At the beginning, gamblers are wondering if the Texas NCAA Football Betting hype is legitimate. Is the Texas Longhorns football program truly back in 2023? Others fear they will be fooled again by believing in a false narrative. A faux hope that has long been reported but continuously left unfulfilled? Certainly, the hype for the Longhorns is the largest it’s been in some time. Last season, after finishing 8-5, expectations were unmet again. Yet head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff have built a team capable of achieving big things in 2023.
Rice Owls vs. Texas Longhorns NCAAF Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Saturday, September 2, 2023, 3 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | DKR Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX |
| TV Coverage: | FOX |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rice Owls | +35 -110 | 59 -110 | – |  |
| Texas | -35 -110 | 59 -110 | – | |
| ||||
Rice at Texas SBG Odds Overview
Of course, the yearly offshore betting question is if the Horns will finally arrive to stay as a national contender. Much of the 2023 future market believes it will happen. To show, Texas is favored to win the Big 12, if not more, this season.
Rice Owls Team Overview
Last year’s bowl appearance was Rice’s first postseason trek since ’14, but the Owls have yet to record a winning mark under coach Mike Bloomgren. However, the arrival of former Georgia and West Virginia signal-caller JT Daniels, along with the return of receiver Luke McCaffrey, might be enough to get Rice to six wins in its first season in the AAC. The July transfer of Bradley Rozner was a setback for the Rice offense.
Improvement on defense would certainly increase the bowl odds, as the Owls have work to do through the air and on the ground. This unit also gave up 34.2 points per contest. Seven starters are back, giving coordinator Brian Smith reason for optimism at every level.
Under Mike Bloomgren, that five-win campaign was the best in his five seasons. Now he has the parts in place to do a lot more. However, there is one problem. To illuminate, the Rice schedule will be tougher, moving from Conference USA to the American Athletic Conference. Still, they showed they could fight for wins in 50/50 games last year. And Rice’s controlled style of play worked at times. Now they have the experience to expect to go to a bowl game by getting six wins.
Texas Longhorns Team Overview
Expectations for the Texas Longhorns in 2023 are as high as the heat in the Lonestar state. As mentioned earlier, Texas fans are talking Big 12 Championship aspirations. Including head coach Steve Sarkisian.
Of course, meeting preseason expectations has been an issue in Austin. But on paper, coach Steve Sarkisian’s team has all the pieces to push for double-digit wins. And rank as the favorite in the Big 12 this fall.
Quarterback Quinn Ewers held off a challenge for the starting job in the spring. He will be throwing to one of the nation’s top receiving corps. Starting with All-American Xavier Worthy and rising star tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders. All five starters return along the offensive line.
Last year, the Longhorns made strides on defense. Texas cut their per-game average from 31.1 to 21.6. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown will be missed. But with six starters back, Texas should remain one of the top defenses in the Big 12.
Rice at Texas SBG Free Picks
As was previously noted, plenty of casual sector money is flooding the betting windows on Texas. Rice is a value-enhanced NCAA Football Betting value play.
Rice at Texas SBG Best Bet: Rice Owls.