Kickoff: 7:30 PM ET (4:30 PM PT)
Venue: Jerry Richardson Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
Broadcast: ESPN
Weather Forecast
Temperature: ~77°F (25°C) at kickoff
Conditions: Partly cloudy, light humidity, winds 5–7 mph
Impact: Ideal football weather; no major disruptions expected for passing or kicking.
Injury Report
Rice Owls (AAC):
QB Chase Jenkins (starter) is healthy; has shown steady command of Scott Abell’s hybrid “Gun Choice Option” offense.
RB rotation intact, led by Dean Connors (versatile backfield weapon).
No confirmed defensive absences.
Charlotte 49ers (AAC):
QB Trexler Ivey expected to start; has been inconsistent but capable of explosive plays.
WR corps healthy, led by Jack Hestera.
Offensive line depth remains a concern after early-season injuries.
Key Player Matchups
QB Chase Jenkins (Rice) vs. Charlotte Linebackers
Jenkins’ option-heavy scheme stresses discipline; Charlotte must stay assignment-sound.
RB Dean Connors (Rice) vs. Charlotte Front Seven
Connors’ ability to create chunk plays in both run and pass game could tilt the field.
QB Trexler Ivey (Charlotte) vs. Rice Secondary
Ivey has been turnover-prone; Rice’s defense will look to capitalize on short fields.
Charlotte WR Jack Hestera vs. Rice Corners
Hestera is the 49ers’ most reliable target; if he wins one-on-ones, Charlotte can stretch the field.
Recent Team Form
Rice Owls (2–1)
9/6/25: Lost 27–10 @ Texas A&M (FBS)
9/13/25: Won 38–17 vs. Prairie View A&M
Offense averaging 20.3 PPG, defense allowing ~22 PPG.
Trend: Balanced but still adjusting to Abell’s new scheme.
Charlotte 49ers (1–2)
8/30/25: Lost 31–14 @ Duke
9/6/25: Lost 42–28 vs. East Carolina
9/13/25: Won 42–35 vs. Monmouth
Offense averaging 18.7 PPG, defense allowing ~32 PPG.
Trend: Defense vulnerable; offense inconsistent but capable of spurts.
Series History
Charlotte leads the recent series 3–1.
Last four meetings: Charlotte has outscored Rice by 20 points combined.
Charlotte also holds a 3–1 ATS record in those matchups.
Betting Trends
Rice:
1–2 ATS in 2025.
Unders hit in 2 of 3 games.
Charlotte:
1–2 ATS in 2025.
Overs hit in 2 of 3 games.
Head-to-Head:
Charlotte 3–1 ATS vs. Rice in last four meetings.
Two of last four went over the total.
Historical Betting Results
Rice: Historically struggles ATS as a small road favorite; tends to play close games.
Charlotte: More reliable ATS at home, especially as a short underdog.
AAC Trends: Thursday night AAC games often trend toward the under due to short-week prep and conservative game plans.
Game Odds
Rice Owls – 2.5
Charlotte 49ers 44.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Wednesday, September 17, 2025
