Fresno State vs Rice Prediction & Betting Tips for Week 4 on 9/26/2026

The Fresno State Bulldogs will host the Rice Owls in Week 4 of the 2026 college football regular season at Valley Children's Stadium in Fresno, CA. Scheduled for a 10:00 PM kickoff on Saturday, September 26, this night game will be broadcast on the CW network. Both teams come into this contest aiming to improve their standings, with Fresno State entering with a 2-1 record and Rice sitting at 1-2.

Rice has shown mixed results in their early season games, including a win against Houston Christian and losses to Western Michigan and Notre Dame. The Owls' performance on the road has been less than ideal, dropping their only away game so far. Playing against Fresno State, a team that has been strong at home, presents a significant challenge for the American Conference team.

Fresno State, part of the Pac-12 Conference, has had a strong start at home with a victory over Sacramento State and a recent win against San Jose State on the road. However, their season opened with a tough loss to USC. As the Bulldogs take the field under the lights at their home stadium, they will look to leverage their home-field advantage and extend their winning streak.

Fresno State vs Rice At a Glance

• Game Date & Time: Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 10:00 PM (Night Game)
• Location: Valley Children's Stadium in Fresno, CA — Outdoor Field
• TV Channel: CW
• Rice Owls Record: 1-2 (0-1 on the road)
• Fresno State Bulldogs Record: 2-1 (1-0 at home)
• Odds: Fresno State favored with a moneyline of -622; Rice's moneyline at +448

Fresno State Bulldogs: A Home Game Preview

Offensive Overview

The Fresno State Bulldogs' offense has shown mixed results so far this season. They have accumulated 612 passing yards, placing them 82nd in the nation. On the ground, the team has managed 404 rushing yards, ranking 92nd.

With 75 points scored, Fresno State is positioned 56th nationally in points for. Despite these mid-tier rankings, the team has demonstrated efficiency in moving the chains, securing 51 first downs and ranking 37th in that category.

Defensive Performance

Defensively, the Bulldogs have been strong, allowing only 52 points, which ranks them 32nd in the nation. The pass rush has been effective, accumulating 7 sacks and ranking 8th.

They have also shown prowess in turnovers, with 5 interceptions placing them 6th, and 2 fumbles recovered ranking them 5th. This defensive reliability has been a key component of their strategy this season.

Key Players to Watch

Quarterback Jayden Mandal leads the charge with 579 passing yards and 3 touchdowns. His efficiency is a crucial aspect of the Bulldogs' game plan.

Running back Bryson Donelson has contributed significantly on the ground with 174 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns. Wide receiver Josiah Freeman has been a reliable target with 195 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Recent Game Highlights

In their recent 26-10 victory over San Jose State, the Bulldogs' defense shined, intercepting the ball four times. Offensively, Fresno State secured 171 rushing yards, showcasing their balanced attack.

In their commanding 49-3 win against Sacramento State, Fresno State excelled in both passing and rushing, with 349 passing yards and 193 rushing yards. This dominant performance was a testament to their potential when firing on all cylinders.

Injury Concerns

The team faces some challenges with injuries. Ryan Wilson, Brandon Ramirez, and Edward Fonua are all out for the season, affecting both defense and offense. Jonah Leaupepetele and Noah Yeh are currently questionable.

Fresno State Top Betting Trends

• SU - As Favorite: 23-7 (76.7%) over the last 30 games.
• SU - Home Games: 23-7 (76.7%) over the last 30 games.
• SU - After Win: 22-8 (73.3%) over the last 30 games.
• ATS - As Favorite: 3-0 (100.0%) over the last 3 games.
• SU - After Loss: 3-0 (100.0%) over the last 3 games.
• ATS - After Loss: 3-0 (100.0%) over the last 3 games.

Rice Owls Ready for Another Showdown

Quarterback Play

Jacurri Brown leads the Rice Owls as the starting quarterback, having participated in all three games this season. He has thrown for 203 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, ranking him 160th in passing yards. Gael Ochoa, serving as a backup, has seen limited action with just five pass attempts.

Running Game Strength

Tyvonn Byars has emerged as a key player in the Owls' ground attack, accumulating 146 rushing yards over three games. D'Andre Hardeman Jr. is also contributing significantly, adding 133 rushing yards and a touchdown. Quinton Jackson, although out with an injury, managed to rush for 54 yards and score a touchdown in his only game this season.

Receivers in Action

Barry Jackson Jr. is making his presence felt as a receiver, having caught five passes for 77 yards and a touchdown in two games. Jordan Clark, with five receptions and 37 yards, adds depth to the receiving corps. Max Mosey and Payton Matthews have each contributed to the passing game, but the Owls need more production from their receiving group.

Kicking Consistency

Enock Gota stands out in the special teams unit, successfully converting seven extra points and one field goal in two appearances. His reliability is crucial for Rice in close games. The Owls will look to Gota's consistency as a valuable asset throughout the season.

Recent Performance

Rice Owls have a 1-2 record, with their sole victory coming against Houston Christian Huskies in a dominant 31-3 showing. The team has struggled in their other two games, particularly a 52-0 loss to Notre Dame. They will need to bounce back and address their offensive challenges, particularly in the passing game.

Defensive Overview

The Rice defense ranks 59th in points allowed with 83 points surrendered this season. They have been effective in pressuring quarterbacks, recording five sacks, which ranks them 10th. Their ability to force turnovers, with one interception and one fumble recovery, could play a pivotal role in upcoming games.

Upcoming Matchups

Rice will travel to face the Fresno State Bulldogs, where they will need to overcome their 13.5-point underdog status. Future games include a home contest against UTSA Roadrunners and an away game against the Temple Owls. Each matchup presents opportunities for the Owls to refine their strategies and improve their record.

Rice Top Betting Trends

• O/U - Home Games: 21-9 (70.0%) in last 30 games
• ATS - After Loss: 19-11 (63.3%) in last 30 games
• SU - As Favorite: 14-8 (63.6%) in last 22 games
• ATS - As Underdog: 17-13 (56.7%) in last 30 games
• O/U - Totals ≥ 50: 17-13 (56.7%) in last 30 games

Fresno State vs Rice Prediction: Over 44.5

Analyzing the scoring trends for both Fresno State and Rice, it's evident that both teams have been involved in relatively high-scoring games this season. Fresno State has put up 75 points in their first three games, while Rice has scored 52 points over the same span. This indicates that both offenses have the capability to produce points.

Moreover, both teams have had some defensive struggles, with Rice conceding 83 points and Fresno State allowing 52 points thus far. Given these defensive lapses, there is a potential for both teams to capitalize on scoring opportunities, pushing the game total above 44.5 points.

The last games for both teams further support this prediction. Fresno State's recent 26-10 win over San Jose State and Rice's 21-28 loss to Western Michigan highlight their ability to participate in games reaching scores above or around the 44.5 mark.

Taking into account the trends and the offensive and defensive stats provided, the projected final score aligns with an over pick. Fresno State should control the game, but Rice's ability to contribute offensively will likely help push the total over 44.5.

• Fresno State vs Rice Prediction: Over 44.5
• Fresno State vs Rice Score: Fresno State 31 - Rice 17

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