Baylor Bears vs. Rice Owls: Betting Odds, Analysis, College Football Pick

The Baylor Bears are often big favorites, and incredibly they've made some great money over recent seasons as such. In 17 spots favored by four touchdowns or more over the last three years, Baylor is 13-3-1 against the spread.

The Bears face another huge number when they visit former rival Rice on Friday night in Houston.

Point spread: The Bears opened as 27.5-point favorites.

Odds Shark computer pick: Baylor 51.2, Rice 11.4 (picks for every game)

Why the Baylor Bears can cover the spread

Following a tumultuous offseason and a change in head coaches, Baylor is off to a 2-0 start, including a 40-13 victory over SMU last week.

The Bears spotted the Mustangs an early 6-0 lead and could only manage a 6-6 halftime tie. But they scored three touchdowns in about 10 minutes coming out of the locker room and finished things off with a pair of fourth-quarter scores.

On the day, Baylor gained 536 yards to SMU's 405, outrushing the Mustangs 275-176.

Two weeks ago, the Bears opened the season with a 55-7 win against Northwestern State. Baylor was favored by 50 points and had the spread covered with a 55-0 lead early in the third quarter. But the Bears called off the dogs, gave up a meaningless touchdown and missed out on the cash.

Last year, the Bears bombed Rice 70-17, outgaining the Owls 793-246, covering 33 points in Waco, Texas.

Why the Rice Owls can cover the spread

The case for Rice is a bit harder to make. The Owls opened this season with a 46-14 loss at Western Kentucky, then they fell to 0-2 with a 31-14 loss at Army last week.

But at least they can say they made some progress.

Against the Hilltoppers, Rice botched a punt for a safety on its first possession of the season, fell down 16-0 after one quarter and never recovered.

Against the Black Knights, though, the Owls scored a touchdown one minute into the game and only trailed by a touchdown late into the third quarter, although they ultimately just couldn't keep pace.

In the opener, Rice was outgained by 361 yards. Last week, Army outgained it by 125. Dismal, yes, but better.

Smart pick

Barring a minor miracle, Baylor is going to win this game. The only thing that really matters is the final margin.

Rice hasn't shown much yet this year but is not as bad as those first two games might indicate. Meanwhile, the Bears had trouble for two-plus quarters against an SMU team starting a freshman at quarterback last week. It's not exactly appetizing, but the smart bet here is the Owls, plus the points.

Betting trends

• Baylor is 4-0 straight up and ATS in its last four games against Rice.
• Rice is 0-6 SU and ATS in its last six games against teams with winning records.
• The total has gone under in six of Baylor's last eight games on the road.

All betting information courtesy of Odds Shark. All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line-movement updates, Odds Shark on YouTube for picks and analysis, or download the free odds-tracker app.