The 2025-26 college football bowl season is nearing its conclusion, culminating with the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl 2026. This matchup features Texas rivals, the Rice Owls and the Texas State Bobcats, both looking to cap off their seasons on a high note. The game is set for Friday at 1 p.m. ET at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas.
Rice is entering the contest with a record of 5-7, having suffered a tough 52-3 defeat against South Florida in their previous game. Conversely, Texas State boasts a record of 6-6 and comes into the matchup fresh off a solid 49-26 victory over South Alabama. Currently, the Bobcats are projected as 16.5-point favorites against the Owls, with an over/under set at 55.5.
As fans gear up for the game, those looking to place bets can find insights from the SportsLine Projection Model. This analytical tool simulates every FBS game 10,000 times and has a proven track record, achieving a solid 31-19 on its top-rated college football money-line picks since the beginning of the 2024 season.
The model has also analyzed the Texas State vs. Rice game, predicting that the total points will likely exceed the over/under line, while one side of the spread has recorded nearly a 60% success rate in these simulations. Enthusiasts are encouraged to check in with SportsLine for tailored predictions and betting advice, maximizing their chances ahead of this exciting bowl game.
As college football fans look forward to the final chapter of this season, this contest not only showcases regional pride but also highlights the competitiveness and unpredictability that bowl games bring each year.