Houston Cougars vs Texas Tech Red Raiders Predictions

Houston Cougars vs Texas Tech Red Raiders

Date: Saturday, September 10th

Location: Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, TX

TV: FS1

Point Spread: Cougars +2.5 / Red Raiders -2.5 (Wagerweb – Offers 20 point CFB teasers!)

Money Line: Cougars +116 / Red Raiders -141

Over/Under: 65.5

RECENT FORM

This season, the Cougars have an overall record of 1-0 and have yet to play a game in the
American Athletic. Last year, the Cougars were an above .500 team on the road, going 6-1. Across
their last 3 road games, they had an ATS record of 1-2-0.

In their previous game, the Cougars picked up a 37-35 road win over UTSA. This was an
impressive victory as they were also the 3.5-point underdogs. In the game, Houston finished with
3 touchdowns through the air while throwing for 206 yards. On the ground, the team ended with 1
rushing touchdown while averaging 3.2 yards per carry for a total of 140 yards.

Clayton Tune heads into the game as the team’s top quarterback, with a current passer rating
of 117.45. So far, he has completed 22 passes for a total of 206 yards. Through the air, the team
will be looking for a big game from leading receiver, Nathaniel Dell. On the season, he has
caught 5 for 50 yards. The top option in the run game for the team is Brandon Campbell, who has
carried the ball 15 times for a total of 49 yards.

So far, the Red Raiders have an overall record of 1-0 and have not played a game in the Big
12. For the year, the Red Raiders posted a .500 record at home, going 3-3. In their last 3 home
games, they went 2-1-0 against the spread.

The Cougars head into this week’s game looking to pick up another win after they most recently
defeated Murray State by a score of 63-10. In the win, Texas Tech completed 75% of their 36
passes, 6 of which resulted in touchdowns. The team ended the game with 3 rushing touchdowns,
along with a total of 133 yards on the ground.

The team’s leading quarterback is Donovan Smith, who comes into the game with a passer rating
of 158.33 on a completion percentage of 87.5%. Receiver Loic Fouonji heads into the game, as the
team’s leader in receiving yards, with a total of 110. The top option in the run game for the
team is Tahj Brooks, who has carried the ball 6 times for a total of 50 yards.

BETTING TRENDS

Over the Cougars last 10 games, they have a strong record of 9-1-0, while also going 5-5-0
against the spread. On offense, the team averaged 35.6 points per game while allowing 24.6. Their
over-under mark (last 10) is 6-4-0.

Over their last 10 games, the Red Raiders have covered the spread at a rate of 50.0%. In these
games, they posted a straight-up mark of 5-5-0. The team averaged 30.2 points in these games
while allowing 26.8. Their over-under record was 4-6-0.

KEY STATS AND ANALYSIS

Heading into this week’s matchup, the Cougars will look to improve their offensive output, as
they are ranked just 52nd in the NCAA in points scored.

This season, Houston has struggled to move the ball through the air, averaging just 206.0
passing yards per game. This week, the Cougars will be facing a Texas Tech defense that finished
153rd in pass yards allowed per game. Last year, they averaged 276.36 yards per game when facing
defenses ranked outside the top 50 in passing defense.

Although Houston is ranked 25th in attempts per game, they are averaging just 140.0 rush yards
per contest. This output places them 76th in the NCAA. This week, the Cougars will be facing a
Texas Tech defense that finished 84th in rush yards allowed per game. Last year, they averaged
145.23 yards per game when facing defenses ranked outside the top 50.

Heading into the game, the Cougars will hope for some improved play from their defense, as
they are currently 97th at 35.0 points per game allowed.

So far, the Red Raiders are averaging 63.0 points per game on offense, which is good for 4th
most in college football.

In the passing game, the Red Raiders are currently one of the leading groups in the country,
at 472.0 yards per game through the air. This week, the Red Raiders will be facing a Houston
defense that finished 54th in pass yards allowed per game. Last year, they averaged 283.5 yards
per game when facing defenses ranked outside the top 50 in passing defense.

So far, the Texas Tech offense is averaging just 133.0 yards per game on the ground. This
production has come on an average of 29.0 rush attempts per game (111th). This week, the Red
Raiders will be facing a Houston defense that finished 26th in rush yards allowed per game. Last
year, they averaged 134.2 yards per game when facing top 25 rush defenses.

Going into the game, the Red Raiders’ defensive unit is 34th in the NCAA in points allowed per
game at 10.0.

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