TCU vs Houston Prediction - College Football Picks 9/16/23

Houston Cougars (1-1) vs TCU Horned Frogs (1-1)

Game Info: Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 8:00 pm (TDECU Stadium)

Betting Odds: Houston Cougars +7 -- Over/Under: 62 Click Here for the Latest Odds

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The TCU Horned Frogs and Houston Cougars face off on Saturday in a Week 3 college football showdown at TDECU Stadium.

Houston, We Have A Problem

Houston had high hopes coming into the season but now there seems to be just questions after the first couple of games. In the first game, Houston faced off against UTSA and they were able to secure the 17-14 victory. In the second game against Rice, many believe they would win in blowout fashion, but they ended up losing 43-41 in overtime. Houston had to outscore Rice 21-0 in the 4th quarter to even secure the victory Under Center for Houston is Donovan Smith and against Rice he completed 24 of his 42 passes for 260 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.

Houston Betting Trends

Houston has won three of its last four games as an underdog.
The underdog has covered the spread in 10 of Houston's last 11 games at TDECU Stadium.
Eighteen of Houston's last 22 games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

How Good is This TCU Team?

TCU comes into this game with a 1-1 record but there still have to be some concerns after how they played in the first game. TCU faced off against Colorado in the first game and they were defeated 45-42. Chandler Morris had some good moments, but he also threw two interceptions, and the turnovers really cost the team. In the second game against Nicholls State, TCU scored 41 points and that was enough to win in blowout fashion. In that game quarterback Chandler Morris completed 26 of his 30 passes for 263 yards and two touchdowns. In this game the TCU defense is going to need to step up, and make life tough on the Houston offense.

TCU Betting Trends

TCU has won each of its last nine games as a road favorite.
TCU has covered the spread in each of its last six road openers as a favorite.
Six of TCU's last seven road openers as a favorite have gone UNDER the total points line.

Houston vs TCU Facts

Houston ranked T3rd among FBS teams for Q4 win percentage last season (.769).
Houston ranked T5th among FBS teams for H2 win percentage last season (.769).
TCU ranked 7th among FBS teams for Q4 points per game last season (9.9).
TCU ranked 7th among FBS teams for H2 points per game last season (19.0).

Shane’s Free Pick

This game is going to be higher scoring. TCU has proven in each of the first two games that their offense is good. They also proved in the first game their defense struggles against good offenses. I am not sure that Houston should be considered a good offense, but at worst they are average, and they are going to find enough success in this game to run this score up. There will be a whole lot of touchdowns scored in this game, and the over is going to cash here.