Tigers vs Horned Frogs NCAA Football Spread/Handicapping
It’s the SEC vs. the Big 12 for Texas bragging rights as the No. 13 LSU Tigers will arrive at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, looking to win their 11th straight season opener in the 5th annual Cowboy Classic against the No. 20 Texas Christian Horned Frogs in Week 1 college football action.
When: Saturday, Aug. 31, 2013 at 9 PM EST
Where: Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX
TV: ESPN
LINE: -4.5 (Tigers), O/U 43
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LSU was shoe in to be ranked in the Preseason AP Top 25 poll, but they may have been ranked a little higher on the list if they had finished a little better in 2012.
Tigers’ fans had high hopes last season, but were disappointed after the team underachieved, posting a 10-2 record during the 2012 regular season – good enough for second place in the South Division of the SEC.
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That finish earned LSU a spot in the Chick-fil-A Bowl against Clemson, who beat them 25-24.
However, looking ahead to the upcoming season, the Tigers future looks promising as they return 12 starters from last year.
Among those returning, will be sophomore quarterback Zach Mettenberger, who had mixed results last season, but should have a much better year with a little more experience.
On the other side of the ball, the LSU defense is highly inexperienced, but will have the benefit of being anchored by safety Craig Loston, who earned All-SEC honors in 2012.
Add to that the benefit of acquiring e-NFL Baltimore Ravens’ offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, and the Tigers have a good chance at beating an equally defensively stacked TCU team.[soliloquy id=”82219″]
TCU went 7-5 in its first season as a member of the Big 12 Conference, earning a little respect and a spot in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl, where they lost 17-16 to Michigan.
The Frogs return 16 starters from that team, including Trevone Boykin and Casey Pachall who will give the team incredible depth at the quarterback position.
However, until TCU head football coach Gary Patterson officially names his starting quarterback — the unknown may hurt the cohesiveness and productivity of the Frogs’ offense. We’ll have to wait and see.
With that, look for an experienced Horned Frogs’ defense to try to top a talented Tigers’ offense.
Both teams are skilled and both teams are motivated, especially after losing 1-point bowl games.
Nevertheless, I got pick one, so I’m going to back the Tigers here.
The reason?
Just like other college football handicappers, simply because they are neutral-site favorites.
They have gone 9-6-1 against the spread in their last 16 games as a favorite on a neutral field, and you have to consider that.
Matt’s Free Prediction: Tigers 28, Horned Frogs 21.
