Western Michigan Broncos defeat Rice Owls 28-21: Recap & Betting Results
Sat, Sep 19, 2026 · NCAAF · Western Michigan Broncos 28, Rice Owls 21
The Western Michigan Broncos beat the Rice Owls 28-21 on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Rice Stadium. The Rice Owls covered the spread as 8.5-point underdogs. The game went over the closing total of 43.5, with 49 points combined.
Western Michigan Broncos vs. Rice Owls final score and game recap
The Western Michigan Broncos led 7-0 after the first quarter and 14-7 at halftime. The second half was even at 14-14.
The leading performers, from the box score:
- Jalen Buckley (Western Michigan Broncos): 13 carries for 117 yards, 1 rushing touchdown.
- Lolo Mataele (Western Michigan Broncos): 11 carries for 62 yards, 1 rushing touchdown.
- Jacurri Brown (Rice Owls): 23 carries for 128 yards, 1 rushing touchdown.
- Jacurri Brown (Rice Owls): 11/18 passing for 121 yards, 1 touchdown, 0 interceptions.
Who covered the spread in Western Michigan Broncos vs. Rice Owls?
The Rice Owls covered the spread as 8.5-point underdogs, losing by 7 points.
The spread opened at Western Michigan Broncos -9.5 and closed at Western Michigan Broncos -8.5.
Did Western Michigan Broncos vs. Rice Owls go over or under the total?
The game went over: 49 points combined against a closing total of 43.5, over by 5.5. 21 of the 49 points came in the first half.
The total opened and closed at 43.5.
Western Michigan Broncos vs. Rice Owls game prop results: first quarter, first half and team totals
AiQ does not pick game props. This is how the sportsbook markets settled.
- First-quarter moneyline: Western Michigan Broncos won the first quarter, paying -215.
- First-half total 21.5: the under, paying -115, with 21 points scored.
- First-half spread: Western Michigan Broncos -4.5 covered, paying -110.
- First-half moneyline: Western Michigan Broncos won the first half, paying -265.
- Rice Owls team total 16.5: the over, paying -122, with 21 scored.
- Western Michigan Broncos team total 26.5: the over, paying -128, with 28 scored.
- First-quarter total 7.5: the under, paying -135, with 7 points scored.
Western Michigan Broncos vs. Rice Owls odds: sportsbook value and line movement
Shortly before the start, the consensus moneyline had the Western Michigan Broncos at -355 and the Rice Owls at +280. With the bookmaker's margin removed, that made the Western Michigan Broncos a 75% favorite. The Western Michigan Broncos won as the favorite at -355: $28.17 profit on a $100 bet.
The spread moved toward the Rice Owls between the open and the close, and they covered.
Western Michigan Broncos and Rice Owls betting trends: 2026 season
This result left the Western Michigan Broncos 2-1 in the 2026 regular season (1-0 at home, 1-1 away or at neutral sites). Against the spread, they covered in 2 of 3 games with a closing line on file. Their games went over the closing total 2 times and under 1 time. That made it two straight wins for the Western Michigan Broncos.
This result left the Rice Owls 1-2 in the 2026 regular season (1-1 at home, 0-1 away or at neutral sites). Against the spread, they covered in 2 of 3 games with a closing line on file. Their games went over the closing total 1 time and under 2 times. That made it two straight losses for the Rice Owls.
What's next for Western Michigan Broncos and Rice Owls?
Next for the Western Michigan Broncos: the Boise State Broncos at home on Saturday, September 26, 2026. Next for the Rice Owls: at the Fresno State Bulldogs on Saturday, September 26, 2026.