Houston Cougars betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

March Madness: Duke vs. Houston odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Duke vs. Houston NCAA Sweet 16 odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Duke Blue Devils (26-8) and Houston Cougars (32-4) meet Friday in Sweet 16 action in the NCAA Tournament. Tip-off from the American Airlines Center is slated for 9:39 p.m. ET (CBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Duke vs. Houston odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The 4th-seeded Blue Devils rolled up a 93-55 win against the 12th-seeded James Madison Dukes in the 2nd round, after coasting by the 13th-seeded Vermont Catamounts 64-47 in the 1st round. Duke has covered both games in the NCAA Tournament, and the Under is 3-0 in the postseason, and 11-2 across the past 13 games.

The top-seeeded Cougars collapsed in the final couple of minutes in the 2nd round against 9-seed Texas A&M, as the Aggies had a flurry of points late to force overtime. Houston hung on for the 100-95 win in the extra session, but it failed to cover as an 8.5-point favorite as the Over (135.5) cashed. Houston has averaged 93.0 PPG in 2 NCAA Tournament games, while the Over has cashed in each outing.

Duke was No. 14 and Houston was No. 2 in the final USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll of the regular season.

Duke vs. Houston odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook’s; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:16 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Duke +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Houston -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
Against the spread: Duke +3.5 (+100) | Houston -3.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 134.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Duke vs. Houston and predictions

Prediction

Houston 69, Duke 64

Moneyline

Houston (-190) will cost you nearly 2 times your potential return, and that’s just a little too expensive. Duke (+155) has been hot lately, winning 13 of the past 17 games outright, including wins over Clemson, who is on to the Elite 8, and NC State, who is in the Sweet 16, also playing Friday.

AVOID, and look to the spread instead.

Against the spread

HOUSTON -3.5 (-120) is worth a look, as the Cougars are 4-2 ATS in the past 6 games. The offense for the Cougars has been strong lately, going for 82 or more points in 3 of the past 4 postseason games.

Duke +3.5 (+100) won’t go quietly, and it is a tempting play at even-money. Duke is 10-3 ATS in the past 13 games, too. However, the Cougars have a lockdown defense, and will make life awfully tough on Kyle Filipowski and the Blue Devils offense. Houston ranked No. 1 in the regular season with just 56.9 points per game (PPG) allowed, while limiting teams to a 38.3% field-goal percentage, which was No. 2 in the nation.

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Over/Under

UNDER 134.5 (-110) is the lean in this Sweet 16 matchup.

While Houston has had a lockdown defense, it allowed 95 points to Texas A&M in the 2nd round, and the Over is 3-1 in the past 4 games. Still, defense is the name of the game for the Cougars, and will be the difference if it is to advance.

However, it’s Duke driving this Under train, as the Blue Devils have hit the Under in 3 in a row in the postseason, while going 6-1 in the past 7 games, and 11-2 in the previous 13 contests.

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March Madness: Texas A&M vs. Houston odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Texas A&M vs. Houston odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The 9th-seeded Texas A&M Aggies (21-14) face the top-seeded Houston Cougars (31-4) Friday in a 2nd-round game in the NCAA Tournament. Tip from FedExForum in Memphis is scheduled for 8:40 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Texas A&M vs. Houston odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Texas A&M put on an offensive show in its 98-83 victory over the 9-seed Nebraska Cornhuskers on Friday in the 1st round, covering the 2.5-point spread as the Over (136) easily cashed. Three A&M starters topped 20 points, led by G Wade Taylor IV‘s 25 points and a double-double from G Tyrece Radford (20 points and 10 rebounds). Texas A&M has won and covered the spread in 6 of its last 7 games.

No. 1 Houston handled its business on Friday, destroying the Longwood Lancers 86-46 to easily cover the 24-point spread as the Over (129.5) cashed. The Cougars did what they do best, play suffocating defense, and they forced 18 Longwood turnovers. You fully expected Houston to come out and perform like after their embarrassing 69-41 loss in the Big 12 title game to Iowa State.

