Texas Tech vs. Wyoming Odds
| Texas Tech Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-14 -110 | 50.5 -110o / -110u | -650 |
| Wyoming Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+14 -110 | 50.5 -110o / -110u | +425 |
Man is it good to have college football back. I couldn't be more excited for year three breaking down games at The Action Network.
Saturday’s battle between Texas Tech and Wyoming may not be one of the headliners of the Week 1 slate, but we have an intriguing matchup on our hands in Laramie.
Joey Maguire and the Red Raiders were one of the surprising teams of 2022 and have tons of momentum heading into this season. Texas Tech won't have much time to ease into the year, as it starts Saturday with a tricky road game at Wyoming followed by a showdown with Oregon next week in Lubbock.
Meanwhile, for the Cowboys, consistency has been the theme throughout Craig Bohl’s tenure. Wyoming has been one of the more reliable programs in the Mountain West over the last decade, and much of that success has been predicated on a strong defense.
Saturday’s tilt will be a total contrast in style, with Tech finishing 2022 ranked first in the entire nation in plays per game and Wyoming ranking 129th out of 131 total FBS teams in tempo.
Where does the betting value lie in a matchup of two teams with unique styles? Let’s discuss.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
When the Red Raiders have the ball, they want to go and they want to go fast. Tempo is an integral part of offensive coordinator Zach Kitley’s system, and he has two reliable options at quarterback in veteran Tyler Shough as well as talented youngster Behren Morton.
My hunch is that Shough will get the nod to begin the year, as the Oregon transfer closed 2022 in a big way and is one of the most respected voices in this locker room.
While there may be a little uncertainty as to who starts under center, there's no question that veteran Tahj Brooks is the lead back for this offense. Brooks is powerful and explosive and should be in line for a heavy workload once again in 2023.
On the other side of the ball, the loss of Tyree Wilson to the top 10 of the NFL draft will certainly be felt, but Tim Deruyter returns plenty of pieces to his defense.
Myles Cole and Syracuse transfer Steve Linton are two physical outside linebackers who can attack from the edges and make plays in the backfield.
Additionally, super seniors Jaylon Hutchings and Tony Bradford Jr. provide tons of experience and should be loads up front for opposing offensive lines to deal with.
If the secondary can hold up, this Tech defense has a chance to be one of the better units in the Big 12.
Wyoming Cowboys
If there's been an area of weakness for Wyoming during Bohl’s tenure, it's been the ability for his offense to consistently move the ball up and down the field.
Last year was no different, with the offense really struggling down the stretch, resulting in losses in each of the Cowboys' three final games.
The Red Raiders' front seven will be in attack mode on Saturday night, so it'll be critical for Wyoming's OL group to give starting QB Andrew Peasley time in the pocket.
Peasley has good arm strength and can be accurate when he has time, but his numbers take a real hit under pressure.
Defensively, Wyoming is expected to be stout again, returning as many as nine starters from a very good unit a year ago.
TTU will be a unique challenge, however, not just because of the tempo, but also because of the number of dynamic skill players within its offense.
It'll be a different level of speed than what this defense is used to seeing in the Mountain West, and being able to make tackles in space is going to be paramount if it wants to get the Red Raiders off the field.
It should also be noted that Maguire absolutely loves to go for it on fourth down, so defensive coordinator Jay Sawvel needs to instill in his team that getting a stop on third down doesn't get his defense out of the woods.
Texas Tech vs. Wyoming
Betting Pick & Prediction
When looking at this matchup from a betting perspective, I understand the potential concerns with laying 14 points with a team that has to go on the road to a tricky environment for its opener.
I don’t care. I’ve been bullish on this Red Raider team all offseason, and I believe they're a legitimate contender to win the Big 12 and possibly even factor into the CFP conversation.
Maguire is one of the best motivators in the country, and he'll have his team ready to make an opening statement. Tech is the more talented team on both sides of the ball, and its up-tempo offensive approach should create a lot of trouble for a Wyoming team that loves to play in rock fights.
Give me the Red Raiders to go on the road and win this game comfortably, covering the two touchdown number in the process.
