Western Michigan at Rice - 2026 Matchup Preview
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Western Michigan Broncos at Rice Owls

Rice logo
Saturday, September 19th 2026 (12:00 PM EDT)
Rice Stadium - Houston, TX

 
Broncos (0 - 0) (0 - 0 - 0)
Coach Lance Taylor (20 - 19)
Avg Score : 25 - 17 (18 - 22 on Road)
Record Prediction: 7.1 - 4.9 (#50)
'26 Opponents: (Elite: 1) (Good: 0) (Avg: 2) (Bad: 8)
Our Line: Western Michigan -7  (SP+ WMU -7.5)
Projected Score: WMU: 27 - RICE: 20 (47)
WMU Win prob: 70% | Cover: 49%
WMU Travel: 1025 miles, 1 hrs ahead
Owls (0 - 0) (0 - 0 - 0)
Coach Scott Abell (5 - 8)
Avg Score : 19 - 33 (24 - 32 @ Home)
Record Prediction: 2.1 - 9.9 (#112)
'26 Opponents: (Elite: 1) (Good: 1) (Avg: 4) (Bad: 5)
 
Western Michigan's 2026 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Sat 9/5Western Michigan at Michigan+26
Sat 9/12Western Michigan vs Monmouth-17
Sat 9/19Western Michigan at Rice-7
Sat 9/26Western Michigan vs Boise State+9
Sat 10/3Western Michigan at Buffalo-2.5
Sat 10/10Western Michigan vs Kent State-14.5
Sat 10/17Western Michigan at Central Michigan+0.5
Sat 10/24Western Michigan at Toledo+3
Sat 10/31Western Michigan vs Bowling Green-7.5
— Bye Week —
Tue 11/10Western Michigan at Akron-6.5
Tue 11/17Western Michigan vs Eastern Michigan-8
Tue 11/24Western Michigan vs Miami (OH)+3

Total: Elite: 1, Good: 0, Avg 2, Bad 2, Poor 6
Played: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg 0, Bad 0, Poor 0
Future: Elite: 1, Good: 0, Avg 2, Bad 2, Poor 6
Wins: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0
Losses: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0

Predictions for Western Michigan's Schedule
Rice's 2026 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Sat 9/5Rice vs Houston Christian-7.5
Sat 9/12Rice at Notre Dame+35
Sat 9/19Rice vs Western Michigan+7
Sat 9/26Rice at Fresno State+18.5
Sat 10/3Rice vs UTSA+12.5
Sat 10/10Rice at East Carolina+18
Sat 10/17Rice vs Tulsa+10
Sat 10/24Rice at Florida Atlantic+11.5
— Bye Week —
Sat 11/7Rice at North Texas+11
Sat 11/14Rice vs Tulane+10.5
Thu 11/19Rice at Temple+12
Sat 11/28Rice vs Army+11.5

Total: Elite: 1, Good: 1, Avg 4, Bad 4, Poor 1
Played: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg 0, Bad 0, Poor 0
Future: Elite: 1, Good: 1, Avg 4, Bad 4, Poor 1
Wins: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0
Losses: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0

Predictions for Rice's Schedule
Important Stats (2025)
 Teams                  Off Explosive.Off SuccessPPGRush SuccessOL Yds Per AttRush YPGPass SuccessPass YPGOff ScoreZoneDef Explosive.Def SuccessDef PPGRunD SuccessPass D SuccessDef ScoreZonePenalty YPGTO PGDef TO PG
WMU#103 (.12)43% (55)24.947% (31)3.18 (25)20537% (116)1393.35 (105)#16 (.06)37% (17)17.438% (21)37% (21)2.83 (13)40.11.11.7
RICE#122 (.06)37% (122)19.138% (114)2.69 (114)20533% (132)983.21 (114)#120 (.25)40% (49)32.941% (55)39% (46)3.71 (73)49.50.80.5
 Teams                  Off Explosive.Off SuccessPPGRush SuccessOL Yds Per AttRush YPGPass SuccessPass YPGOff ScoreZoneDef Explosive.Def SuccessDef PPGRunD SuccessPass D SuccessDef ScoreZonePenalty YPGTO PGDef TO PG
WMU0%0%000%000%0%0%0000
RICE0%0%000%000%0%0%0000



