Free Pick | NCAA | Saturday | Oct. 22

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Free Pick Saturday: #370 Louisiana Tech +3 over Rice 2:00 PM CT

Rice won in this series for the first time since 2013 last season. It was the season finale with Louisiana Tech on the road with a coaching change on the horizon. The Bulldogs still led by 10 in the fourth quarter before Rice pulled out two touchdowns in the final five minutes to steal the victory as both teams closed out losing seasons. The Owls have not been favored in this pairing since that 2013 meeting and this year both teams sit at 1-1 in Conference USA play. Sonny Cumbie’s Bulldogs are just 2-4 but things are heading in the right direction. The offense has posted good numbers including 504 yards of offense last week and Louisiana Tech is 2-0 S/U and ATS at home this season. Losses to Missouri and Clemson weigh on the numbers in a difficult schedule as South Alabama and North Texas also appear to be quality teams this season. Troy transfer QB Park McNeil has provided back-to-back strong games to lead the Louisiana Tech offense, and this is a pairing of marginal rushing offenses and even worse run defenses as the quarterback play will be central to this result. Rice quarterback TJ McMahon has thrown 10 interceptions this season already as the risk for a negative play may be stronger for the Owls particularly in a second straight road game. Rice has posted 209 yards and 261 yards in the past two games and the valuation of Rice as a road favorite is built on the upset over UAB, a fluke game in which Rice was outgained by 151 yards and won thanks to a defensive touchdown.