Rice Owls vs Fresno St. Bulldogs Predictions
Fresno State brings two consecutive wins into its meeting with Rice, whose quarterback Jacurri Brown presents a running threat. The Bulldogs have encouraging results, but the case for covering 13.5 points is less convincing.
Matchup overview
Fresno State’s recent defensive results set up the central question for this September 26, 2026 college football matchup: can Rice quarterback Jacurri Brown challenge a team that allowed no rushing touchdowns in its last two games? Brown rushed for 128 yards in Rice’s loss to Western Michigan. The Bulldogs, meanwhile, followed their opening loss at USC with two victories by a combined 75-13. That contrast gives Fresno State a credible advantage in recent results, although neither those margins nor Brown’s rushing output establishes how this particular game will unfold.
At a glance
Kickoff: Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 7 p.m. Pacific time, 9 p.m. Central time.
Venue: Valley Children's Stadium in Fresno, California.
Television: The CW.
Records and streak: Rice is 1-2 following a loss to Western Michigan. Fresno State is 2-1 with two consecutive wins and seeks to remain unbeaten at home this season.
SportsJaw moneyline: Rice +410; Fresno State -585.
SportsJaw spread: Rice +13.5 (-105); Fresno State -13.5 (-115). A Fresno State spread ticket requires a victory by at least 14 points to win.
Rice Owls outlook
Rice’s 28-21 home loss to Western Michigan provides a specific look at its recent performance. The Owls entered halftime behind 14-7, drew level early in the second half and later scored to reduce the deficit to seven. Western Michigan recovered the ensuing onside kick to end Rice’s comeback opportunity. The sequence shows that Rice responded after trailing, but its late touchdown did not produce another possession.