Houston is No. 2 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

Texas A&M vs. Houston odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:18 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Texas A&M +400 (bet $100 to win $400) | Houston -550 (bet $550 to win $100)
Against the spread: Texas A&M +9.5 (-102) | Houston -9.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 134.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Texas A&M vs. Houston picks and predictions

Prediction

Houston 81, Texas A&M 65

Moneyline

PASS.

You should obviously avoid betting Houston (-550) as these odds are too high. That’s just not smart sports betting. Back the spread and/or total instead.

Against the spread

BET HOUSTON -9.5 (-120).

I’m obviously not alone on this, but I’ve got Houston winning the tournament in my bracket. I love this team because not only do they play the best defense of any team in the country, but they have senior leadership in the backcourt running the show. Guard play could not be more important in the Big Dance and they’ve got the best combo in the country. The Cougars have covered the spread in 4 of their last 5.

I know Texas A&M is playing great ball, but Houston can lock down the Aggies leading scorer (Taylor 19.0 PPG) and force them to look elsewhere for answers on offense.

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Over/Under

AVOID.

I have never trusted betting totals when it comes to the Cougars. They play great defense which can be deceiving when it comes to the O/U. Oddsmakers are tempting you to take the Under putting it a bit higher than usual, and I’m not going to buy into it. I’d rather just avoid it and keep my bet to the spread.

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March Madness: Longwood vs. Houston odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Longwood vs. Houston odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 16 seed Longwood Lancers (21-13) face the top-seeded Houston Cougars (30-4) Friday in a 1st-round game in the NCAA Tournament. Tip from FedExForum in Memphis is scheduled for 9:20 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Longwood vs. Houston odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

As the 5th-seed in the Big South Tournament, Longwood won 3 games and took down the UNC-Asheville Bulldogs 85-59 in the title game. They covered as a 3.5-point underdog and the Over (137.5) cashed. Longwood is led by the 2nd-team All-Big South G Wayne Napper, who averaged 14.6 points, 4.6 assists and 4 rebounds per game. The Lancers were 16-15 against the spread (ATS), and just 4-2 ATS over their last 6 regular-season games; they went 3-0 ATS in the conference tourney.

The Cougars come into the NCAA Tournament with a bitter taste in their mouth after getting trounced by the Iowa State Cyclones 69-41 in the Big 12 Tournament title game. They lost as 5.5-point favorites and the Under (123.5) cashed. Houston is the best defensive team in the country allowing only 57 points per game. They also bring 1st-team All-American G Jamal Shead, who averaged 13.1 points, 6.2 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.3 steals per game. Houston finished 16-16-2 ATS, including 2-3 ATS in their last 5 regular-season games.

Houston is No. 2 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

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Longwood vs. Houston odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 8:53 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Longwood +2400 (bet $100 to win $2,400) | Houston -10000 (bet $10,000 to win $100)
Against the spread: Longwood +23.5 (-110) | Houston -23.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 127.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Longwood vs. Houston picks and predictions

Prediction

Houston 81, Longwood 55

Moneyline

PASS.

You should obviously avoid betting Houston (-10000) as these odds are ridiculously high. That’s just not smart sports betting. Back the spread and/or total instead.

Against the spread

BET HOUSTON -23.5 (-110).

These are always the toughest games to handicap when you’ve got an obvious mismatch in talent level. Most everyone would expect Houston to wipe the floor with Longwood, but this Lancer team is tough which they showcased in the Big South Tournament.

The reason I’m taking the Cougars to cover the big number is because they have a huge chip on their shoulder after losing the way they did in the Big 12 Tournament. They are going to want to show the whole field that they’re here to stay for the long haul. That starts with a statement against Longwood in the 1st round.

Houston is 9-1 in their last 10 and covered the spread in 3 of their last 4.

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Over/Under

PASS.

I have never trusted betting totals when it comes to the Cougars. They play great defense which can be deceiving when it comes to the O/U. Oddsmakers play into that when they set the total this low, and I’m not going to buy into it. I’d rather just avoid it and keep my bet to the spread.

