Saturday, September 13, 2014

Kyle Field in College Station

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On Saturday, the Rice Owls (0-1) will face their second consecutive ranked team when they go up against the #7 Texas A&M Aggies (2-0). Last year, the Aggies beat the Owls 52-31 at home.

Rice had a tough matchup in their opening game and were beaten 48-17 on the road by Notre Dame. Rice gave up 576 yards to Fighting Irish while gaining just 367 yards themselves. They also turned the ball over twice and converted just six of their 15 third-down attempts.

In that game against Notre Dame, Owls quarterback Driphus Jackson passed for 1643 yards with one touchdown and one interception, and he rushed for 61 yards on 11 carries. Freshman wide receiver James Mayden caught just one pass in the game, but it went for a 53-yard touchdown.

Texas A&M's top-notch offense was on display again over the weekend when they destroyed Lamar by the score of 73-3. The Aggies put up 630 total yards in the win and held Lamar to just 243 yards. Texas A&M has averaged 62.5 points per game through two games, which is second-best in the country.

Aggies sophomore quarterback Kenny Hill has thrust himself into early Heisman consideration by throwing for 794 yards with seven touchdowns and no interceptions. Senior wide receiver Malcome Kennedy has already caught 17 passes for 170 yards and one score this season.

Matchup Betting Trends

RICE is 29-47 ATS (-22.7 Units) in games played on a grass field since 1992.

RICE is 1-0 against the spread versus TEXAS A&M over the last 3 seasons

Injuries to Watch

Rice Owls

09/07/14 WR Jordan Taylor Foot questionable Saturday vs. Texas A&M
08/28/14 WR Derek Brown Undisclosed out indefinitely
08/28/14 DL Stuart Mouchantaf Knee out for season
08/21/14 TE Connor Cella Ribs expected to miss 4-6 weeks

Texas A&M Aggies

09/11/14 LB A.J. Hilliard Ankle is downgraded to out indefinitely
09/11/14 C Mike Matthews Undisclosed questionable Saturday vs. Rice
09/11/14 RB Tra Carson Undisclosed questionable Saturday vs. Rice
09/07/14 TE Cameron Clear Ankle questionable Saturday vs. Rice
08/21/14 DB Victor Davis Suspension out indefinitely
08/14/14 LB Shaan Washington Collarbone out indefinitely
08/11/14 DB De'Vante Harris Infection out indefinitely

Josh's Pick: Take Texas A&M

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