Expect Lotsa Horns of Both Persuasions

Even if the Texas Longhorns hadn't picked themselves up off the floor -- Maryland; really? -- and squared their record against a USC team of dubious quality, this weekend's matchup with TCU was gonna be must-see.

The Horned Frogs hung hard with the Ohio State University and, while falling late in the game, confirmed they'd be a serious player in the Big XII race this season.

 

Bovada has their matchup in Austin as a TCU -3½ (-105) road favorite.

The over/under is listed at 51 points.

Why bet on TCU ...

Over the past four seasons, TCU has beaten Texas by an average of 30 points while not allowing more than 10 per game. That adds up to a four-game head-to-head winning streak. Can TCU keep their recent success against the Longhorns going?

The Frogs won their season opener, 55-7, at home over FCS team Southern University. Then, in Week 2, TCU notched a rainy 30-point win at SMU. Last week after leading Ohio State 21-13, the Frogs allowed three TDs in a four-minute span early in the second half.

 

After that loss, this week’s tilt against the Longhorns could make or break TCU’s priorities for the season.

Why bet on Texas ...

Last week, Texas had its biggest win under head football coach Tom Herman when they knocked off the Trojans

 

Is Texas a smart bet to beat two ranked teams in a row?

 

The Longhorns D will have to harass TCU QB Shawn Robinson into making mistakes.

Last week, Robinson’s lowest point was when he missed a lateral to his running back and it was returned for a Buckeye touchdown. The talented QB gets away with mistakes early, but late-game errors could seal the win for Texas.

Instant analysis ...

Big XII conference games always bring out the best in both cross-state rivals. I'm staying away from the 3-point spread in this game, as it's too unpredictable in the early going this season.

I'd rather go with the point total.

Over/under pick: Over 51

Result: Texas 31 TCU 16 ... Total: 47 ...  Under covers

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Sportbet Columnist: Noah Williams

Noah lives and works with a simple philosophy of “Eat, Drink, Football.” This is embodied through a dedication to satellite TV, Indian delivery, Folgers in his cup, and Budweiser. He lives in a secret lair with his beautiful concubine.