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The Houston Cougars (1-4, 0-2 Big 12) take on the TCU Horned Frogs (3-2, 1-1) at Amon G. Carter Stadium Friday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Houston vs. TCU odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
The Cougars have been put out to pasture, coming off of 2 consecutive shutout losses. Iowa State ran amuck on them last week with a 20-0 final as Houston failed to cover as a 16-point dog. RB Stacy Sneed rushed 10 times for 79 yards, but it picked up just 11 first downs in the affair.
The Horned Frogs are coming off a 38-27 upset over the Kansas Jayhawks. QB Josh Hoover was 28-for-37 for 356 yards, 3 TDs and 2 INTs. He connected with WR Jack Bech 10 times for 131 yards and 2 scores. Hoover is averaging 384.7 passing yards per game over the last 3 games. TCU has scored at least 34 points in all 5 games this season.
– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports
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Houston at TCU odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:35 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Houston +550 (bet $100 to win $550) | TCU -800 (bet $800 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Houston +16.5 (-110) | TCU -16.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 51.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Houston at TCU picks and predictions
Prediction
TCU 35, Houston 10
Moneyline
The Brooklyn Jabronis have about the same chance at beating the Harlem Globetrotters as Houston does beating TCU here. The Cougars have scored 7 or fewer points in 3 of 5 games and have been shellacked 54-0 in their last 2 games.
There’s no way we’re risking -800, though. Instead, let’s go with TCU -6.5 (-115) FIRST QUARTER SPREAD. The Frogs have put it in the end zone in the first quarter in 4 of 5 games this season, and the Cougars aren’t exactly clicking.
Against the spread
I do not like either side of this equation. In fact, I feel like it’s a trap. Houston hasn’t scored in 2 straight games. Well, TCU has given up 27, 66 and 35 points in its last 3 games. TCU is also 1-4 ATS. That doesn’t exactly exude confidence in picking it to cover here.
So head to the SGP tab and take TCU ML + JOSH HOOVER OVER 294.5 PASSING YARDS (-125) in what seems like a lock based upon recent performances.
Over/Under
Houston is 0-5 O/U on the season, and TCU is 4-1. There is a chance TCU goes up 28-0 and takes a nap in the 2nd half, but there is also the chance that Houston awakens from said 2-game nap. These teams matched up last year and cashed an Under 64 with a 36-13 TCU victory. That narrowly cashes here.
LEAN UNDER 51.5 (-110).
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