Football Betting

NCAA football betting – Longhorns vs Red Raiders Odds

Posted on 10/27/2008 4:15:27 PM By Blake Frazier

Texas vs Texas Tech odds: battle for Lonestar State supremacy

• WHO: Texas Longhorns (-6) vs Texas Tech Red Raiders
• WHAT: NCAA football betting
• WHEN: Saturday, November 1 at 8:00 p.m. ET
• WHERE: Jonas AT&T Stadium
• KEY STATS: Longhorns are 11-5 in last 16 meetings; Red Raiders are 4-2 in their last six home games as an underdog of 3.5 to 7 points
• PICK: Red Raiders +6

All eyes will be on Lubbock, Texas as online sports betting fans make their Longhorns vs Red Raiders pick in what will be the biggest game of the day on Saturday, November 1.

The Red Raiders have consistently been knocking on the door in the Big 12 but have always been a step behind Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri. They’ll get an opportunity to prove that they in fact deserve more respect as they host the No. 1-ranked Longhorns in what online betting sharps know will be the biggest game in Red Raiders history.

If the Red Raiders plan to win on Saturday, they will have to count on their “Goon Squad” defense, which has been spotty but showed up this past weekend against Kansas.

Online sports betting minds seem to have similar opinions when handicapping this game: when push comes to shove, the Longhorns offense and defense will make the plays.

The Red Raiders defense isn’t the only aspect of their game in question; their placekicking situation is also very speculative.

They’ve had issues with placekickers all season long and though Matt Williams converted nine-of-nine extra points against Kansas, there has to be some concern about a kicker that was discovered just two weeks ago in a student-promotions contest.

The Longhorns have triumphed against Oklahoma, Missouri and Oklahoma State—three Top-10 teams—in a three-week span and will have to do so again if they want to remain undefeated. This upcoming contest might be their toughest in this stretch of games as this will be their first game that is truly on the road (played Oklahoma at a neutral site).

There will be a lot of Heisman Trophy implications in this game as well, which clearly affects those who bet online for Heisman Trophy futures. The Red Raiders have two potential candidates in quarterback Graham Harrell, who has 28 touchdowns, five interceptions and 3147 yards passing; and wideout Michael Crabtree, who has 60 catches for 764 yards and 14 touchdowns in only eight games.

But both of those standouts are overshadowed by Longhorns quarterback Colt McCoy, who has completely 81.8 percent of his passes to go with 21 touchdowns, 2285 yards and just four interceptions. The winning quarterback from this contest immediately will become the Heisman frontrunner.

If you’re betting online, be aware that the Red Raiders have slowly and methodically improved year-by-year under head coach Mike Leach. They have been patiently waiting for the opportunity to prove themselves in front of a national crowd for a long time. With a win, the Red Raiders can vault up the standings and prove that they are in fact BCS-bowl worthy—something they’ve failed to do in the Mike Leach era.

Look for the Red Raiders to produce a spirited performance and with the home crowd behind them, keep the game close.

BLAKE’S PICK: The Longhorns ran roughshod on the Missouri Tigers but the Oklahoma State Cowboys proved that the Longhorns aren’t untouchable. The Red Raiders can win this game if they are perfect but they should hang around even if they can’t win the game. For Texas vs Texas Tech odds, bet on the Texas Tech Red Raiders +6.

Hit the BetOnline.com Sportsbook offers plenty of college football betting odds, lines and futures. Also check out the Betting Edge for free picks and analysis.

Blake walked onto his college football team and had a brief stint as an assistant coach after he graduated. He brings a sharp mind to the world of sports handicapping. Blake understands the nuances of the game that only someone who has played would understand, and he was one of the few who gave the Giants a chance against the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.