Rice Owls Defy Odds, Defeat Favored Memphis Tigers

On November 1st, 2025, the No. 25 Memphis Tigers (7-1, 3-1) faced off against the unranked Rice Owls in a surprising matchup. Despite being the favorites, the Tigers were unable to overcome the resilient Owls, who pulled off an unexpected upset.

The Owls have had a rather bizarre season so far, with results that have been all over the place. After starting the year 3-1, including a gritty win over Louisiana, Rice went on to suffer one-score losses to Navy and FAU, before being blown out by UTSA. However, the team then managed to pull off an upset over UConn as 10.5-point underdogs last week, putting them just two wins shy of bowl eligibility.

This game against Memphis presented an intriguing stylistic matchup, as both teams prefer to pound the rock. Rice is one of the most run-heavy teams in the FBS, while Memphis ranks 17th in rushing yards per game. With both squads content to keep the ball on the ground and let the clock run, the Tigers struggled to create the necessary separation to cover the two-score spread.

In the end, the Owls' resilience and ability to stay in the game proved too much for the favored Memphis squad, who now face a tricky sandwich spot before a gauntlet of tough opponents to close out the season.