Would you rather watch one team’s incompetence lead to a blowout, or two struggling teams keep things interesting in a tense matchup?
If you’re leaning toward the latter, let’s talk about the Rice Owls, their unconventional offense, and how they stack up against the struggling Charlotte 49ers.
My Rice vs. Charlotte predictions and college football picks have the Owls taking full advantage of a short week when kickoff rolls around at 7:30 ET on Thursday, September 18.
Rice vs Charlotte prediction
Rice vs Charlotte best bet: Rice -2.5 (-120)
When Rice hired Scott Abell from FCS-level Davidson, it did so intending to create a unique offense such that the scheme and rhythm of it would confound more talented opponents. The Owls are very much attempting to find the same edge that Army and Navy enjoy in their option attacks.
This is not the same type of triple option, not even the same version that the service academies are deploying nowadays, with more passing involved. This is a brand of chaos that needs some more time at the FBS level to be best described.
For example, from Week 1:
Scott Abell got that Gun Choice Option offense cooking at Rice. pic.twitter.com/GElClw6OAs
— Dan Why-Ner (@ReallyDanWeiner) August 31, 2025
As is the case with the service academies, learning to defend this offense is hard enough with a bounty of time. Doing it on a short week is even more difficult. Doing so with only three games of film at the FBS level? Charlotte will need to be defensively sound in a way that, quite frankly, will not be possible this week.
Rice vs Charlotte same-game parlay
Charlotte's turnover habits, giving up seven turnovers through three games, could set up Rice with a couple of short fields to help propel this game toward its Over. If wanting to doubt anything, it should be Chase Jenkins throwing a touchdown pass, but that leg of this same-game parlay is a commentary mostly on Charlotte's defense, having given up eight touchdown passes to three relatively poor passing offenses this season.
Rice vs Charlotte SGP
- Rice -2.5
- Over 44.5
- Chase Jenkins Over 0.5 Passing Touchdowns
Our deep-ball SGP: Put it in Rice
Chase Jenkins both threw a touchdown and ran for one last week, Rice's unique option offense finding its groove. Meanwhile, Conner Harrell rushed for two touchdowns last week, and Charlotte is starting to figure out that it has little competent offense.
Rice vs Charlotte SGP
- Rice -2.5
- Over 44.5
- Chase Jenkins Over 0.5 Passing Touchdowns
- Chase Jenkins Touchdown
- Conner Harrell Touchdown
Rice vs Charlotte game predictions
Rice vs Charlotte moneyline prediction
Some consideration was given to taking the Owls on the moneyline, but that caution should not be necessary. While Tim Albin was an encouraging hire by Charlotte this offseason, it is a long rebuild ahead of him.
Rice vs Charlotte spread prediction
Charlotte has met expectations only when facing FCS-level Monmouth, and it should be noted that even then, the 49ers were mere 2.5-point home favorites. They covered that spread, but broader society may not be properly appreciating how bad Charlotte is.
Rice vs Charlotte Over/Under prediction
This is a low total, admittedly. It speaks to some struggles from both teams. But it has spiked since opening at 40. Any mishap leading to a quick scoring opportunity, be it a turnover or a special teams display, should be enough to push this Over the total.
And with two teams of this level, multiple mishaps should be expected.
Rice vs Charlotte odds
- Spread: Rice -2.5 | Charlotte +2.5
- Moneyline: Rice -140 | Charlotte +116
- Over/Under: Over 44.5 | Under 44.5
Rice vs Charlotte trend to know
Rice cleared the total in both its last two games, one mostly because of its surprising offense and the other because of its worrying defense, both of which should factor into this weeknight matchup. Find more college football betting trends for Rice vs Charlotte.
How to watch Rice vs Charlotte
| Location | Jerry Richardson Stadium, Charlotte, NC |
| Date | Thursday, September 18, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Rice vs Charlotte latest injuries
Rice vs Charlotte weather
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Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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