Tulsa Golden Hurricane vs Rice Owls Prediction, 10/17/2026 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Tulsa Golden Hurricane vs Rice Owls

Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026

Location: Rice Stadium in Houston, TX

TV: ESPN+

Odds/Point Spread: Owls (+3.5)

Total/Over-Under: 46

The Rice Owls (1-5) will try to defeat the Tulsa Golden Hurricane (3-3) at Rice Stadium on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Rice is 3.5-point dogs from oddsmakers. The betting total comes in at 46.

The Tulsa Golden Hurricane come into this matchup with a record of 3-3 this season. The last time they took the field, the Golden Hurricane played the North Texas Mean Green and took a loss by a score of 45-44. The Tulsa Golden Hurricane ended up rushing 37 different times and recorded 141 yds, which earned them an average of 3.8 yards per attempt. On the day, they ran 80 plays which totaled 352 yds. Tulsa relinquished 24 completions on 39 attempts for 332 yds, and a completion percentage of 61.5%. When it came to the battle of the line of scrimmage, the Golden Hurricane conceded 227 yards on 45 attempts, which is an average of 5.0 yds per rush allowed.

When it comes to getting in the endzone, the Tulsa Golden Hurricane are sitting at 27.5 points per game. As a team they average 160.8 yards rushing which ranks them 65th in college football. The Golden Hurricane have attained 2,147 total yards this year. In terms of distribution of touchdowns, Tulsa has compiled 9 passing touchdowns and 12 touchdowns on the ground. Tulsa has compiled 106 first downs offensively, and they have been called for 29 infractions for 270 yards. They have given the ball to the opposition 4 times.

In terms of yards through the air, the Golden Hurricane have given up 1,456 yards which has them sitting in 116th in college football. They have given up 242.7 yards per contest via the pass as well as giving up a completion percentage of 60.8%. During this campaign, they have given up 418.0 yards/game which has them ranked 124th in the nation. They have given up 9 touchdowns by air as well as 8 touchdowns on the ground. They are allowing teams to run for an average of 4.1 yards per run and 175.3 rushing yards per game this season. Over the course of this year, they have allowed 1,052 yards via the ground game in 6 games. The Golden Hurricane are sitting in 67th in college football when it comes to team defense, allowing 23.3 points per game.

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The Owls come into this game with a record of 1-5 for this season. For their last game, the Owls went home defeated by a final of 28-12 against the East Carolina Pirates. Rice rushed for 3.2 yards per attempt, totaling 164 yds on 51 carries. The Owls finished the contest with 233 yds while they ran 65 plays (3.6 yards per play). The Owls passing defense gave up a completion rate of 61.8%, relinquishing 142 yards on 21 for 34 passing. Rice surrendered 41 attempts on the ground for 234 yards (5.7 yds per rush).

When discussing putting points on the board, the Owls are sitting 128th in Division 1 with an average of 17.0 PPG. The Rice Owls average 313.2 yards per game, which has them sitting 122nd in Division 1. The Rice offense has totaled 242 yds of penalties on 29 violations, which has them sitting 118th in the nation in terms of making mistakes. They have given away 2 interceptions while losing 7 fumbles and they have been able to tally 102 1st downs. For the season so far, the Owls have racked up 496 passing yards as well as holding an average of 82.7 throwing yards per outing, which has them sitting 136th in the country. They have an average of 230.5 yards per game on the ground and have run for 1,383 yards for the season.

The Owls are giving up 27.5 points per contest, ranking them 100th in the country. Rice has given up a total of 1,132 yards rushing (188.7 yards/game) and 10 touchdowns rushing so far this season. They have conceded 10 touchdowns via the pass as well as 179.0 yards/game, which has them ranked 31st in the nation. The Owls defense has been on the field for 401 plays, which has them ranked 115th in the nation. They have earned 2 fumbles and 2 interceptions for the season. This season, they have allowed 165 pts.

Who will win tonight's Golden Hurricane/Owls college football game against the spread?

Tony's Pick: Take the Owls +3.5

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