The UConn Huskies (5-2) will travel to Houston to face the Rice Owls (3-4) at Rice Stadium on Saturday afternoon. This Week 9 matchup features a red-hot UConn team aiming for its fifth consecutive victory, while Rice looks to rebound from a three-game losing streak. Before this matchup kicks off in Houston, continue reading to get my UConn vs Rice prediction.
Our UConn vs Rice Pick
- Pick: Rice +10.5
- Confidence: ★★★★☆
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: UConn Huskies vs Rice Owls
- Date & Time: Saturday, October 25, 2025, 3:00 PM ET
- Venue: Rice Stadium, Houston, TX
- Broadcast: ESPN+
Key Storylines
- UConn’s Offensive Surge: The Huskies have averaged 37.1 points per game, ranking 17th nationally. Quarterback Joe Fagnano has thrown 15 touchdowns with no interceptions, leading a balanced offense featuring running back Cam Edwards and wide receiver Skyler Bell.
- Rice’s Run-Heavy Attack: The Owls rank 17th in rushing yards per game (215.4) but struggle in the passing game, averaging just 91.1 yards per game. Quarterback Chase Jenkins has thrown for only 553 yards this season, with four touchdowns and one interception. That is a conscious choice by the Owls, as they choose to employ an option offense that UConn will need to try to stop.
- Bowling Time: UConn is in a position to get their sixth win of the season with a win here. That would make them a bowl eligible team as an independent in the FBS. While they lose out on some bowl opportunities by not being in a conference, they would secure a spot in bowl season with a win nonetheless.
Betting Trends & H2H
- Recent Form: UConn enters the game on a four-game winning streak, while Rice has lost three consecutive games.
- All-Time Series: UConn leads the series 2-0, including a 17-10 victory in 2024.
- ATS Trends: UConn is 3-3-1 against the spread this season. Rice is 3-4 against the spread.
- Over/Under Trends: UConn’s games have gone over their totals five times in seven outings. Rice’s games have gone over the total in four of their seven games.
UConn vs Rice Model Projection
- Score Projection: UConn 34 – Rice 27
- Win Probability: UConn 72%, Rice 28%
Final Thoughts
UConn should find a way to get the win over Rice on the road in this game. But I do think that this contest has the potential to be a tight one. UConn could struggle defending the option offense that Rice brings to the table. And while I do think that the Huskies ultimately win this game, I will take the points with Rice on their home turf.
