College Football Week 3 Picks – Texas Tech vs. #2 Texas

The premier Saturday night college football clash will pit the Texas Longhorns against conference rival Texas Tech. While the Longhorns have managed to keep the nucleus of this team intact, the Raiders lost both Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree to the NFL Draft. The Longhorns open this game as big favorites, and Colt McCoy is going to show that he has a blood thirsty killer instinct to cover it.

When Crabtree made one of the most spirit crushing plays in Texas Longhorns’ history, Colt McCoy lost his chance at the Heisman and a BCS Championship berth. They lost both to Sam Bradford and the Oklahoma Sooners. With 100,000 fans in attendance this weekend, expect fireworks from McCoy. This is a make or break game for this kid’s inspiring career.

Texas has traditionally played well against the Red Raiders, going 4-1 ATS when hosting. They’re just 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games at home, but are also undefeated. As the second ranked team in the nation, they’re going to get difficult spreads, and they’re going to have to prove to their betting investors that they’re capable of handling that kind of pressure. Tech beat Texas 39-33 to ruin a potentially perfect season for the Longhorns in 2008.

Texas Tech Red Raiders (2-0) vs. Texas Longhorns (1-0)

Saturday, September 19 th — Memorial Stadium, Austin — 8:00pm EST

NCAAF Betting Line: Texas -17.5 (67)

In two game this season, the Raiders have averaged 46.5 points and allowed just 11.5. They’ve thrown for a staggering 456.5 yards as junior Taylor Potts seize the quarterback helm with conviction. The 6-foot-5, 218 pound product from Abilene, Texas has been groomed as the heir apparent to Graham Harrell, who set records as a quarterback for the Raiders.

Even though the much hyped Crabtree is gone, the Raiders aren’t without weapons at wide-receiver. What they are without, however, is a proven offense against a very good defense. Rice and North Dakota haven’t exactly been the most demanding tests on the Raiders’ evolving team.

Air on the side of caution here. It’s easy to look at the trends, and assume that Tech can cover this monster spread. But I think that Texas’ defense has a lot to prove after allowing Crabtree to ruin their season last year. McCoy will get the job done against a less than stellar defensive unit, but it’s the Texas Longhorns’ defense that will make the biggest statement as Texas holds on to its second overall ranking.

Furious Free Pick: Texas -17.5 (UNDER)