The college football main course officially kicks off this week after a nice appetizer with Week 0 last weekend. One of the night games on Saturday features a non-conference battle between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and Wyoming Cowboys.
Both teams are looking to build upon impressive 2022 seasons here in 2023. Texas Tech went 8-5 last season with a bowl win over Mississippi that included many of their 2023 starters. Wyoming went 7-6 but lost their last three games of the season, including a bowl game to Ohio.
I break down the matchup and more in my college football betting picks for Texas Tech vs. Wyoming below.
Texas Tech vs Wyoming best odds
Texas Tech vs Wyoming picks and predictions
The Texas Tech Red Raiders will enter 2023 with several returning starters on an offense that averaged 34.2 points per game (27th nationally).
Quarterback Tyler Shough split time throughout the season, but played full time down the stretch and finished the season with 1,304 passing yards with seven touchdowns and four interceptions. He also added 269 yards and four scores on the ground.
The Texas Tech defense that allowed 29.2 points per game (93rd) will return only five of their Top 13 players by playing time. This includes five of their Top 6 tacklers and their top sackman.
However, they brought in the fourth-best recruiting class in the Big 12 and 28th-best in the nation, according to On3 Recruiting. They also brought in transfers Steve Linton from Syracuse and C.J. Baskerville from San Diego State, both of whom will start.
Meanwhile, the Wyoming Cowboys had a struggling offense that only averaged 21.2 points per game (110th) last season. They also lost their leading rusher, two leading receivers, and three starting offensive linemen.
Defense was their strength, however, and the Cowboys will be bringing back 11 of their Top 16 defenders by playing time, including the leaders of all major stat categories. They will be a force to be reckoned with in the MWC but will get an immediate test with a fast Big 12 offense.
It took a while for this defense to gel last season, allowing 38 points to Illinois in Week 1 and 37 to Tulsa a week later. They also ended the year poorly, allowing 30 points to each of Fresno State and Ohio to end the season. Turnover issues could also be a major issue that could lead to short drives for the Red Raiders offense.
Texas Tech ended the season last year scoring 40+ points in three of its final four games. I don't love the Red Raiders defense but the offense will do enough damage to get Over this number.
My best bet: Texas Tech team total Over 32.5 points (-110 at DraftKings)
Texas Tech vs Wyoming same-game parlay
Texas Tech TT Over 32.5 (-110)
Wyoming TT Over 17.5 (-105)
To close my best bet, I mention my skepticism of this Texas Tech defense and I can see that manifesting into a high-scoring game overall, not just from the Red Raiders side.
Texas Tech allowed nearly 30 points per game last season and could take another step back in 2023. With Wyoming's team total set at a measly 17.5, I'm throwing it into the SGP.
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Texas Tech vs Wyoming spread and Over/Under analysis
Texas Tech finds itself in a rare position of being a double-digit road favorite. The last such scenario came against Kansas in 2021 when they were 19-point favorites and won by 27. Meanwhile, Wyoming was a double-digit home underdog twice last year and covered both times with an outright win as well.
This spread will almost certainly be decided by the Cowboys. If they can score in the mid-20s, they're likely going to stay within the number. However, if they struggle and turn the ball over, the Red Raiders could run wild on them. I'll lean toward the Cowboys keeping it within two touchdowns.
Going off our same-game parlay, the total is an obvious answer here. The SGP cannot win unless the total goes Over. Since I like Wyoming to score into the 20s, the Over is a no-brainer.
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Texas Tech vs Wyoming betting trend to know
The Texas Tech team total Over has hit in six of their last eight games. Find more college football betting trends for Texas Tech vs Wyoming.
Texas Tech vs Wyoming game info
| Location: | Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium, Laramie, WY |
| Date: | Saturday, September 2, 2023 |
| Kickoff: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | CBS |
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