season, with a bunch of dominating wins and one in comeback fashion against Arkansas, but one slip up in the road to UAB seemed to have almost ruined their season. However, now sitting at No. 2 in the AAC, Memphis could win out and make the conference championship.

But that starts with a win on the road tonight.

Matchup Information – Memphis vs. Rice – October 31

  • Venue & Location: Rice Stadium (Houston, TX)
  • Date: Friday, October 31, 2025
  • Kick Off: 7:00 p.m. Eastern
  • Broadcast: ESPN2

Memphis vs. Rice Betting Odds

Odds are courtesy of BetOnline, one of our favorite online sportsbooks, as of October 31, 2025 at 8:22 a.m. eastern. Sign up today with Promo Code BNBOL55 for a 55% deposit bonus. BetOnline offers a wide variety of unique markets across nearly every sport imaginable.

Spread

  • Memphis -13.5 (-110)
  • Rice +13.5 (-110)

Moneyline

  • Memphis -570
  • Rice +428

Total

  • Over 49 (-105)
  • Under 49 (-115)

Seeing Tulane lose last night might’ve changed the Tigers’ game plan. Now, they have to be aggressive and make sure they don’t slip up again on the road. They cannot afford anymore mistakes, especially from their quarterback, who we will be betting on to have himself a night.

#25 Memphis vs. Rice NCAA Football Picks and Predictions

Lewis leads the Tigers with 97 carries and seven rushing touchdowns this year - Memphis Rice Picks

Lewis leads the Tigers with 97 carries and seven rushing touchdowns this year

Memphis vs. Rice Prediction: Memphis Wins & Covers, Over 49

Best Bet: Brendon Lewis (Memphis) Over 46.5 Rushing Yards (-115) BetOnline

Lewis has cleared this number in five of his eight contests this year, going for at least 35 rushing yards in 7/8 as well. He has found green grass for a 20+ yard rush in half of his games, with a 10+ yard carry in 7/8 also. Memphis absolutely loves to run the ball, they do so over 55% of the time, and are very effective on the ground, carrying the ball for 5.2 yards per rush as a team. But here’s the kicker.

Rice is terrible in the trenches on defense. The Owls’ defensive unit ranks bottom 12 in third down conversion percentage, they are No. 92 in yards allowed per carry, letting opponents run for over 4.6 yards per touch, and are No. 72 in sack percentage. Lewis will have all the time in the world to find his lane and take off with his legs. Plus, mobile quarterbacks have already had plenty of success against the Owls.

Mobile QBs vs. Owls

  • Walker Howard (Louisiana): 9-47-1, Long 25
  • Connor Weigman (Houston): 11-20-1, Long 9
  • Tevin Carter (Prairie View): 15-65-1, Long 22
  • Blake Horvath (Navy): 21-110-2, Long 19

So basically three of the four have found a 20 yard rush, three of four have cleared this line, and two of them did so by soaring over the total. It should be no different for Lewis on Friday night, as he loves to use his legs to make things happen.

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