Is the point spread too high in Friday afternoon’s Rice vs. Texas State matchup in the Armed Forces Bowl? The Bobcats are laying a whopping 17.5 points in today’s 1:00 p.m. ET matchup from Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, TX.
Rice vs. Texas State Game Information
- 📅 Date: Friday, January 2, 2026
- 🕠 Kickoff: 1:00 PM ET on ESPN
- 📍 Location: Amon G. Carter Stadium – Fort Worth, TX
Rice vs. Texas State Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | ML |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rice | +17.5 | 55.5 | +600 |
| Texas State | -17.5 | 55.5 | -715 |
Who Is The Public Betting
| Team | % of Bets | Open | Current |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rice | 40% | +9.5 | +17.5 |
| Texas State | 60% | -9.5 | -17.5 |
Numbers update frequently — check the latest splits on our college football public betting chart before placing any bets.
🏈 Team Overviews
Rice Owls (5-7)
Rice’s season has been marked by peaks and valleys under first-year head coach Scott Abell. Despite being outscored by opponents (Rice averages ~19.8 points per game while allowing ~32.3), the Owls showed fight at times and now look for their first bowl win since 2014.
Offense:
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Rice struggled through the air in 2025, totaling just 1,175 passing yards — among the lowest in FBS — and lacking big play passing production.
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QB Chase Jenkins completed 69% of his passes for over 1,000 yards with 9 TDs but is supported by a run-heavy scheme that leans on balance more than flash.
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The Owls rely on a power ground game and short throws to move the chains, often grinding for field position rather than big chunks.
Defense:
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Rice’s defense has had its struggles, particularly against high-scoring foes, and ranks below average in yardage and points allowed. The unit will need a complete performance to keep this bowl competitive.
Texas State Bobcats (6-6)
Texas State enters the game with strong momentum, having won its final three regular-season games. QB Brad Jackson has been one of the most versatile dual-threat quarterbacks in the Group of Five this season.
Offense:
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Jackson’s stat line reflects his dynamic play — ~3,050 passing yards with 18 TDs and 7 INTs, plus nearly 700 rushing yards and 16 rushing TDs — making him a legitimate multi-dimensional threat.
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Texas State’s offense ranks among the FBS leaders in total yardage and scoring (over 36 points per game), featuring big plays through the air and on the ground.
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Key targets like wideouts Beau Sparks and Chris Dawn Jr. have been standout weapons all season, giving the Bobcats plenty of scoring options.
Defense:
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The Bobcats’ defense has had its ups and downs, particularly in points allowed, but recent improvements helped them push into bowl eligibility.
📈 Series & Context
Rice and Texas State renew bowl rivalry history: Texas State won their 2023 First Responder Bowl meeting, 45-21, and leads the all-time series.
🧠 Key Storylines
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Rice’s quest for its first bowl victory since 2014 is a huge motivator for a program in rebuild mode, especially under a first-year head coach.
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Texas State’s high-octane offense has been its identity all season, led by explosive plays from Jackson and his supporting cast.
🏆 Prediction Snapshot
Expect Texas State’s offense to set the tone early, forcing Rice into a tough uphill climb. If the Bobcats control the tempo and convert big plays, they’re poised to secure the victory and cap their season on a high note. Texas State 38, Rice 10.
📌 Projected Winner: Texas State -17.5
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