This is an interstate rivalry game between SH and Rice with only 30 minutes separating both colleges. They have a long and storied football history, and there is no love lost in this game. SH is in their second year as an FBS team and they had a great defense last season but have improved on their offense in the portal for this season and look to take a step forward this season. They had a lot of kinks to work out last season, and lack of offense was one of the biggest. Rice however, was a solid more established team last season and they are expected to be a contender for the division this year. The Sam Houston coaching staff have plenty of experience playing FBS teams like Rice and this game should be a close competitive rock fight. Rice did not cover the spread when favored by 10 points or more last season. The Bearkats are 4-1 against the spread when playing as 10 point plus underdogs last year.

Best bet: take Sam Houston and the points.