While Washington State opened Week 1 with a blowout win over an FCS opponent, Texas Tech needed a 2-point conversion stop in OT to beat an FCS team.
Now the two meet in Pullman for the Mike Leach bowl, with the Cougars currently favored by a 1-point. We highlight why Jake Dickert’s team should be able to take advantage of the Red Raiders in our Texas Tech vs. Washington State predictions and college football picks for Saturday, September 7.
Texas Tech vs Washington State prediction
My best bet
Washington State -1 (-110 at BetMGM)
My analysis
After most of the remaining members of the Pac-12 defected to the Big 12, Washington State was left without a home. The Cougars can now make a statement with a win against a Big 12 program that’s surely gassed after its Week 1 win.
Texas Tech went to OT with Abilene Christian and barely avoided a massive upset on its own turf. The Red Raiders won 52-51, thanks to a failed 2-point conversion by the Wildcats.
The amount of emotional energy that goes into a win like that can zap a team the next week, especially when they have to go to a place like Pullman.
Beyond that, it was a concerning showing for a defense that gave up 28 or more points six times last season. In 2023, the Red Raiders gave up 167.7 rushing yards per game and ranked 9th in EPA per rush on defense.
To make matters worse, it looks like their pass defense has regressed if Week 1 is any indication. Abilene Christian quarterback Maverick McIvor threw for 506 yards and three scores in that opening nail-biter.
Texas Tech is sitting 84th in SP+ on defense after the opener, and the Cougars will be ready to pounce. Washington State hung 70 on Portland State in its opener and new starting QB John Mateer threw five touchdowns on just 17 attempts. It wasn’t just the passing attack that thrived, as Wazzu rushed for 224 yards.
With an offense that’s 23rd in SP+, the Cougars should be able to take advantage of Texas Tech’s poor defensive play. And while Washington State has defensive issues of its own, Tech’s offensive numbers were juiced against an FCS opponent.
The Red Raiders were 113th in EPA per pass on offense last year, and they'll struggle to move the ball on Saturday.
Texas Tech vs Washington State same-game parlay (SGP)
Washington State -1.5
Under 66.5
Tahj Brooks anytime touchdown
This total is simply too high to feel comfortable about betting the Over. Although these two teams both put up major points in Week 1, that was against FCS teams.
It’s safe to assume neither program will be hitting as many big plays through the air and will each need to go to the ground more often. That should help churn some clock and support a lower-scoring affair.
In particular, Texas Tech will likely look to run the ball more often with Tahj Brooks. He’s one of the top running backs in the country and has scored at least one touchdown in nine of his last 10 games.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Texas Tech vs Washington State odds
Texas Tech vs Washington State live odds
Texas Tech vs Washington State opening odds
- Spread: Texas Tech +1 | Washington State -1
- Moneyline: Texas Tech -105 | Washington State -115
- Over/Under: Over 65.5 | Under 65.5
Odds courtesy of BetMGM
Texas Tech vs Washington State spread and Over/Under analysis
- Washington State opened as a -1 to -1.5-point favorite and the spread remains there with little movement.
- The Cougars are 7-6 ATS dating back to last season, while the Red Raiders are 6-8 ATS.
- The Over/Under opened at 65.5 and has jumped up to 66.5 at most books.
- Since last season, Washington State is 8-5 to the Over, but Texas Tech is just 6-8 O/U.
Texas Tech vs Washington State betting trend to know
Texas Tech has hit the game total Under in four of its last five away games (+2.90 Units / 53% ROI). Find more college football betting trends for Texas Tech vs. Washington State.
Texas Tech vs Washington State game info
| Location: | Martin Stadium, Pullman, WA |
| Date: | Saturday, 9-7-2024 |
| Kickoff: | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | FOX |
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