We get a clash between the Big 12 and Pac-12 in Boulder. The Colorado Buffaloes will take on the TCU Horned Frogs. Both teams are coming off of disappointing seasons in 2021.
These two programs are seemingly heading in different directions, though. We could see one of these teams take its program to the next step this season.
In this article, I’ll break down the odds for this game and you’ll find my favorite TCU vs. Colorado predictions.
TCU vs. Colorado Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| TCU | -14 (-105) | -475 | O 55.5 (-110) |
| @ Colorado | +14 (-115) | +380 | U 55.5 (-110) |
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook as of 5 p.m. on Aug. 30.
Game Info
- Date: Friday, Sept. 2
- Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Folsom Field – Boulder, Colorado
- TV: ESPN
TCU vs. Colorado Trends
Let’s take a look at some relevant betting trends for TCU vs. Colorado:
- TCU struggled, covering the spread in only 2 of their 12 games last season.
- Colorado posted a 6-6 ATS record last season.
- Colorado also covered 50% of their games at home in 2021.
- As of Tuesday evening, 72% of the bets and 83% of the handle were on TCU -14 spread.
- DraftKings also reports that 82% of the bets and 93% of the handle is on the Over.
- Both teams are 3-2 on the total in their last 5 games.
TCU Has Experience
TCU is one of the most experienced teams in the NCAA. They’re returning the majority of their offensive production and plenty of defensive production as well. Furthermore, they have an experienced offensive line.
Some of the younger teams in the NCAA take a couple of games early in the season to gel together and become cohesive units. That shouldn’t be the case for the Horned Frogs, who have gotten plenty of reps together throughout their careers.
This will also be a key as they travel to a more difficult location in Colorado. This would be a tough ask for the first game of the majority of teams in the NCAA, TCU’s experience should allow them to find more success than some of the younger and less experienced offenses would find in this type of situation.
Can Colorado Move The Chains?
TCU is going to score plenty of points in this game. They have a solid, experienced offense, and Colorado doesn’t boast the defense to slow them down. Granted, the environment could help slow the Horned Frogs’ offense down slightly throughout this game, but they’ll still likely score plenty of points in this particular matchup.
This game revolves around one key question: how much will the Buffaloes be able to score?
There is quite a bit of turnover on Colorado’s offense this season. They’re going to focus on their run game with RB Alex Fontenot leading the way.
TCU is expected to struggle against the run this season, which could give Colorado an edge here, specifically with the spread. If they can control the clock and score on the ground, there’s only so much time in the game for TCU to cover two touchdowns.
TCU vs. Colorado Predictions
It’s clear that TCU will have the edge in this game. I do believe Colorado will be able to utilize their run game to control the clock to some degree. I think it’s going to be a known game plan, though, and TCU should sell out to stop it.
The Horned Frogs have an explosive offense, and they boast plenty of big-play potential. They should be able to score quickly in this game, giving them a massive edge if they can find ways to slow down Fontenot and company.
Colorado can’t control this game for four quarters, and TCU’s high-powered offense and experience should be too much for them.
Pick: TCU -14 | -105 at DraftKings Sportsbook