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Big 12 Tournament: Iowa State vs. Houston odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Iowa State vs. Houston odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 8 Iowa State Cyclones (26-7) battle No. 1 Houston Cougars (30-3) Saturday in the Big 12 Tournament championship game. Tip from T-Mobile Center in Kansas City is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET (ESPN/ESPN+). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Iowa State vs. Houston odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

No. 2 seed Iowa State took down No. 3 Baylor 76-62 Friday in the semifinals, covering as a 1.5-point favorite while the Over (134.5) cashed. Junior G Keshon Gilbert did a little bit of everything for the Cyclones, scoring 20 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals in the victory.

Iowa State is looking to win the Big 12 Tournament for the 1st time since 2019.

The top-seeded Cougars poured it on in the 2nd half against the No. 4 Red Raiders, winning 82-59 in the semifinals. They covered as 10-point favorites, and the Over (133) cashed. Second-team All-Big 12 G L.J. Cryer went 6-for-11 (54.5%) from deep, finishing with 20 points in the victory.

Houston has a chance to win the Big 12 Tournament in its 1st season in the conference.

These teams split the regular-season series, with each side defending its home court. Iowa State won outright as a 1.5-point underdog 57-53 Jan. 9, while the Cougars pushed as 8-point favorites 73-65 Feb. 19.

– Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

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Iowa State vs. Houston odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:15 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Iowa State +176 (bet $100 to win $176) | Houston -215 (bet $215 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Iowa State +4.5 (-102) | Houston -4.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 122.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Iowa State vs. Houston picks and predictions

Prediction

Houston 65, Iowa State 62

Moneyline

PASS.

I’d love to take Iowa State getting those juicy plus-odds, but Houston (-215) is a matchup I don’t love for the Cyclones. I’m also never going to recommend you to bet 2 or more units to win 1. Houston will likely win this game, but I’m going to look to the spread for my wager.

Against the spread

BET HOUSTON -4.5 (-120).

This Houston team is just amazing to watch. It is 1 of the most balanced teams I’ve ever seen in the college game. There are so many ways it can beat you, and it has shown that throughout the season. After a rough start to its Big 12 schedule, it righted the ship quickly and has won 11 straight heading into this title game. The Cougars have also covered both double-digit spreads in this tournament thus far.

If Iowa State got to face practically any other team in the country, I would have taken it to win this game, but sadly, that’s not the case.

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Over/Under

PASS.

I learned along time to never bet totals when it comes to Houston, and adding Iowa State to the mix makes it an even easier decision. Both of these teams play suffocating defense, and that line is so low that it’s trying to tempt you into taking the Over. Don’t take the bait, and just stay away.

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Kansas at Houston odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Kansas at Houston odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 15 Kansas Jayhawks (22-8, 10-7 Big 12) and No. 1 Houston Cougars (27-3, 14-3) wrap up their regular seasons Saturday. Tip-off from Fertitta Center is set for 4 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Kansas vs. Houston odds as we make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

No. 15 Kansas is coming off a convincing 90-68 Senior Night win against Kansas State Tuesday. It covered the spread as a 12.5-point favorite, and the Over (142.5) hit. G Kevin McCullar Jr. showed off for the home fans in his last game at Allen Fieldhouse, scoring 19 points, grabbing 3 rebounds, dishing 3 assists, picking up 3 steals and blocking 1 shot. The Jayhawks forced 11 Wildcat turnovers in the victory.

Kansas has lost 5 of its last 6 Big 12 road games.

Houston, which is No. 1 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, has rattled off 8 straight wins since its loss at Kansas Feb. 3. It beat UCF 67-59 Wednesday, but failed to cover as an 8.5-point favorite as the Under (132.5) hit. Four Cougar starters scored in double figures, led by G L.J. Cryer with 25 points. He hit 5 of Houston’s 8 made 3s in the victory over the Knights.

Houston is a perfect 16-0 at home this season.

In a Feb. 3 meeting, the Jayhawks covered the spread as 1-point underdogs with a 78-65 win at the Phog as the Over (135) hit.