Overall Stats 2025
 Teams                  GamesPPGPPG H/RSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun RatePass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
WMU Offense1424.918.343.4%3.351.1193432051394.665%33%47%37%12%.12
RICE Defense1332.93240%3.710.5 - - - - - 49%50%41%39%14%.25
 Teams                  GamesPPGPPG H/RSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun RatePass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
WMU Defense1417.421.736.9%2.831.7 - - - - - 49%49%38%37%17%.06
RICE Offense1319.123.936.8%3.210.817302205984.170%28%38%33%18%.06

Additional Stats 2025
 Teams                  GamesPossession Time1st Downs PG3rd Down %4th Down %Penalties PGPenalty Yds PGOff TO PGDef TO PGTFL PGSacks PGD/ST TDsAvg Field Pos
Western Michigan1432:3418.940%44%4.640.11.11.75.93.1232
Rice1332:4317.134%55%4.849.50.80.551.9027
Run Game Stats (2026)
 Teams                  GamesRun Play RateRun Play SuccessRush Att PGRush Yds PGRush Yds Per AttRushing TDsRun Pred Pts AddedOL Yds Per Att3rd/4th & ShortFront 7 HavocRun Play Explosivness
WMU Offense1465% (5)47% (31)44.2204.54.631 (49).14 (57)3.18 (25)76% (38)9% (61)0.9 (97)
RICE Defense1349% (52)41% (55) - - - - .16 (103)3.02 (98)64% (23)9% (106)1.17 (132)
 Teams                  GamesRun Play RateRun Play SuccessRush Att PGRush Yds PGRush Yds Per AttRushing TDsRun Pred Pts AddedOL Yds Per Att3rd/4th & ShortFront 7 HavocRun Play Explosivness
WMU Defense1449% (56)38% (21) - - - - .06 (46)2.77 (48)73% (86)11% (17)1.02 (98)
RICE Offense1370% (4)38% (114)49.8204.84.120 (60).05 (102)2.69 (114)73% (61)14% (134)1 (53)

Pass Game Stats (2026)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs    Ints    PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
WMU Offense1433% (132)37% (116)13.221.8138.56.410.510 (114)6 (34).1 (125)1.4 (120)30% (44)24% (128).15 (121)3% (7)1.9 (103)
RICE Defense1350% (88)39% (46) - - - - - - 3 (100).36 (117)1.9 (134)32% (55)31% (84).43 (123)5% (102)2.5 (135)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs    Ints    PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
WMU Defense1449% (75)37% (21) - - - - - - 12 (55).1 (11)1.5 (28)34% (23)28% (54).12 (12)6% (67)1.7 (6)
RICE Offense1328% (133)33% (132)11.417.297.65.78.611 (121)4 (7).12 (122)1.7 (28)32% (81)20% (135).02 (133)3% (7)2.1 (41)

Western Michigan's Power Ratings
Western Michigan's Power Rating: -5.59  #103
Western Michigan's Offense Rating: 14.47  #84
Western Michigan's Defense Rating: 20.06  #112
2026 Talent Rating: 440.00  #117
Blue Chip Ratio: 1%  #83
Western Michigan's 2026 Expected Record: 7.1 - 4.9
Western Michigan's 2026 Overall SP+ Rating: -7.2  #95
Western Michigan's Offense SP+ Rating: 19.0  #112
Western Michigan's Defense SP+ Rating: 25.8  #67

Average Talent
Average Mid-American Talent Rating is 467.85
Average Power Five Talent: 872.28
Average FBS Talent: 677.28

Power Ratings Matchup
Western Michigan: -5.59   Rice: -13.42

SP+ Ratings Matchup
Western Michigan: -7.2   Rice: -14.7




Rice's Power Ratings
Rice's Power Rating: -13.42  #127
Rice's Offense Rating: 6.36  #129
Rice's Defense Rating: 23.50  #126
2026 Talent Rating: 482.00  #104
Blue Chip Ratio: 1  #83
Rice's 2026 Expected Record: 2.1 - 9.9
Rice's 2026 Overall SP+ Rating: -14.7  #120
Rice's Offense SP+ Rating: 17.0  #118
Rice's Defense SP+ Rating: 32.2  #110

