CFB Handicapping: UNLV Runnin’ Rebels vs TCU Horned Frogs
The Runnin’ Rebels are playing out the string this week. They have only two wins on the season and now there is some doubt about their shocker against Hawaii was kosher.
Runnin’ Rebels vs. Horned Frogs
Amon G. Carter Stadium – Forth Wort, TX
Saturday December 3 – 2:30PM
Moneyline: TCU -495, UNLV +165
Spread (ATS): TCU -38.5
Over/Under: 58
Odds courtesy of 5Dimes
UNLV
There was supposed to be improvement for UNLV this year but all we saw was more of the same. I am always surprised that Vegas can’t recruit. Why wouldn’t you want to play in Sin City.
The only thing this team does reasonably well is run the ball – 45th in the nation. They have three backs with more than 400 yards on the ground led by Tim Cornett, who is just a sophomore. Running the ball won’t be easy against TCU but their defense isn’t as good as it has been in the past. At the very least a solid ground game limits the time TCU will have to put up points against one of the nation’s worst defenses.
The number on this one is the biggest I can remember seeing this season. It is no surprise either given that UNLV has never won at Fort Worth, with an average losing score of 42-14. The only thing that bodes well for those on the UNLV side is that TCU has no chance at a BCS berth so they might ease up once the outcome is decided.
TCU
Almost anything would be a letdown after last year’s dream season for TCU. This year started off poorly with an exciting loss to Baylor but with the win over Boise State on the road the Horned Frogs are going to leave the Mountain West Conference as champs. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
They are looking pretty good to challenge in the Big 12 next year too. This week is a last chance to dominate the way they have been accustomed to.
They aren’t saying Andy who but with Casey Pachall leading the way the Frogs are 10th in the nation in scoring. They are one of a few teams that average more than 200 yards per game rushing and passing. For someone with almost no game experience previously Pachall has been very impressive this season. He has thrown only 6 interceptions while completing 67% of his passes.
TCU has won their last 6 games and only the one against Boise State was close. However, this team is only 5-6 ATS as it has taken a while for handicappers to figure them out. I was among many who expected the defense to come around as the year progressed. It is still good but not what we were accustomed to and those extra points given up cost all of us some cash I am sure. If they play for a full 60 minutes another rout of UNLV should be the outcome on Saturday.
ATS Pick: TCU
Over/Under Pick: Under
Score Prediction: TCU 45 – UNLV 3
