Texas Longhorns at Texas Tech Red Raiders Betting Preview

Opening point spread odds - total lines at 5Dimes : Longhorns -3 / Red Raiders +3 O/U 50.5

Time: 8 PM EST Saturday September 18, 2010 on ABC

On Saturday night in the first Big 12 game for both teams the Texas Tech Red Raiders (2-0 1-1 ATS) host the 6th ranked Texas Longhorns (2-0 0-2 ATS). The winner of this game will not only take the early lead in the Big 12, but will also get Lone Star State bragging rights. This will be the Longhorns first big test of the season and they are not only playing away, but they also have to play great defense against the Red Raiders' and their high-octane offense.

Neither team had any problems winning last week, as Texas crushed Wyoming 34-7 and Texas Tech beat New Mexico 52-17.

While Texas has won both of their games and neither has been close they have not covered the spread and are 0-2 ATS while Tech is 1-1 ATS heading into this game.

Texas used a very well-balanced offense to beat Wyoming, as they have 222 passing yards and 167 rushing yards. QB Garrett Gilbert was solid going 22/35 for 222 yards with 1 TD and 0 INT and the Red Raiders' defense have to pressure him and also have great all around coverage on the Longhorns' WR corps. Gilbert spread the wealth in the Wyoming game connecting with 8 different receivers.

The Longhorns ran the ball well in the Wyoming game and if they can do it again against Tech they will have a great chance to win, as they can control the clock and keep the Texas Tech offense on the sidelines. The Red Raiders' strength is definitely not their defense and they have to play well against Texas against both the pass and the run.

QB Terry Potts led the Red Raiders in their win over New Mexico having a stellar outing going 22/34 for 293 yards with 3 TD and 0 INT. Tech also rushed for 152 yards and they will need to run the ball against Texas so the Longhorns' defense does not only focus on stopping Potts.

Tech did give up 336 passing yards against New Mexico and if their secondary struggles again against Texas they will be in for a long evening. If they do their offense will have to bail them out and they will have to score a ton of points to pull off the home upset.

Tech's offensive line has played well this season and they will be facing a solid pass rush of Texas. They have to protect Potts and give him time to find his receivers.

Texas is 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games and 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games.

Texas Tech is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games against teams with a winning record and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following an ATS win.

Both teams have a great offense, but the Longhorns are a much better team on the defensive side of the ball. If Texas can play any defense they will be in good shape since they will likely not have many problems moving the chains against a Tech defense that is, frankly, not very good at all.

Our Selection : Historically the Red Raiders have been able to pass against the Lognhorns. They will get their share of yards through the air in this game, but it may be a tougher go this time around. The Longhorns return all 4 starters and overall are a very experienced unit. Take Texas -3 at 5Dimes.


Future Betting Odds

NCAAF Handicapping

NCAAF Toolbox