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Kansas at Houston odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 9:50 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Kansas +340 (bet $100 to win $340) | Houston -450 (bet $450 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Kansas +8.5 (-102) | Houston -8.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 136.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Kansas at Houston picks and predictions

Prediction

Houston 72, Kansas 66

Moneyline

PASS.

You should obviously avoid betting Houston (-450), as those odds are pretty steep. Bet the spread and/or total instead.

Against the spread

BET KANSAS +8.5 (-102).

This is far too many points for Houston to be giving a team of Kansas’ caliber. Yes, I know that Houston is undefeated at home and it will likely win, but not by nearly double digits. Especially knowing that the Jayhawks won convincingly in the Feb. 3 meeting.

Houston is 2-7-1 ATS in its last 10 games and 1-2-1 ATS in its last 4 at home.

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Over/Under

PASS.

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Houston at UCF odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Houston at UCF odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 1 Houston Cougars (26-3, 13-3 Big 12) face off against the UCF Knights (15-13, 6-10) Wednesday. Tip-off from Addition Financial Arena is set for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+/Big 12 Network). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Houston vs. UCF odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Houston squeaked away with an 87-85 win over the Oklahoma Sooners Saturday, failing to cover as a 7-point road underdog. The Cougars shot 56.7% from the field and 52.6% (10 of 19) from long range, but they did give up 85 points and were outrebounded 27-22. It was Houston’s 7th consecutive victory and their 12th win in the last 13 games.

UCF suffered a 60-52 home loss to the No. 6 Iowa State Cyclones Saturday, while failing to cover as a 3.5-point underdog. Central Florida made just 1 of 19 3-pointers for an abysmal 5.3% from long range and it committed 22 turnovers. Saturday’s loss ended a 2-game win streak for the Knights, who are 2-5 in their last 7 games and 3-7 in their last 10.

In their 1st regular-season meeting, Houston beat a visiting UCF squad 57-42 Jan. 20, but the Knights covered as 17.5-point road underdogs while the Under (127.5) hit.

– Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

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Houston at UCF odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 10:44 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Houston -375 (bet $375 to win $100) | UCF +290 (bet $100 to win $290)
Against the spread (ATS): Houston -8.5 (-108) | UCF +8.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 130.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Houston at UCF picks and predictions

Prediction

Houston 68, UCF 61

Moneyline

PASS.

Houston (-375) has been a dominant 9-1 in its last 10 matchups vs. UCF and Houston is the much better and hotter team headed into this matchup. However, the Cougars are not worth the risk of backing as such big favorites. Bet on the spread and/or O/U instead.

Against the spread

LEAN UCF +8.5 (-112).

UCF has covered the spread in 2 of its last 3 outings and is 2-1 ATS in its last 3 matchups vs. Houston. The Knights have also been the better team ATS this season, being 16-12 while the Cougars are 13-14-2 ATS.

This is only a lean because Houston is still 7-3 ATS in its last 10 matchups vs. UCF.

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Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 130.5 (-110).

The Under has hit in 3 of UCF’s last 4 games and is 2-0 in the Knights’ last 2 home games. The Under has also hit in 3 of the last 5 Houston-UCF matchups. The Under has been a safer play for both teams this season, being 16-13 for Houston and 15-13 for UCF.

This is only a lean because the Over has been safer for Houston lately — 4-1 in the last 5 contests.

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Houston at Oklahoma odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Houston at Oklahoma odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 1 Houston Cougars (25-3, 12-3 Big 12) head to Lloyd Noble Center to face the Oklahoma Sooners (19-9, 7-8) Saturday at 8 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Houston vs. Oklahoma odds as we make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The Cougars, who are No. 1 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, won their 6th straight game 67-59 over the Cincinnati Beatcats Tuesday. They did not cover the spread as 13.5-point favorites, and the Under (133.5) hit. Houston forced Oklahoma into 19 turnovers in the victory. The Cougars were led in scoring by G L.J. Cryer, who had 22 points, 3 steals, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists. Houston has won 4 of its last 5 Big 12 road games.

