Conference USA action continues on Wednesday as Rice starts conference play after three games against old Southwest Conference foes that had them losing by 35.3 points a game. The Owls have been overmatched on both sides of the ball, ranking 110th in total offense and 113th yards allowed. The 11 turnovers in four games exacerbate the situation.

If Rice is going to compete in conference they will need All-America wide receiver Jarett Dillard, who was on the sidelines for most of the Texas game with a strained left hamstring. Quarterback Chase Clement has been under heavy pressure all season, since the opposing team has no fear of a running game that is averaging 88 yards per game at 2.4 yards per carry. The Rice pass defense would scare most owls away, as they have given up an average of 412.3 YPG the last three contests, yielding 53 PPG in the process. The Owls are 3-13 ATS in road games after allowing 325 or more passing yards in their last game.

Southern Mississippi has a short week of preparation after being bounced 38-16 at Boise State last Thursday. The Golden Eagles will try go back to work in conference play off recent important win over East Carolina in attempt to win the East Division. Senior quarterback Jeremy Young was the weak link in the offense in prior years, yet this season has stepped up his game, meaning USM is better equipped to play in higher scoring games than in the past. Coach Jeff Bower in his 17th season in Hattiesburg will always want to run the ball effectively and has running back Damion Fletcher to do so. Fletcher is averaging five yards a carry on a team gaining 172 yards per game on the ground in 41 attempts. That figure is less impressive when considering the teams they have played have allowed 188 YPG on the ground. Young will be looking towards his primary outlet is Chris Johnson, who has 21 pass catches this season.

The defense has contained weak offensive teams like Rice and been taken apart by clubs better equipped to move the ball. When facing teams like Tennessee-Martin and East Carolina, they held them to under 300 total yards offense. While on the other hand Boise State and Tennessee both surpassed the 470 total yards mark. The Golden Eagles are 19-5 ATS after a loss by 17 or more points.

Southern Miss is a 20-point choice at Sportsbook.com. Behind a strong history of winning games under coach Bower, it is an unusual circumstance this will be the first time the Golden Eagles are favored this season and they are 20-12 ATS in this role.

Since the league was reconfigured a few seasons ago, this will mark the first time Southern Miss and Rice have met a conference foes, or any other time for that matter. With such a large number to overcome, will Southern Miss bring A-game against an obviously inferior foe? Or do they fall prey to the Owls being 12-3 ATS after two consecutive games with a turnover margin of -1 or worse?

This C-USA contest can be viewed on ESPN2 starting at 8 Eastern.

StatFox Forecaster – Southern Miss covers
StatFox Power Line – Southern Miss by 23
StatFox OutPlay Factor – Southern Miss by 16