Average Talent
Average American Athletic Talent Rating is 513
Average Power Five Talent: 872.28
Average FBS Talent: 677.28


Western Michigan Scoring
Offense: 24.9 PPG
Offense on Road: 18.3
Defense: 17.4 PPG
Defense on Road: 21.7

Western Michigan's 2026 Record
Record: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread: 0 - 0 - 0
Over/Under Record: 0 - 0
Record on Road: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread on Road: 0 - 0 - 0
Projected Score
Western Michigan 27
Rice 20


Projected Total Points: 47
Rice Scoring
Offense: 19.1 PPG
Offense at Home: 23.9
Defense: 32.9 PPG
Defense at Home: 32

Rice's 2026 Record
Record: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread: 0 - 0 - 0
Over/Under Record: 0 - 0
Record at home: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread at home: 0 - 0 - 0


YearDateHomeScoreAwayScoreSpreadCoverTotalO/U
200812/30Rice38Western Michigan14
TeamWinsCoversO/U
Rice100 Overs
Western Michigan000 Unders

WinsCoversFavsDogs
Home Teams1 - 00 - 00 - 00 - 0
Road Teams0 - 10 - 00 - 00 - 0

(#103) WMU at (#127) RICE
Overall StatsOvr
CategoryCatWMURICE
Game ControlGC #60 #124
Momentum ControlMC #66 #122
Net PPPPPPNRNR
Power RatePwr #103 #127
SP+SP+ #95 #120
Perf GradeGradeNRNR
OffenseOffNRNR
DefenseDefNRNR
Spec TeamsSTNRNR
TalentTal #117 #104
Blue ChipsBC% #83 #83
Western Michigan Notes
(3/27) Vibes: 10 wins LY big, Off fine, Def looks rough
(3/27) QB Lowry is back, a mobile threat. Good/Productive
(3/27) RB Buckley (1K LY) back, Green (Ark) fun add?
(3/27) WR meh, nothing here of note, some experience
(3/27) OL has 3 starters back, 1 portal add from Mich
(3/27) DL/LB is light on size & experience. Not a lot here
(3/27) DBs strength of Def by far, good prod/exp
(3/26) Def F7 rebuild, new DC. Expect a drop off
(2/6) Elevated Greer Martini (LB) to DC (O'Leary->NFL)
Western Michigan Injury Report
Rice Notes
(1/29) Staff year 2, unique Gun Option offense
(1/29) QB Brown (UCF) better runner than pass, good fit
(1/29) RB Jackson good LY, 3 RB needed, some depth
(1/29) WR rebuild, Mosey (HC) good add. Must block/run
(1/29) OL 2 FT starters, 2 PT. Has pieces if depth can fill
(1/29) DL lost best DE/DT. Some exp to build on
(1/29) LBs are the size of DBs. Huge ? that lacks answers
(1/29) DBs went heavy in portal, some decent options
(1/29) Def Succ #s LY misleading, torched by big plays
Rice Injury Report
Western Michigan on Offense
Very Run heavy Offense 65%, Pass: 34%
CategoryCat
WMU OffRICE Def
Game ControlGC #66 #117
Momentum ControlMC #110 #121
PPPOffPPPNRNR
Perf GradePerfNRNR
SuccessSuc #55 #49
ExplosiveExp #136 #136
PPAPPA #103 #120
PowerPwr #84 #126
SP+SP+ #112 #110
Pts POPPO #105 #73
HavocHav #18 #110
Western Michigan Run Game
Very Run heavy Offense 65%, Pass: 34%
CategoryCat
WMU OffRICE Def
Run GameRunNRNR
Run SuccessRSuc #31 #55
Run ExplRExp #97 #132
PPAExp #57 #103
Run BlockR BlkNR -
OL YdsOLY #25 #98
Stuff RateStuff #30 #93
TackleTak - NR
Western Michigan Pass Game
Very Run heavy Offense 65%, Pass: 34%
CategoryCat
WMU OffRICE Def
Pass GamePassNRNR
Pass SuccessPSuc #116 #46
Pass ExplPExl #120 #134
PPAExp #125 #117
Pass Rush/BlockP BlkNRNR
F7 HavocF7 #61 #106
DB HavocDB #7 #102
Rice on Offense
Option Offense 71%, Pass: 28%
CategoryCatRICE OffWMU Def
Game ControlGC #125 #57
Momentum ControlMC #109 #31
PPPDefPPPNRNR
Perf GradePerfNRNR
SuccessSuc #122 #17
ExplosiveExp #115 #66
PPAPPA #122 #16
PowerPwr #129 #112
SP+SP+ #118 #67
Pts POPPO #114 #13
HavocHav #109 #33
Rice Run Game
Option Offense 71%, Pass: 28%
CategoryCat
RICE OffWMU Def
Run GameRunNRNR
Run SuccessRSuc #114 #21
Run ExplRExp #53 #98
PPAExp #102 #46
Run BlockR BlkNR -
OL YdsOLY #114 #48
Stuff RateStuff #102 #96
TackleTak - NR
Rice Pass Game
Option Offense 71%, Pass: 28%
CategoryCatRICE OffWMU Def
Pass GamePassNRNR
Pass SuccessPSuc #132 #21
Pass ExplPExl #28 #28
PPAExp #122 #11
Pass Block/RushP BlkNRNR
F7 HavocF7 #134 #17
DB HavocDB #7 #67
Program Comparison
RICE 5 Year Profile: Consistent Below Avg G5
'26 Profile: Remains Below Avg G5

