The Houston Cougars (1-0) and Texas Tech Red Raiders (1-0) meet Saturday at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Houston vs. Texas Tech odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
The Cougars won a wild 37-35 game in 3OT on the road against UTSA in their opener, just missing the cover while the Over easily connected. QB Clayton Tune threw for 3 TDs and added another on the ground.
The Red Raiders had a much easier time with Murray State of the FCS, racking up a 63-10 win and cover as the Over cashed.
The win didn’t come without a price, however, as starting QB Tyler Shough was knocked out of the game in the 2nd quarter due to injury. He was spotted in a sling on the sidelines, and it was reported he will miss 3-6 weeks due to a collarbone injury. He suffered a similar injury last season against Texas.
QB Donovan Smith is expected to take the reins of the offense. He entered last week’s game and threw for 221 yards and 4 TDs.
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Houston at Texas Tech odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:30 a.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Houston +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Texas Tech -170 (bet $170 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Houston +3.5 (-112) | Texas Tech -3.5 (-108)
- Over/Under (O/U): 62.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Houston at Texas Tech picks and predictions
Prediction
Houston 40, Texas Tech 35
Money line
HOUSTON (+145) found a way to get it done on the road against an in-state opponent to kick off the season. It will have to do that again, and the Cougars should be a good play since they didn’t suffer any major injuries in the opener.
Texas Tech would’ve been an attractive play at home, but there are doubts after losing the starting quarterback in the opener. Smith was sharp against Murray State, but it remains to be seen if he can be nearly as effective against one of the top Group of 5 teams in the nation.
Against the spread
HOUSTON +3.5 (-112) is catching three and a hook, but I don’t think you’ll need the points. The Cougars were a 12-win team last season, and they understand how to win not only at home but also on the road when facing adversity. This is a good measuring stick game for Houston, and I think they’ll measure up well.
It is a much better value on the money line, however.
Over/Under
OVER 62.5 (-110) looks like the best play on the board. Both of these sides were impressive on offense last week, and Houston’s defense allowed plenty of big plays under the dome in San Antonio.
Even with a backup QB, the Red Raiders should be able to move the ball down the field and make things happen to keep it close.
This game looks like another Houston track meet, with the Cougars coming out slightly ahead.
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