Navy Midshipmen at Rice Owls Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 11/2/2024 4:00 PM EST

We have your Navy Midshipmen at Rice Owls prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Navy Midshipmen hit the road to face the Rice Owls.

Navy Midshipmen at Rice Owls Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Navy Midshipmen -385 (FanDuel) / Rice Owls +340 (ESPN BET)
Best Spread Odds: 11.0 - Navy Midshipmen -110 (bet365) / Rice Owls -110 (bet365)
Best Total Odds: 50.5 - Under -110 (BetMGM) / Over -110 (BetMGM)

Game Info

Date: 11/2/2024
Time: 4:00 PM EST
Location: Rice Stadium (Houston, TX)
TV: ESPN2

Navy Midshipmen at Rice Owls Preview

The Navy Midshipmen, boasting a strong 6-1 record, are set to face the Rice Owls, who have struggled to a 2-6 start this season. This American Athletic Conference matchup at Rice Stadium in Houston, Texas, promises to be an intriguing clash of styles and fortunes. Navy enters the game as a significant favorite, looking to rebound from a tough 51-14 loss to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. In that game, Navy's quarterback Blake Horvath showcased his dual-threat capabilities, rushing for 129 yards and a touchdown, despite a challenging day through the air with only 88 passing yards and an interception.

On the other side, the Rice Owls are coming off a narrow 17-10 defeat to the UConn Huskies. Rice's offense, led by quarterback Drew Devillier, struggled to find rhythm, managing just 88 passing yards. The Owls' ground game, spearheaded by Dean Connors, also found it tough going, averaging only 2.3 yards per carry. Despite these offensive challenges, Rice will look to leverage their home-field advantage and the potential return of starting quarterback EJ Warner, who missed the last game due to injury.

Defensively, Navy has been solid, particularly in the red zone, where they rank among the top in the nation in scoring defense. However, their run defense has shown vulnerabilities, which Rice might attempt to exploit. The Owls, despite their record, have shown flashes of potential, particularly in their passing game, which ranks third in the nation in passing rate. This game will be crucial for both teams, as Navy aims to maintain their strong conference standing, while Rice seeks to keep their bowl hopes alive with a much-needed victory.

Navy Midshipmen at Rice Owls Pick: Navy Midshipmen Against the Spread

In this intriguing AAC matchup, the Navy Midshipmen are poised to cover the spread against the Rice Owls. Navy, with a strong 6-1 record, is looking to bounce back from a tough loss to Notre Dame. Despite the setback, Navy's quarterback Blake Horvath demonstrated his dual-threat capabilities, rushing for 129 yards and a touchdown. This ability to move the ball on the ground will be crucial against a Rice defense that has struggled against the run, ranking 122nd in Rush Success Rate. Navy's solid red-zone defense, which ranks among the top in the nation, will also play a pivotal role in limiting Rice's scoring opportunities, especially given the Owls' offensive struggles. Rice, with a 2-6 record, has shown flashes of potential in their passing game, but their ground game has been lackluster, averaging only 2.3 yards per carry in their last outing. The potential return of quarterback EJ Warner might provide a spark, but the Owls' offensive inconsistencies and Navy's defensive strengths suggest that the Midshipmen will control the game. Navy's ability to exploit Rice's defensive vulnerabilities, combined with their own defensive prowess, makes them a strong pick to cover the spread in this matchup.

Navy Midshipmen at Rice Owls Top Player Prop Picks

Blake Horvath Over 100.5 Rushing Yards Rushing Yards -110 (BetMGM)

Blake Horvath has been a standout performer for the Navy Midshipmen, particularly with his dual-threat capabilities. In their recent game against Notre Dame, Horvath rushed for an impressive 129 yards, showcasing his ability to exploit defenses on the ground. Given Rice's struggles against the run, ranking 122nd in Rush Success Rate, Horvath is well-positioned to have another big game. The Owls' defense has shown vulnerabilities, and with Horvath's proven track record, betting on him to exceed 100.5 rushing yards seems a strong proposition.

Drew Devillier Under 150.5 Passing Yards Passing Yards -110 (FanDuel)

Rice's quarterback Drew Devillier has faced challenges in finding rhythm in the passing game, as evidenced by his 88-yard performance against UConn. With the potential return of EJ Warner, Devillier's role might be limited, but even if he starts, the Navy defense, known for its solid red-zone performance, will likely keep his passing yards in check. Navy's ability to limit scoring opportunities and Devillier's recent struggles suggest that he will fall short of the 150.5 passing yards mark.

Dean Connors Under 50.5 Rushing Yards Rushing Yards -110 (bet365)

Dean Connors has been the primary option in Rice's ground game, but his recent performance against UConn, where he averaged just 2.3 yards per carry, highlights the difficulties he faces. Navy's defense, despite some vulnerabilities, has been effective in key situations, particularly in the red zone. Given Connors' recent form and the Midshipmen's defensive strengths, it is unlikely that Connors will surpass 50.5 rushing yards in this matchup.