WMU 5 Year Profile: Consistent Average G5
'26 Profile: Remains Average G5

Weather Forecast
Playing in Rice Stadium
Conditions:
Temp: 0°
No Matchups Past 4 Years
  
WMU's OC Walt Bell (been OC for 3 years)
Player NameCOMPATTPCTYDSTDINTYPA
Broc Lowry16626263%1803936.9
Ofa Mataele010%0000.0
Player NameCARYDSTDYPCLONG
Jalen Buckley179100395.667
Broc Lowry203963144.737
Ofa Mataele5725234.422
Aveion Chenault335011.725
Player NameRECYDSTDYPCLONG
Nathan Levicki33478614.575
Baylin Brooks27372013.842
Aveion Chenault23277212.045
Jalen Buckley127516.334

View Western Michigan's Full Roster

WMU's DC Greer Martini (in his first season)
Top DefTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Jarvarius Sims612104
Micah Davis601023
Joshua Franklin5362110
Joey Pope443112
SacksTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
DeJuan Echoles276422
Joshua Franklin5362110
Jarvarius Sims612104
Dakari Frazier101100
Pass DTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Joshua Franklin5362110
Jarvarius Sims612104
John Peters140004

RICE's OC Vince Munch (in his second season)
Player NameCOMPATTPCTYDSTDINTYPA
Patrick Crayton Jr.71547%73124.9
Lucas Scheerhorn91369%40003.1
Player NameCARYDSTDYPCLONG
Quinton Jackson18088964.973
DAndre Hardeman Jr.7630224.036
Tyvonn Byars3419315.732
Jacurri Brown (Tr)1614228.960
Player NameRECYDSTDYPCLONG
Max Mosey (Tr)5049009.846
Payton Matthews493023.354
Quinton Jackson474118.575
Tyvonn Byars253026.543

View Rice's Full Roster

RICE's DC Jon Kay (in his second season)
Top DefTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
AJ Brown (Tr)530000
Jo Chavez402011
Austin Harnetiaux (Tr)372002
Chibby Nwajuaku253220
SacksTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Chibby Nwajuaku253220
Joseph Mutombo122211
Cooper King82100
Daveon Hook163100
Pass DTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Tariq Watson120012
Austin Harnetiaux (Tr)372002
Jerrick Harper231002