The No. 14 Texas Tech Red Raiders (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) visit the Houston Cougars (4-0, 1-0) Saturday. Kickoff from TDECU Stadium in Houston is set for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NCAA football odds around the Texas Tech vs. Houston odds and make our expert college football picks and predictions for the best bets.
Texas Tech is coming off a bye week after 4 straight wins. The Red Raiders won 34-10 as 3.5-point underdogs at Utah Sept. 20 as the Under (58) cashed. Texas Tech’s defense picked off Utah QB Devon Dampier twice. Texas Tech QB Behren Morton threw 2 interceptions before injuring his neck. He will start against Houston even though QB Will Hammond went 13-for-16 passing for 169 yards with 2 TDs after Morton exited the game. The Red Raiders have not allowed more than 14 points in a game this season.
Houston failed to cover as a 12-point favorite in a 27-24 OT win at Oregon State Sept. 12 as the Over (48) cashed. The Cougars scored 2 fourth-quarter touchdowns to force overtime.
Texas Tech has won the last 6 meetings. Their last meeting was a 49-28 Texas Tech win in Lubbock in 2023.
– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports
Texas Tech 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 9:26 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Texas Tech -500 (bet $500 to win $100) | Houston +375 (bet $100 to win $375)
- Against the spread (ATS): Texas Tech -11.5 (-118) | Houston +11.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 51.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Texas Tech at Houston picks and predictionsPrediction
Texas Tech 31, Houston 23
The Red Raiders have been dominant on both sides of the ball this season, allowing no more than 14 points while scoring at least 34 in every game.
Houston, meanwhile, has scored 27 or more points in every game but has allowed 20-plus points in its last 2 outings.
As strong as Texas Tech has been, this is a tempting spot for an upset. These teams are conference rivals, and both have played well. However, Houston needed a comeback and overtime to beat Oregon State, while Texas Tech handled the Beavers the previous week with a 45-14 victory.
Texas Tech is expected to win, but the -500 odds aren’t worth the action.
PASS.
The only game Texas Tech hasn’t covered this season was a 48-point win as a 48.5-point favorite.
That said, a conference road matchup against an unbeaten rival won’t be nearly as easy as its previous contests.
Houston brings the toughest challenge yet, boasting the best offense the Red Raiders have faced this season.
BET HOUSTON +11.5 (-110).
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The Under has cashed in Texas Tech’s last 2 games. Houston has seen the Over hit in 3 straight.
Their last 4 meetings have surpassed 51 total points.
BET OVER 51.5 (-110).
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