In Week 9 of the 2025 College Football season, the Connecticut Huskies travel to Houston, Texas, to play against the Rice Owls. The game will take place at Rice Stadium, an outdoor venue, with kickoff scheduled for 3:00 PM on Saturday, October 25, 2025. Fans can tune in to ESPN+ to catch the action live.
The Connecticut Huskies have had a strong season so far, holding a 5-2 record. They have demonstrated solid performances both at home and on the road, with a 2-2 record away from their home turf at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Connecticut’s recent victory against Boston College, 38-23, highlights their offensive capabilities, particularly in passing yards.
The Rice Owls, on the other hand, are aiming to improve their 3-4 season record. Despite facing challenges in conference games with a 1-3 record, they look to leverage home-field advantage at Rice Stadium. Their recent games have shown areas of strength in rushing yards, but they will need a more balanced attack to overcome the Huskies.
Rice vs Connecticut At a Glance
- Game Time: Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 3:00 PM
- Venue: Rice Stadium in Houston, TX
- Connecticut’s Record: 5-2 for the season
- Rice’s Record: 3-4 for the season
- Broadcast: Available on ESPN+
- Game Odds: Connecticut favored with a -401 moneyline, and a -10.5 spread
Rice Owls Prepare for a Key Home Game Against the Connecticut Huskies
Team Overview
The Rice Owls have faced challenges this season, with a 2025 record that has yet to meet expectations. Their offensive output ranks 79th nationally in points scored, accumulating 136 points so far this season.
Despite their struggles in the passing game, ranked 130th in passing yards, the Owls have shown strength in their rushing attack. With 1,518 rushing yards, they hold the 16th spot nationally, highlighting a ground game that can impact any opponent.
Defensive Performance
Defensively, the Owls have been tested, conceding 190 points, placing them 103rd in points against. However, they have excelled in creating turnovers, with their 4th-ranked interception numbers.
Rice’s ability to pressure the quarterback is evident in their sack total, ranked 14th nationally with 15 sacks. This defensive pressure could be pivotal as they aim to disrupt opposing offenses.
Recent Game Recaps
In their recent outing, the Owls suffered a heavy loss to UTSA, 61-13, a game where they struggled to contain the Roadrunners’ passing game. The team managed only 79 passing yards while allowing 246 against.
Previously, the Owls played a close game against Florida Atlantic, losing 27-21, showing promise with 213 rushing yards. This ability to run effectively could serve them well in upcoming contests.
Offensive Leaders
Quarterback Chase Jenkins leads the Owls with 553 passing yards and four touchdowns this season. His contribution has been crucial, especially given the team’s struggles in the passing game.
Running back Quinton Jackson has been a standout performer, rushing for 487 yards and securing three touchdowns. His performance will be key as the Owls continue to lean on their rushing game.
Betting Trends
- O/U – Home Games: 17-7 (70.8%) over the last 24 games.
- O/U – Totals ≥ 50: 19-10 (65.5%) over the last 29 games.
- O/U – After Loss: 19-11 (63.3%) over the last 30 games.
- ATS – Totals ≥ 50: 11-5 (68.8%) over the last 16 games.
- ATS – As Underdog: 16-9 (64.0%) over the last 25 games.
Connecticut Huskies Set to Challenge Rice Owls: A Deep Dive into UConn’s Performance
Team Overview
The Connecticut Huskies are showing strong offensive prowess this season, currently ranked 15th in points scored. Their passing game, ranked 11th, has been a key factor in their success, complemented by a solid rushing attack. The Huskies’ ability to gain first downs has also been impressive, placing them 29th overall.
Defensively, Connecticut has been formidable in putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. They rank 4th in sacks and have been effective at forcing turnovers, with their interceptions and fumble recoveries both ranking among the top 10 nationally. This balance between offense and defense makes them a tough opponent for the Rice Owls.
Recent Game Performance
Connecticut’s recent game against Boston College showcased their offensive capabilities, with the Huskies securing a 38-23 victory. The team excelled in the passing game, amassing 362 yards through the air. Despite a lower rushing yardage in this contest, they managed to control the game with efficient passing.
In their previous game against Florida International, Connecticut dominated with a 51-10 win. The Huskies’ offense was firing on all cylinders, as evidenced by their 377 passing yards and 150 rushing yards. This performance underscores their ability to execute a balanced attack against any defense.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Joe Fagnano has been a standout performer, leading the team with 1,918 passing yards and 15 touchdowns without throwing a single interception. His precision and decision-making skills are critical to Connecticut’s success. Additionally, running back Cam Edwards has been a force on the ground, accumulating 694 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.
Wide receiver Skyler Bell is another key figure for the Huskies, with 687 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. His ability to stretch the field and create big plays makes him a vital target in their passing game. Bell’s performance can be a game-changer for Connecticut against the Rice Owls.
Betting Trends
- SU – As Favorite: Last 15 Games (2023–2025) → 14-1 (93.3%)
- SU – All Games: Last 4 Games (2025) → 4-0 (100.0%)
- O/U – As Favorite: Last 9 Games (2024–2025) → 7-1-1 (77.8%)
- O/U – Away Games: Last 12 Games (2023–2025) → 7-4-1 (58.3%)
Connecticut enters the game against Rice as -10.5-point favorites, indicating a strong belief in their capability to win convincingly. Their recent form and betting trends suggest they have a good chance to continue their winning streak.
The Huskies have consistently performed well in games with a total of 50 or more points, going 4-0 in such scenarios this season. With the total set at 48.5 for the upcoming game, bettors might consider this trend when making their decisions.
Rice vs Connecticut Prediction: Over 48.5
With Connecticut’s offense ranked 15th in points scored this season and Rice’s defense ranked 103rd in points allowed, there’s potential for a high-scoring game. Connecticut has scored a total of 260 points through seven games, averaging approximately 37 points per game. Given Rice’s recent performance, allowing 61 points against UTSA, Connecticut’s offense is likely to exploit Rice’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Rice has a strong trend of games going over the total at home, with a 17-7 record in their last 24 home games. Their offense, while not as potent as Connecticut’s, has shown the ability to put up points, particularly with their rushing attack ranked 16th in the nation. This combination of Connecticut’s high-scoring capability and Rice’s susceptibility to giving up points suggests a game that will exceed the 48.5 total.
Historically, the teams have had mixed results regarding total points. However, Connecticut’s offensive growth this season and Rice’s defensive struggles suggest a high-scoring encounter. The Huskies’ solid pass attack, ranked 11th, combined with Rice’s difficulties in pass defense, further supports the expectation of a game that surpasses the 48.5 total line.
Taking all these factors into account, the over 48.5 is a favorable option. The combination of Connecticut’s offensive prowess and Rice’s defensive challenges creates a scenario where both teams are likely to contribute to a high point total. The projection for this game is Connecticut 35 – Rice 21, making the over 48.5 a strong pick.
- Rice vs Connecticut Prediction: Over 48.5
- Rice vs Connecticut Score: Connecticut 35 – Rice 21
