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2026 Week 7 Preview: Tulsa Golden Hurricane @ Rice Owls

The Tulsa Golden Hurricane and Rice Owls will meet Saturday at First Community Stadium in Houston, aiming to break recent losing streaks in a matchup with significant historical context. Rice, which leads the all-time series 10-9-1, has won two of the last three meetings, including a dominant 42-10 victory over Tulsa in 2023—the Owls’ largest margin of victory over FBS competition since 2013.

Both teams are struggling, with Rice dropping five straight games, including one-score losses at home, while Tulsa has lost three in a row after a 3-0 start, including two one-score defeats in American Athletic Conference play. The Golden Hurricane’s offense has become their focal point, but their defense—ranked 124th nationally—has been exposed, particularly against the run, where they’ve allowed over 200 rushing yards in back-to-back games.

Tulsa’s pass rush, led by defensive end Thomas Davis (4.0 sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss), will be critical, as Rice is expected to rely heavily on its ground game. Inside linebacker Chris Thompson Jr.

(56 tackles, first in the American) and outside linebacker Dax Collins (52 tackles, 3.5 TFL) will anchor Tulsa’s run defense, though their ability to stop Rice’s option-based offense for the second straight week remains unproven.

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