Oklahoma dropped to 1-3 in its last 4 games with a 58-45 loss at the Iowa State Cyclones Wednesday. It did not cover the spread as a 9.5-point underdog, and the Under (137.5) cashed. The Cyclones turned over the Sooners 14 times en route to victory. No player on Oklahoma scored in double figures, but G Rivaldo Soares came the closest with 9 points. The Sooners are 3-3 over their last 6 Big 12 home games.

Oklahoma is 2-1 in 3 all-time meetings against Houston since the 1960-61 season. The Sooners won the last meeting 79-74 Dec. 17, 2011. The Cougars covered the spread as 10-point underdogs, and the game went over the 150.5 total.

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Houston at Oklahoma odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:30 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Houston -260 (bet $260 to win $100) | Oklahoma +210 (bet $100 to win $210)
Against the spread (ATS): Houston -6.5 (-102) | Oklahoma +6.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 129.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Houston at Oklahoma picks and predictions

Prediction

Houston 69, Oklahoma 62

Moneyline

PASS.

As much as I like the Cougars (-260) to get the win Saturday, I don’t want to put more than 2 units to win back 1 in a tough road contest. I’ll save my bet for the spread.

Against the spread

BET HOUSTON -6.5 (-102).

This Houston team is suffocating on the defensive end of the floor, averaging 10.4 steals per game. Oklahoma has struggled to score against the better opponents in the Big 12. The Sooners scored just 45 against Iowa State, 57 against Kansas, and 62 against Baylor. The Cougars have kept 4 of their last 6 opponents under 41% shooting from the field.

The Sooners have failed to cover the spread in 4 of their last 5 games.

Houston is 2-1-1 ATS in its last 4 and covered the spread in the last 2 meetings.

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Over/Under

PASS.

I have never trusted betting totals when it comes to the Houston Cougars. They play great defense which can be deceiving when it comes to the O/U. Oddsmakers play into that when they set the total this low, and I’m not going to buy into it. I’d rather just avoid it and keep my bets to the spread.

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Texas at Houston odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Texas at Houston odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Texas Longhorns (5-1, 2-1 Big 12) and Houston Cougars (3-3, 1-2) meet Saturday. Kick from TDECU Stadium is set for 4 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Texas vs. Houston odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Texas had a bye last week after losing its previous game 34-30 to Oklahoma. In that game, QB Quinn Ewers went 31 of 37 for 346 yards with a touchdown and 2 interceptions. On the ground, RB Jonathon Brooks had 22 carriers for 129 yards and a TD. An Oklahoma TD with 15 seconds left put the nail in the coffin for the Longhorns.

Houston is also coming off an extended break after beating West Virginia 41-39 to cover as a 3-point home underdog Oct. 12. QB Donovan Smith went 21 of 27 for 253 yards and 4 TDs in the victory with his top target being WR Stephon Johnson who had 4 receptions for 96 yards and 2 TDs. Johnson caught the 49-yard last-second heave to win the game after West Virginia previously scored with just 12 seconds left.

Texas is No. 8 in the US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

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Texas at Houston odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 9:41 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Texas -2500 (bet $2,500 to win $100) | Houston +1100 (bet $100 to win $1,100)
Against the spread (ATS): Texas -23.5 (-110) | Houston +23.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 61.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Texas at Houston picks and predictions

Prediction

Texas 38, Houston 21

Moneyline

PASS.

At -2500 odds, there is no profit to be made betting on Texas who should be expected to win on Saturday without difficulty.

Against the spread

LEAN HOUSTON +23.5 (-110).

While Texas is the rightful heavy favorite, any spread more than 20 points is risky to bet on. Texas has tendencies to score a lot of points while holding its opponents to few points, but expect Smith and the Cougars to find the endzone and put up a fight. With Houston playing at home, where it is 3-1, it should be expected to cover the spread.

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 61.5 (-110).

Houston should find the endzone a few times in this matchup, but its defense will not be able to hold back Texas who has scored at least 30 points in all 6 of its games. The majority of the points would fall on Texas to eclipse 62 points for Over bettors, which is not likely considering its offense has not scored more than 40 points in a game this season.

