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