TCU Colorado State Betting – Horned Frogs Begin Pursuit Of Mountain West Title
The TCU Horned Frogs are the overwhelming favorite to win the Mountain West Conference. They begin league play this week at Colorado State.
NCAA football betting: Texas Christian Horned Frogs @ Colorado State Rams
Online Betting Odds: TCU -33.5
Why To Bet On TCU
The Horned Frogs played a terrible game this past Friday on the road, and yet they still beat SMU by 17 points, 41-24. Andy Dalton threw multiple interceptions and continued to make bad decisions, but a huge kickoff return by speed merchant Jeremy Kerley allowed TCU to regain control in the second half and eventually pull away from the Mustangs.
The other big reason to take TCU, even with the huge point spread, is that Colorado State ranks last in the nation (120th out of 120 FBS teams) in rushing yards per game with 59. The Rams rank 117th in scoring offense, averaging just 13.8 points per game. CSU stands at 107th in scoring defense, allowing a fat 35 points per game. TCU has the athletes that can really embarrass Colorado State.
Why To Bet On Colorado State
After being bullied for the first 56 minutes of play in last week’s game against Idaho – a bowl-winning club in 2009 – the Rams found the ability to get tough on defense. When Idaho had a very favorable down-and-distance situation, a second-and-five scenario just short of midfield, it looked as though the Vandals were going to drain the clock. They had already gained one first down on a drive that wound its way inside the four-minute mark of regulation. One more first down would have really turned the screws on the Rams and pushed them toward the razor's edge. Just then, CSU pushed back. A two-yard loss caused by Ram linebacker Mychal Sisson put Idaho in a third-and-seven situation. Then, Michael Kawulok stepped up for Colorado State, making an open-field tackle on Idaho's Deonte' Jackson following a three-yard reception of a Nathan Enderle pass. The Rams were able to get the defensive stand they so desperately needed, setting the stage for one last push at a game-winning score.
CSU quarterback Pete Thomas did not disappoint.
Thomas was 29 of 37 for 386 yards against Idaho, while accounting for three touchdowns on the afternoon. He didn't generate a touchdown on this particular drive – which started at CSU's 16-yard line with 2:47 remaining in regulation – but with Idaho leading by only one point at 34-33, he didn't need to. Thomas adeptly employed a short passing game that was mixed in with running plays to tailback Raymond Carter, who finished with 104 yards on the ground. After a six-yard burst by Carver put the ball at the Idaho 18, Colorado State kicker Ben DeLine – who had missed a PAT just minutes earlier – split the uprights from 35 yards on the final play of the game, and Colorado State had its first win of the year, 36-34.
Yes, it was no lie: The same CSU crew that stumbled out of the gate so horribly in 2010 – scoring a total of just 19 points in its first three games, all losses – had righted the ship. This is clearly a team that’s improving and learning how to play together.
How The Game Will Play Out
TCU made a lot of mistakes against SMU in its most recent game. As a result, don’t expect the Horned Frogs to make too many mistakes against Colorado State. This game should be a romp from start to finish. Take TCU even with the huge point spread.
TCU Colorado State Betting Pick: TCU -33.5
