College Football Predictions SMU Mustangs vs Rice Owls: There are just two games in Friday’s Week 1 schedule, one of them is a Conference USA showdown, as the SMU Mustangs travel to Rice Stadium to take on the Owls. This game has a scheduled kick off time of 7 PM ET, and it can be seen live on ESPN. This marks the first time since 2001 that SMU opens up their season by facing a USA opponent.

At BodogLife.com, the SMU Mustangs are +4 (+145) betting odds underdogs when they visit the Rice Owls -4 (-165) on Friday evening.

In their long history, SMU and Rice will meet for an 86th time on Friday. At this time, SMU leads their head-to-head match up with a record of 45-39-1. However, in Rice Stadium, the Owls hold the edge with a 15-12-1 advantage.

After leading Hawaii to a 12-1 season and a BCS Sugar Bowl, head coach June Jones will be making his debut at the helm of SMU. In this 2008 season, SMU will be the youngest team in the nation, as SMU fans can expect to have a true freshman to start at QB. Also, Mustang fans will have their first look at SMU’s new uniforms.

Rice is coning off a disappointing 3-9 season, as they look to regain their Bowl form. The Owls will be starting 17 returning players, which are led by WR Jarett Dillard and QB Chase Clement. The OVER/UNDER for this College Football Predictions: SMU Mustangs vs Rice Owls has been set at a total of 70 points.

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