In Week 6 of the 2025 Regular Season, the Florida Atlantic Owls will travel to Houston to take on the Rice Owls. The game is scheduled for Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 7:00 PM at Rice Stadium and will be broadcasted on ESPN+. With both teams part of the American Conference, this matchup has significant implications for their conference standings. The Florida Atlantic Owls enter the game with a 1-3 record, struggling especially on the road with a 0-2 record. Despite their challenges, their passing game has shown potential, amassing 322 yards against Memphis in their recent outing. However, their defense will need to tighten up after conceding 55 points in that game. On the other side, the Rice Owls hold a 3-2 record with a balanced performance at home and on the road. Their recent defeat to Navy highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in defending against the run. Rice will look to capitalize on home-field advantage to improve their conference record, currently standing at 1-1.
Rice vs Florida Atlantic At a Glance
- Game Time: Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 7:00 PM
- Venue: Rice Stadium in Houston, TX
- TV Coverage: Available on ESPN+
- Florida Atlantic Record: 1-3 overall, 0-2 on the road
- Rice Record: 3-2 overall, 1-1 at home
- Odds: Rice is favored with a moneyline of -200 and a spread of -4.5
Rice Owls Gear Up for a Home Game Challenge
Team Overview
The Rice Owls are preparing to host the Florida Atlantic Owls at Rice Stadium, coming off a recent loss to the Navy Midshipmen. The team will look to leverage their 2-3 record as they aim to improve their home game performance. With a total of 102 points scored so far this season, Rice stands at 68th in the national ranking for points scored.
Offensive Strategy
Rice has demonstrated a strong rushing game this season, ranking 14th with 1108 rushing yards. However, their passing game has struggled, accumulating only 422 passing yards, which places them at 133rd. The Owls will need to focus on balancing their offensive plays to enhance their passing yards against Florida Atlantic.
Defensive Performance
Defensively, Rice has been effective in creating turnovers, especially with 2 interceptions and 1 fumble recovered, ranking them 3rd and 6th respectively in these categories. The defense will be crucial in containing the Florida Atlantic offense, which will test the Owls’ ability to maintain pressure. Additionally, with 14 sacks, they stand 7th, showcasing their ability to disrupt the opposing quarterback.
Key Players
Quarterback Chase Jenkins has been a central figure for Rice, throwing for 383 yards and 3 touchdowns. On the ground, Quinton Jackson leads the team with 353 rushing yards, supported by Daelen Alexander’s 228 yards. The team will rely on these players to spearhead the offensive efforts against Florida Atlantic.
In the receiving department, Drayden Dickmann and Aaron Turner have been top contributors, with Dickmann recording 168 receiving yards and Turner adding 76 yards. Their performances will be critical in diversifying the offensive attack.
Injury Concerns
Rice is dealing with several injury concerns, including key players like Max Balthazar and David Stickle, who are questionable for the upcoming game. The team’s depth will be tested as they manage these injuries, which could impact their game plan. The coaching staff will need to make strategic adjustments to compensate for any absences.
Upcoming Game Focus
As they prepare for Florida Atlantic, Rice will focus on improving their home game record, where they are favored by 4.5 points. The Owls aim to use their strong rushing offense to control the game tempo and establish early dominance. Limiting turnovers and enhancing their passing game will be critical elements in their strategy.
Betting Trends
- O/U – Home Games: 17-6 (73.9%) in the last 23 games.
- O/U – As Favorite: 3-0 (100.0%) in the last 3 games.
- ATS – Away Games: 3-0 (100.0%) in 2025.
- O/U – After Loss: 3-0 (100.0%) in the last 3 games.
- O/U – Totals ≥ 50: 19-9 (67.9%) in the last 28 games.
Florida Atlantic Owls: A Glimpse into the Upcoming Game
Offensive Overview
The Florida Atlantic Owls have shown a mixed bag of performance in the 2025 season so far. With 1,302 passing yards, they stand strong at 23rd in the rankings, reflecting a potent aerial attack. However, their ground game, with only 480 rushing yards, places them at a modest 113th rank.
In terms of scoring, the Owls have accumulated 117 points, which ranks them 59th. While their passing game has been a highlight, the challenge lies in improving their rushing efficiency and converting drives into touchdowns more consistently.
Defensive Insights
Defensively, the Owls have allowed 146 points, which ranks them 101st, suggesting room for improvement on that side of the ball. Notably, their pass rush has been effective, recording 6 sacks to rank 15th in the nation. However, the lack of interceptions, with a surprising zero recorded, could be a point of concern.
On the bright side, they are ranked 5th in fumbles recovered, which demonstrates their ability to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes. Overall, the defense has potential but needs to tighten up to support their offense better.
Key Players
Quarterback Caden Veltkamp has been a standout player, leading the passing game with 1,198 yards and 8 touchdowns. His performance is crucial for the Owls’ offensive success. Meanwhile, running back Gemari Sands has rushed for 245 yards, contributing to the team’s overall ground game.
In the receiving corps, Easton Messer stands out with 37 receptions and 363 receiving yards. His ability to create plays downfield makes him a significant threat to opposing defenses.
Recent Performance
The Owls’ recent games have been challenging, with a record of 1-3. Their most recent outing was a tough 55-26 loss to the Memphis Tigers, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities. However, a 56-14 win over Florida A&M Rattlers in Week 2 showed their potential when clicking on all cylinders.
Despite the losses, the team has shown glimpses of their passing prowess, notably against Florida International, where they recorded 343 passing yards. Consistency remains key for the Owls as they look to find their stride.
Injury Report
The Owls are facing some uncertainty with several key players listed as questionable. Among them are Ja’Kavion Nonar (OL) and Jett Coolman (WR), both dealing with undisclosed injuries. Their availability could impact the team’s depth and performance in the upcoming game.
Betting Trends
- O/U – Home Games: Last 5 Games (2024–2025) → 5-0 (100.0%)
- O/U – After Loss: Last 4 Games (2024–2025) → 4-0 (100.0%)
- O/U – Totals ≥ 50: Last 8 Games (2024–2025) → 7-1 (87.5%)
- O/U – All Games: Last 11 Games (2024–2025) → 9-2 (81.8%)
- O/U – As Underdog: Last 11 Games (2024–2025) → 9-2 (81.8%)
- SU – As Favorite: Last 3 Games (2024–2025) → 3-0 (100.0%)
Rice vs Florida Atlantic Prediction: Over 52.5
The matchup between Rice and Florida Atlantic presents a compelling case for the over. Rice’s recent trends in games with totals set at 50 or above show a strong tendency toward higher scoring, with a 19-9 record. Moreover, they have consistently hit the over after a loss in their last three games.
Florida Atlantic’s offense has been quite effective through the air, ranking 23rd in passing yards this season. Despite their struggles on the ground, their passing game could exploit Rice’s defense, contributing to a higher total score. Their defense has also allowed 146 points, which ranks 101st, indicating that Rice should find scoring opportunities.
Rice has demonstrated the ability to score, especially at home, as seen in their 17-6 record for overs in home games. Given the defensive vulnerabilities of both teams, the conditions seem ripe for a high-scoring affair under the Houston lights.
Considering these factors, a projected score of Rice 31, Florida Atlantic 28 aligns with the over, surpassing the set total of 52.5. Expect both offenses to capitalize on defensive lapses, leading to a game that likely exceeds the over/under line.
- Rice vs Florida Atlantic Prediction: Over 52.5
- Rice vs Florida Atlantic Score: Rice 31 – Florida Atlantic 28
