Texas vs. TCU: Prediction, pick, odds, point spread, line, football game, live stream, kickoff time. The TCU Horned Frogs will meet the Texas Longhorns in Big 12 conference action from Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Saturday afternoon.

Click Here to watch NCAA Football Week 5 Live Online

After Texas required a comeback in overtime to put away Texas Tech last week, the No. 9 Longhorns are back at home to face TCU. In this topsy-turvy season that is 2020, no team — especially no team in the Big 12 — appears to be safe.

Led by quarterback Sam Ehlinger, UT is looking to return to the Big 12 Championship Game after a one-year absence. Coming up in Week 5 is TCU, a program that has gotten the better of Texas since the Horned Frogs joined the Big 12 nearly a decade ago. TCU owns a 6-2 lead in the series since 2012, and coach Gary Patterson usually has an answer for the Horns.

This time, Texas is a decent-sized, double-digit favorite. Based on the early returns from both sides, both offenses have shown the ability to move the ball. That could mean a good ol’ fashioned Big 12 shootout, similar to the ones both teams played in during Week 4 against Iowa State and Texas Tech, respectively. The Frogs have some future NFL players at safety with Trevon Moehrig and Ar’Darius Washington, but Ehlinger has been an assassin through the air in Texas’ two games. This is a fun matchup between a Big 12 heavyweight and a conference dark horse.

Here’s what to watch as TCU and Texas do battle in Austin, Texas, this weekend.
Storylines

Texas: We know the Horns can score. They’ve done it in bunches with an average of 61 points per game so far. The question is whether they have the defense to create separation between themselves and the Frogs. Coach Tom Herman said his defensive players were embarrassed after allowing 56 points and 447 yards to the Red Raiders in Week 4. It’s hard to disagree. TCU has a solid passing game as well. After quarterback Max Duggan came off the bench in the second half, TCU’s offense came alive with 241 yards and three touchdowns through the air.

TCU: There’s no doubt Duggan moved the ball better than starter Matthew Downing. Dugga, who started 10 games in 2019, showed some improvement passing the ball, but protection is going to be key. The Frogs allowed seven sacks against Iowa State, and the offense was particularly sluggish early. Playing on the road as an underdog, it’s going to be paramount that TCU does better protecting its quarterback. Too many negative plays, and Texas is going to have a major advantage.
Viewing information

Date: Saturday, Oct. 3 | Time: Noon ET
Location: DKR Texas Memorial Stadium — Austin, Texas
TV: Fox | Live stream: fuboTV (Try for free)
Game prediction, picks

Given Texas’ struggles against the pass, the Frogs could hold their own. They had nice ball distribution against Iowa State with nine guys catching at least two passes. However, I’m worried about their pass protection. Additionally, Ehlinger has to be a playmaker and he showed he can lead a comeback if he’s called upon. I think he makes enough plays for Texas to get the home W, but I’m not loving the defense to make the necessary stops to win by two full touchdowns. Pick: TCU +13

Prediction: Both of these teams have the ability to score and the Texas defense was absolutely shredded last week, so I like the over in this one. I like TCU with the points since they played very well in their first game and think they can hang with this Texas team.

Shares: