As week 5 of the 2025 regular season unfolds, the Rice Owls will visit the Navy Midshipmen at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, MD. Scheduled for Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 3:30 PM, this game is set to air on CBSS, promising an exciting afternoon for college football fans. The Rice Owls, hailing from the American Conference, have demonstrated strong performances with a 3-1 record this season. Their impressive 2-0 road record indicates their ability to perform under pressure away from home, as seen in their recent victories over Charlotte and Louisiana-Lafayette. On the other side, the Navy Midshipmen have maintained a perfect 3-0 record this season, with notable wins against Tulsa, UAB, and VMI. Playing at their home stadium, where they currently hold a 2-0 record, Navy will look to leverage their home-field advantage in this American Conference showdown.
Navy vs Rice At a Glance
- Game Location: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, MD
- Game Time: Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 3:30 PM
- TV Broadcast: CBSS
- Rice Owls Record: 3-1 this season
- Navy Midshipmen Record: 3-0 this season
- Betting Odds: Navy favored with a spread of -14.5
Navy Midshipmen’s Dominance: A Force to Reckon With This Season
Offensive Strengths
The Navy Midshipmen have demonstrated remarkable offensive prowess in the 2025 season, ranking 3rd in rushing yards with an impressive 1,141 yards. Their ability to maintain control of the game is evident through their rank of 36th in first downs. This consistent performance has translated into 132 points for, placing them 29th in the nation.
While the Midshipmen’s passing game ranks 135th, their ground attack compensates for this, as seen in their recent victory over Tulsa with 371 rushing yards. Their offensive line and running backs have been instrumental in exploiting defenses, making them a threat on the ground.
Defensive Resilience
Defensively, the Midshipmen have been a force, ranking 30th in points against with only 54 points allowed this season. Their defensive line has excelled, recording 9 sacks and placing them 9th in the nation. This pressure has been complemented by a secondary that ranks 4th in interceptions with three picks.
Their defensive prowess was on full display against Tulsa, where they limited the Golden Hurricane to just 140 rushing yards. This defensive unit has been crucial in maintaining leads and securing wins for the team.
Key Players to Watch
Blake Horvath, Navy’s standout quarterback, has accumulated 328 passing yards and 3 touchdowns in just three games. His ability to lead the offense is complemented by running backs Eli Heidenreich and Alex Tecza, who have rushed for 209 and 272 yards respectively. Tecza’s four rushing touchdowns highlight his scoring potential.
On the receiving end, Luke Hutchison has been a reliable target with 70 receiving yards and two touchdowns, providing the necessary balance to Navy’s predominantly run-focused offense. Nathan Kirkwood, the team’s kicker, has also contributed significantly with 18 extra points made, showcasing his reliability in scoring situations.
Recent Performance
The Midshipmen have been on a roll, winning their first three games of the season, including a commanding 52-7 victory over VMI. Their ability to score consistently, as demonstrated by their 42-23 win over Tulsa, highlights their offensive depth. This performance has set a high standard for the team as they continue their campaign.
With a defensive unit that has allowed just 54 points across three games, Navy’s balanced approach has been key to their success. This combination of a strong ground game and solid defense makes them a formidable opponent for any team.
Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, the Midshipmen will host the Rice Owls at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. This home advantage, coupled with their strong recent performances, positions them well for continued success. However, with key players like Cody Howard and Mack Taylor listed as questionable, depth and adaptability will be tested.
Injuries remain a concern, as several players are battling undisclosed issues. The coaching staff’s ability to adjust and prepare backups will be crucial in maintaining their winning momentum.
Navy Midshipmen Betting Trends
- O/U – After Win: 11-1 (91.7%) in the last 12 games
- SU – As Favorite: 10-1 (90.9%) in the last 11 games
- SU – Totals ≥ 50: 9-1 (90.0%) in the last 10 games
- SU – All Games: 5-0 (100.0%) in the last 5 games
- O/U – All Games: 4-0 (100.0%) in the last 4 games
Rice Owls Ready to Soar Against Navy Midshipmen
Recent Performances
The Rice Owls are entering this contest with a 28-17 victory over the Charlotte 49ers, a game marked by their impressive ground attack. Rice has shown a strong rushing presence, amassing 255 rushing yards against Charlotte. This performance highlights their 11th-ranked rushing offense, which has been a cornerstone of their strategy this season.
The Owls have also demonstrated defensive prowess, notably against Prairie View A&M Panthers, where they secured a 38-17 victory. They have a top-ranked defense in terms of interceptions and fumbles recovered, making them a formidable opponent. However, Rice’s passing game remains an area for improvement, as they have been more effective on the ground.
Offensive Strategy
Rice’s offensive strategy is heavily reliant on its rushing attack, which ranks 11th in the nation. The team’s leading rusher, Quinton Jackson, has been instrumental, ranking 47th nationally in rushing yards. With Chase Jenkins at quarterback, the Owls have managed to balance their offensive play, but there’s room for growth in their aerial attack.
Despite ranking 144th in passing yards, Rice has managed to secure crucial victories through their ground game. Jenkins’ ability to manage the game effectively has been vital, yet the team will need to diversify its offense against stronger defenses. As they prepare to face Navy, maintaining a balanced attack could be key to their success.
Defensive Strength
The Owls’ defense has been a standout this season, particularly in generating turnovers. Ranked 4th in fumbles recovered and interceptions, Rice’s defense has created numerous opportunities for their offense. This tenacity was on full display in their win over Louisiana-Lafayette, where they limited their opponents to 12 points.
With a defense that ranks 54th in points against, Rice has managed to keep games within reach, providing their offense with a solid foundation. As they go up against Navy, their defensive unit will be tasked with containing a unique rushing offense, which will test their discipline and resilience.
Betting Trends
- Rice has a strong track record in O/U for home games, going 17-6 in their last 23 games.
- They have hit the O/U in all games this season, currently standing at 3-0.
- As underdogs, Rice has been consistent against the spread, with a 15-8 record in their last 23 games.
- Overall, they have performed well after a loss, with an ATS record of 15-8 in such situations.
- Rice has also shown resilience in away games, winning 2 of their last 3 contests.
Navy vs Rice Prediction: Navy -14.5
The Navy Midshipmen have shown exceptional form this season with a perfect 3-0 record, including a 2-0 record at home. Their offense, ranked 29th nationally in points for, has been particularly impressive, scoring 132 points over three games. Navy’s defense has also been solid, ranked 30th in points against, allowing only 54 points this season.
Rice Owls come into this game with a 3-1 record but have struggled in their passing game, ranking 144th. While they have a strong running game, ranked 11th, it may not be enough against Navy’s robust defense. Navy’s ability to control the game on both sides of the ball gives them an edge.
Looking at the odds, Navy is favored by 14.5 points, and they have been successful against the spread as favorites, going 7-2 in their last nine games. Additionally, Navy’s tendency to cover the spread after a win further supports their favorability in this game.
Given their home advantage, strong offense, and solid defense, Navy is likely to cover the 14.5-point spread. I predict the final score to be Navy 35 – Rice 17.
- Navy vs Rice Prediction: Navy -14.5
- Navy vs Rice Score: Navy 35 – Rice 17
