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Baylor vs. Rice fearless prediction and game preview.
Baylor vs. Rice Broadcast
Date: Saturday, September 21
Game Time: 7:00 ET
Venue: Rice Stadium, Houston, TX
Network: CBS Sports Network
– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions
Baylor (2-0) vs. Rice (0-3) Game Preview
Why Rice Will Win
For all of the problems and all the issues in the 0-3 start, Rice really is playing better than it did last year.
The Owls aren’t beating themselves, leading the nation with the fewest penalties – getting flagged just six times so far – and with just one giveaway. The running game might not be going yet, and the run defense is getting hit hard, but the tackling is better and the fight isn’t a problem.
Yes, the scoring is down compared to what it was last year, but Army is Army, Texas has a high-powered offense, and Wake Forest is still unbeaten. It’s not like the Owls are getting hit by a bunch of cupcakes, but …
Why Baylor Will Win
Baylor isn’t a dessert product, either.
The Bears haven’t played anyone – Stephen F. Austin and UTSA – but the offense is finely-tuned, and the team is rested.
There aren’t any turnovers – just one in the first two games – the rushing attack is crushing, and the passing game is hitting on all cylinders.
The O isn’t messing around, hitting every third down play – the Bears are second in the nation in conversions behind Wisconsin – and leads all of college football averaging 59.5 points per game.
Again, there’s a big difference in opponents so far, but by comparison, Rice has scored a total of 41 points in three games.
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What’s Going To Happen
Rice will be its plucky self for for about a half, and then Baylor will kick it all in.
The Bear offense will be too sharp and too potent. The Rice running game won’t be able to get back control as Baylor pulls away to make it a rout in the second half.
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Baylor vs. Rice Prediction, Line
Baylor 47, Rice 20
Line: Baylor -26, o/u: 58.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2.5
Must See Rating: 2
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