College Football Betting – Utah/TCU Preview & Pick
In NFL betting, the Colts finally get a chance to back up their hot rep this Sunday night. On the college side, No. 4 TCU can do the same on Saturday night. There’s no denying that 2009 is the biggest season in Horned Frogs history to date. Still undefeated, TCU is pushing its way into the BCS title discussion, as crazy as that sounds. A win over Utah would move them one step closer to improbable glory. If Utah pulls off the upset, it still has a chance to steal the Mountain West.
(16) Utah Utes @ (4) TCU Horned Frogs
Saturday, November 14, 7:30 p.m. ET
Sportsbook favorite: TCU -19.5
Team records:
Utah: 8-1 SU, 3-6 ATS
TCU: 9-0 SU, 6-2 ATS
Most bettors are pretty confident in TCU’s chances to win this week. The big question is whether or not it can cover the 19.5-point spread. Of the many factors to consider, we should first and foremost examine TCU’s offense. It’s sizzling at the moment, ranking eighth in the nation. The Horned Frogs’ running game is their bread and butter; they’ve hit the 300-yard mark in back-to-back games and eight different TCU players have rushed for touchdowns. Joseph Turner is the big scorer, having found pay dirt nine times, but the Frogs have had four different guys carry the ball 75-plus times.
Utah hasn’t allowed more than 17 points in a game this year and in theory poses a better threat than most to TCU’s powerful running game, but it’s hard to put stock into Utah’s schedule so far. Arguably, TCU is the first legit offense the Utes are battling this season. They do play good “D” but they shouldn’t be mistaken for the shutdown group from last year’s undefeated squad.
Another factor that should play a major role in TCU covering the spread: Jordan Wynn. The freshman quarterback impressed last week in his Utah debut but he has an entirely new challenge on his hands this week. The only defenses ranked higher than TCU’s in the entire nation: Florida and Texas. The Horned Frogs may eat Wynn for breakfast like Pac-Man will feast in boxing’s Pacquiao Cotto odds this weekend.
TCU has major momentum playing at home and the conditions are right for them to win big. Go with the Horned Frogs.
A few trends to consider:
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Utah is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Utah’s last 6 games
Utah is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing TCU
TCU is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
TCU is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
TCU is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
TCU is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Utah
Sports bet online pick: TCU -19.5
