Oklahoma State Cowboys (3-1 SU, 3-1 ATS) vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders (3-0 SU, 3-0 ATS)
College Football Week 5
Date/Time: Saturday, September 30th, 2017 8:00 PM ET
Where: Jones AT&T Stadium Lubbock, TX
TV: ESPN
by KEITH, NCAA Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: TEXAS TECH +10
Over/Under Total: 81
The Big 12 will feature a high-octane affair when the Texas Tech Red Raiders (3-0) host the the Oklahoma State Cowboys (3-1) in a match-up many are forecasting a shootout to take place in. The Pokes recently fell in the polls after they were beat at home by the TCU Horned Frogs. The Cowboys trailed by as much as 20 points before they drew within six points of the Frogs. However, the Frogs would shut the door when Darius Anderson would find his third touchdown of the game. This series has been tipped in favor of the Pokes as of recent. Oklahoma State has won the last eight meetings between both parties. The most recent edition was a nail-biter as the Red Raiders were edged out by the Cowboys in a 45-44 loss that featured a comeback by Oklahoma State in Stillwater in 2016. The contest will be televised live from Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas for regional audiences on ESPN. The venue is scheduled to be a primetime clash under the lights, as kick-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET.
The Red Raiders have galloped off to an impressive 3-0 start here in 2017. Most recently, Texas Tech took intra-state supremacy when they defeated the Houston Cougars as a seven-point underdog in a 27-24 victory. Previous to this, Tech covered a 6.5-point line when they were up against the Arizona State Sun Devils in Lubbock. As is signature of Texas Tech squads, the unit features an air raid offense that had eclipsed the 50-point mark on three consecutive occasions previous to their most recent triumph against the Cougars. For Texas Tech this will be their first taste of Big 12 competition in 2017.
As mentioned, the Cowboys feature some exceptional talent in quarterback Mason Rudolph and wide receiver James Washington. Washington may very well be the best receiver in the country but Rudolph had all kinds of trouble in dealing with the TCU defense. The playmaker threw two interceptions as that is a staple of Gary Patterson defensive units, they create turnovers. On the contrary, Texas Techs defense is generally far more accommodating and friendly to offensive units. Like the Red Raiders, the Pokes also are an offense-oriented team and enjoy engaging in shootouts as that fits their game plan. Despite the ugly loss, the Cowboys have won eight of their last 10 outings and fell for the first time against the spread this year against the Frogs. Texas Tech remains flawless against the spread in 2017.
Given the fact, the Over/Under in this market sits at 81, this one is clearly going to be an all-offense affair. In such scenarios, taking the points is the prudent move when the number is larger than a touchdown. In this scenario, we are getting double-digit points. Now we have seen this market fall by 3.5 points indicating heavy steam rolling on Tech. However, in spite of this, much of the public fancies Oklahoma State. Currently, 90% of the money is on the Pokes and 71% of the ticket action are with the Cowboys in this market. In consensus numbers, the public are down the middle here with 50% going to either side.
The 2016 loss in Stillwater is still fresh in the mind of Texas Tech supporters, fans, and players. Without doubt, the Red Raiders are looking to avenge that loss and this is the prime opportunity to do it. The Cowboys as we have mentioned previously are prone to let-downs. Their abysmal performance against the Horned Frogs typify that phenomenon and there is a good chance that this team is still vulnerable from what transpired last week. On the contrary, the Red Raiders are flying high and confident heading into this contest. The game will assuredly be a close one but if one thing is proven it is that laying substantial points in a game of this variety is a dangerous precept. Therefore, we will go ahead and take the Red Raiders with the points in their own yard where they will likely benefit from some home cooking.
KEITHs Pick to Cover the Point Spread: TEXAS TECH +10. Where are you betting this game? Does your bookie give you the the option to bet on games at -105 odds? NO! He’s charging you -110 (or more!) Sports betting is a game of edges. Don’t let the house get the edge on you! Start betting at discounted odds TODAY at 5Dimes Sportsbook!