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West Virginia at Houston odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s West Virginia at Houston odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The West Virginia Mountaineers (4-1) visit the Houston Cougars (2-3) on Thursday. Kick from TDECU Stadium is set for 7 p.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the West Virginia vs. Houston odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

West Virginia took down TCU 24-21 last week to cover as a 14-point road underdog. While QB Garrett Greene struggled through the air with a 10-of-21 performance for 142 yards, he rushed the ball 12 times for 80 yards and 2 TDs. RB CJ Donaldson Jr. also tacked 61 yards on 22 carries and a TD.

Houston fell 49-28 last week to Texas Tech, failing to cover as an 8.5-point road underdog. QB Donovan Smith played well, going 30 of 41 for 335 yards and 4 TDs with his top target being WR Samuel Brown with 10 receptions for 113 yards and a TD. The Cougars struggled on special teams giving up a 100-yard kick return TD and a blocked punt which led to a Texas Tech score as well.

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West Virginia at Houston odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 10:34 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): West Virginia -150 (bet $150 to win $100) | Houston +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
Against the spread (ATS): West Virginia -3 (-110) | Houston +3 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 51.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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West Virginia at Houston picks and predictions

Prediction

West Virginia 31, Houston 27

Moneyline

PASS.

While West Virginia is expected to win this game, coming off a massive win against TCU, there is more money to be made betting the spread.

Against the spread

BET WEST VIRGINIA -3 (-110).

West Virginia has found its groove in the past 2 weeks, knocking off TCU as a 14-point road underdog and knocking off Texas Tech as a 7-point home underdog. The Cougars played well last week, with Smith playing great under center, but they have lost to both TCU and Texas Tech in the previous 3 weeks by 23 points and 21 points respectively. With the Mountaineers on a hot streak, it would be a difficult decision to fade them. They are also 4-1 ATS this season.

Over/Under

BET OVER 51.5 (-110).

Expect this game to be an offensive battle. Both teams have displayed their offensive abilities in the past few weeks with West Virginia putting up 24 and 20 points, respectively, against top defenses and Houston scoring 28 and 38 points, respectively, in its past 2 performances. Both defenses have also had their struggles recently with the Mountaineers allowing 21 points last week and the Cougars allowing 49 points last week.

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TCU at Houston odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s TCU at Houston odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The TCU Horned Frogs (1-1) square off against the Houston Cougars (1-1) on Saturday at TDECU Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the TCU vs. Houston odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

TCU defeated Nicholls State 41-6 in Week 2, failing to cover as 42-point home favorites. The Under of 59 points also cashed in the contest. TCU lost 45-42 to Colorado in their season opener.

Houston lost in a shootout against Rice 43-41 in Week 2 despite entering as 7-point road favorites. The Over of 51.5 easily hit with both teams nearly hitting the Over themselves. It was QB Donovan Smith who tried to lead an impressive comeback for the Cougars after going down 28-0 to Rice.

Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

TCU at Houston odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:47 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): TCU -300 (bet $300 to win $100) | Houston +240 (bet $100 to win $240)
Against the spread (ATS): TCU -7.5 (-110) | Houston +7.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 64.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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TCU at Houston picks and predictions

Prediction

TCU 38, Houston 24

Moneyline

The Horned Frogs are favored against a Big 12 newcomer in the Cougars, but I’ll PASS on the moneyline. Taking a team at -300 odds isn’t worth the risk given the return you’ll receive if TCU wins.

Against the spread

BET TCU -7.5 (-110).

Even though the Horned Frogs lost to Colorado in Week 1, they bounced back with a lopsided win against an inferior opponent in Week 2. Meanwhile, Houston narrowly escaped with a win over UTSA in its season opener and lost to Rice last week.

While the Horned Frogs are 0-2 ATS to begin the season, this is the best team the Cougars have faced thus far by a wide margin.

Over/Under

UNDER 64.5 (-115) is the play as neither team has been consistent to begin the season. TCU’s offense has been solid in the 1st 2 weeks, but Houston managed to score only 17 points in Week 1 before exploding for 41 points against Rice in Week 2.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Skyler Carlin on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / Iowa / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / USC / Wisconsin / Recruiting / Transfer portal / College Football Playoffs / College Sports Wire

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