Prediction, Props, and Odds for Houston vs TCU Football Game on Friday, October 4th

• Houston travels to TCU on Friday night football on October 4
• The Cougars have been shut out in each of their last two games. It’s the first time they’ve been blanked in back-to-back weeks since 1994
• Check out our prediction for Houston vs TCU and game prop odds and best bets below

TCU’s high-flying offense, led by quarterback Josh Hoover, hosts Houston Friday night in a Big 12 (old-school SWC) battle. The Horned Frogs are 3-2 overall, but 1-4 against the spread. Houston is 1-4 and 2-3 against the spread. All five of the Cougars’ games have hit the under.

TCU is anywhere from a 15.5-16.5-point home favorite, with the total at 51.5 everywhere. The total is actually kind of low.

That’s because the biggest storyline for the game is offense. Houston has been the worst offensive team in the nation for new coach Willie Fritz, averaging 10.4 points a game. Fritz had serious success at Georgia Southern and Tulane before taking over the Cougars this season.

TCU vs Houston Prediction and Picks

• TCU -15.5 (-105) at FanDuel
• Over 51.5 (-110) at Caesars

We love the Horned Frogs in this one. They’re playing at home. It’s a Friday night, so it’s a short week for Houston. And we think they can cover the point spread pretty comfortably. We will back off of the 16.5 though, because the return on the bet is basically the same.

While Houston has been a team without an O, the Horned Frogs have been lighting up the scoreboard. Hoover, just a sophomore, has thrown for 1,774 yards, the third most in the nation with 14 touchdowns. His top target is LSU transfer Jack Bech, who is second in the nation in receiving yards with 647.

WOWWW!

What a dime for the @TCUFootball TD 🎯 pic.twitter.com/saiyfk93In

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 15, 2024

The over we did have to think about. Listen, the cupboard was pretty bare when Fritz took over, but he’s yet to find a quarterback or an offensive system to fit the talent he has. Last week, the Cougars played two different quarterbacks: Donovan Smith threw for 71 yards and had a pick. Zeon Chriss threw for four yards and had a pick.

Smith has logged the bulk of the time behind center and has only accounted for six yards an attempt. That’s almost impossible to do in college football in 2024.

Houston vs TCU Props

Let’s break down our favorite game prop for TCU vs Houston:

Houston’s defense has been respectable, but no one has really stopped the TCU offense this season. TCU is averaging 38.6 points a game, which is 21st in the nation. TCU spreads the field and runs the ball well, and always seems to have open wide receivers for Hoover to throw to.

Hoover is not a running threat, but he is a precise pocket passer. TCU lost two in a row before knocking off Kansas last week at Arrowhead. Look for the Horned Frogs to start fast and take a big lead into the halftime locker room.

• Prop Pick: TCU -9.5 at halftime (-110 at BetMGM)

Houston vs TCU Odds

Odds as of October 3, 2024, at DraftKings. See all the available DraftKings deposit methods to fund your DK account.

The point spread has remained locked in at 16.5 at most of our favorite sportsbooks. There is some variation on the moneyline. The best bet on TCU moneyline is FanDuel at +520. If you’re believing in some more Friday night college football craziness (like Va Tech/Miami last week), the best moneyline bet on Houston moneyline is Caesars at -833.

Next stop: Fort Worth ✈️#GoCoogs pic.twitter.com/XvBMtpE3Kp

— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) October 3, 2024

Two other game props are worth checking out, one is Houston under 9.5 points for the game at +425 at Bet365. Can Houston really be held scoreless or just to one touchdown? It’s conceivable. We also love the Yes at -260 for TCU to score three times unanswered at BetMGM.

These two teams played yearly back in the Southwest Conference days. The series is tied at 13 apiece. TCU has won the last nine meetings. The last time Houston won was in 1992.

The highly anticipated matchup between the Houston Cougars and the TCU Horned Frogs is set to take place on Friday, October 4th. Both teams are coming off strong performances in their previous games and will be looking to continue their winning ways in this crucial conference showdown.

When it comes to predictions for this game, it’s shaping up to be a close contest. Houston has been playing well on both sides of the ball, with quarterback D’Eriq King leading the offense and the defense showing improvement each week. TCU, on the other hand, has a potent offense led by quarterback Max Duggan and a stout defense that has been able to shut down opposing teams.

In terms of props, there are a few key players to keep an eye on in this game. For Houston, all eyes will be on D’Eriq King, who has been a dual-threat quarterback all season long. Look for him to make plays with his arm and his legs against a tough TCU defense. On the TCU side, Max Duggan will be the player to watch as he looks to continue his impressive freshman campaign.

As for the odds, the betting lines for this game are expected to be close. Both teams have shown that they are capable of putting up points and playing solid defense, so it could come down to which team can make the key plays in crucial moments. Bettors should keep an eye on the over/under line as well, as this game has the potential to be a high-scoring affair.

Overall, this matchup between Houston and TCU is shaping up to be a thrilling game with plenty of excitement and drama. Fans of both teams will be on the edge of their seats as they watch these two talented squads battle it out on the gridiron. Be sure to tune in on Friday, October 4th to see who comes out on top in this exciting college football showdown.