Small schools that make noise early in the season ones that I’ll look to find fade worthy spots against. Tarleton State has done that with their a former big time recruit in Dior Johnson shining off the bench. He has had a couple of outbursts including scoring over thirty points against Baylor. Rice may only have one win against a division one school, but they have faced Oregon and just on Monday Tennessee. Look for a sound game from the Owls and a cover against Tarleton State.

Feels about 40 cents low to my eye test, which had been doing well but got Samford badly wrong Wednesday. Tarleton State is a solid WAC program but 0-3 away -- all by double digits. All better foes than Rice? Sure. But the veteran Owls, who owe me for an upset earlier home loss to Stephen F. Austin, played well at Oregon early and also faced Tennessee. That didn't go so well, but clearly they have faced better competition. Rice leads the American in 3-point field goal percentage, connecting on 40.7%. Opponents are at 31.7%. Also a good free-throw shooting team (.732). TSU guard DJ Dormu had 10 points, three boards and three helpers in the season opener but hasn't played since. Not sure why.