An in-state matchup within the Big 12 kicks off Week 6 when TCU (3-2, 1-1 Big 12) and Houston (1-4, 0-2 Big 12) battle below the lights on Friday evening.
The Horned Frogs bought their season again on observe with a 38-27 win at Kansas final week.
Meanwhile, the Cougars are searching for their first convention victory below their new coach after losses to Cincinnati and Iowa State.
TCU enters this sport as a -16 favourite with an over/below of 51.
Who doesn’t love to start out the week with some Texas soccer? Let’s dive into this contest and make some Houston vs. TCU predictions and faculty soccer picks for Friday, Oct. 4.
Houston Cougars vs TCU Horned Frogs Prediction
My TCU vs. Houston greatest guess is for Houston to cowl the unfold. I'm backing Houston at +16.5 and would play that to +14.5.
- Houston vs. TCU Pick: Houston +16.5
Houston vs TCU Odds, Spread, Line
Friday, Oct. 4
7:30 p.m. ET
ESPN
| Houston Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+16.5 -110 | 50.5 -115o / -105u | +540 |
| TCU Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-16.5 -110 | 50.5 -115o / -105u | -800 |
- Houston vs TCU Point Spread: Houston +16.5 · TCU -16.5
- Houston vs TCU Over/Under: 50.5 Points
- Houston vs TCU Moneyline: Houston ML +540 · TCU ML -800
Houston Football vs TCU Football Preview
Houston Cougars Betting Preview: Defense Making Strides
After 5 years below coach Dana Holgorsen, Houston determined to enter a brand new path by bringing in veteran coach Willie Fritz, whose 31-year teaching profession has included profitable stops at Tulane, Georgia Southern and Sam Houston State.
Unfortunately, this appears to be like like will probably be a full rebuild in his debut marketing campaign. It additionally doesn’t assist that this system made the leap as much as the Big 12 this 12 months.
Even with the gradual begin, Fritz has led important enhancements on the defensive facet of the ball. Houston’s protection has allowed simply 1,471 yards, this system’s third-fewest over the primary 5 video games of a season since 2000.
On the opposite facet of the ball, Fritz is beginning to see his run scheme come to fruition. The Cougars have run for 554 yards over their previous three video games, a pointy distinction to the primary two video games, throughout which Houston rushed for a mixed 96 yards.
It was at all times going to be a troublesome marketing campaign, however I anticipate Fritz to show this round if he is given the time.
TCU Horned Frogs Betting Preview: Hoover Leading the Way
Just two seasons in the past, coach Sonny Dykes led this system to the nationwide championship sport. However, the 2022-23 TCU workforce appears like a distant reminiscence.
The Horned Frogs didn't make a bowl final 12 months, shedding 4 of their closing 5 video games down the stretch. That led to a change on the defensive facet of the ball, the place Dykes introduced in former Boise State coach Andy Avalos as defensive coordinator.
Unfortunately, it hasn’t been a easy transition for Avalos. TCU gave up over 500 whole yards in a loss to UCF earlier than permitting 66 factors to SMU within the Battle for the Iron Skillet.
On the constructive facet, the offense has been explosive behind the duo of quarterback Josh Hoover and receiver Jack Bech. Hoover ranks third within the FBS in passing yards (1,774) and is tied for fourth in landing passes (14).
Bech has been the primary benefactor of the workforce’s nice passing. Coming into this sport, he's the one participant within the FBS to rank within the high three nationally in each receiving yards and landing catches, and he’ll want one other huge sport right here.
TCU vs Houston Matchup Analysis
Toggle the dropdowns under to cover or present how TCU and Houston match up statistically:
Houston Offense vs. TCU Defense
TCU Offense vs. Houston Defense
Pace of Play / Other
 | ||
| PFF Tackling | 60 | 7 |
| PFF Coverage | 80 | 43 |
| Special Teams SP+ | 134 | 122 |
| Middle 8 | 63 | 45 |
| Seconds per Play | 30.3 (125) | 24.4 (17) |
| Rush Rate | 57% (56) | 43% (121) |
How to Bet My Houston vs TCU Pick
The amongst of enormous spreads stand out when wanting over the Week 6 slate. That means I'm seeking to again some huge underdogs, and that is a type of conditions.
So, my greatest guess is to again Houston at +16.5, which I'd play right down to +14.5. Keep ready to see if a +17 pops up later within the week to seize a key quantity.
Yes, I agree that on paper this feels like a painful endeavor. However, there's an argument to be made that the Cougars’ protection is the most effective unit on the sector.
This is a protection that ranks within the high 50 in each cross success and ending drives. Meanwhile, TCU is exterior the highest 80 in ending drives, which may very well be large when attempting to cowl this huge unfold.
On offense, Houston’s key to success might be to run the soccer, chew clock and maintain the Horned Frogs’ high-powered assault of the sector. We have seen different groups do that in opposition to TCU.
UCF rushed for 289 yards in Week 3, which was adopted per week later by SMU rolling up 238 yards on the bottom in opposition to the Frogs.
I really feel that is too many factors for TCU, and I’m hoping the guests can ugly this sport up and money a profitable ticket.
Pick: Houston +16.5 (Play to +14.5)
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How to Watch Houston vs TCU
| Location: | Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, TX |
| Date: | Friday, Oct. 4 |
| Kickoff Time: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | ESPN |
College Football Betting Trends for Houston vs TCU
- Houston is 1-4 in its final 5 video games and 2-3 in opposition to the unfold.
- The below has cashed in all of Houston's video games.
- TCU is 3-2 straight up and 1-4 in opposition to the unfold in its final 5 video games.
- The over has hit in 4 of TCU's final 5 video games.
TCU vs Houston Weather
