Texas Tech vs. TCU Prediction and Odds (The Red Raiders Have Been a Losing Bet on the Road)

The No. 9 Texas Tech Red Raiders are on the road this afternoon hunting for their fifth straight win against the TCU Horned Frogs. This game is big for the Red Raiders who are currently tied for second in the conference with Baylor at 11-4. The Kansas Jayhawks lead the Big 12 at 12-2 while TCU is fifth at 6-8. The Red Raiders come into the weekend off a win over the Oklahoma Sooners 66-42 in a very impressive outing. The Horned Frogs, on the other hand, are coming off a loss to another in-state rival, the Texas Longhorns. Here are the odds for this Big 12 matchup, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Texas Tech vs. TCU Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

• Texas Tech -5 (-110)
• TCU +5 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Texas Tech -225
• TCU +175

Total: 131 (Over -110/Under -110)

Texas Tech vs. TCU Prediction and Pick

While this game seems like a slam dunk for the Red Raiders, there is one issue that has to be addressed. Texas Tech is one of those teams that dominate at home but falls a bit short when asked to step up on the road. This is evidenced by the fact that all four of the Red Raiders’ losses in the Big 12 have happened on the road. The Red Raiders are also 1-3 ATS on the road this season as betting favorites. Overall they are a phenomenal team against the spread at 20-8. But the fact remains that they cover just 25 percent of the time as favorites on the road. TCU, meanwhile, is covering at a 50 percent rate as a home team and as home underdogs. The Horned Frogs also have a very strong scoring defense that ranks 30th and has the 19th best defensive rebounding team in the nation. Their offense needs a ton of work but Texas Tech has a fairly low scoring offense, at 73.4 PPG, for a Top 10 ranked team. They are a defense-first team as well and rank 13th in overall scoring against.
I am tempted to take a leap of faith and grab TCU straight up but am going to err on the side of bankroll management and take the Frogs on the spread. 

Pick: TCU Horned Frogs +5 (-110)

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE