Big 12 football picks: Analyzing odds for week one
By Brian Spaen
Texas Tech has the most trickiest line taking on underrated SMU. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Five games from the Big 12’s opening week have official odds. Texas has the largest line to hurdle hosting one of the worst teams in FBS, but in general all lines are pretty tough to gauge for an opening week.
The Iowa State Cyclones don’t have a line with the UNI Panthers because many outlets don’t allow gambling on FCS teams. Those that are all generally have the Cyclones as a 9.5-point favorite.
Odds are from Covers and last updated on Friday morning. Rankings reflect latest USA Today poll.
For straight-up predictions, game times, and TV information, head over to yesterday’s prediction post.
Texas Tech at Southern Methodist (+4) – Total: 59.5
Prediction: SMU +4, over. This game screams field goal victory or less margin of victory at the end. SMU has all the ability to make this a close game with a retooled offense led by Garrett Gilbert, and we’ll see how the TTU coaching staff does under Kliff Kingsbury’s first game.
Mississippi State at (14)Oklahoma State (-13) – Total: 62
Prediction: MSU +13, over. People have been biting on the points, trimming the line to a shade under two touchdowns. What feels more confident is taking the over in total points with OSU’s untrustworthy defense.
Louisiana-Monroe at (16)Oklahoma (-21) – Total: 61
Prediction: OKLA -21, over. Outside of former ULM wide receiver Brent Leonard, the whole gang is back to terrorize more schools from bigger conferences. They should get some points in Norman, but if they couldn’t slow down Baylor, they aren’t slowing down Oklahoma.
New Mexico State at (15)Texas (-42) – Total: 57.5
Prediction: TEX -42, over. The Aggies are a complete trainwreck with Austin Franklin being ruled ineligible. He was the only offensive player with a pulse last season on a 1-11 team. Not only is the 6+ touchdown victory a lock, the Longhorns may reach the total points themselves.
(13)Louisiana State vs (20)Texas Christian (at Dallas, TX) (+4) – Total: 50
Prediction: LSU -4, under. I’m not as high on TCU as most, making the four-point spread much easier to select.