Texas Tech vs. Washington State: Prediction, Tips and Odds – College Football Week 2

While Washington State opened Week 1 with a clear win over an FCS opponent, Texas Tech needed a 2-point conversion stop in overtime to beat an FCS team.

Now the two meet in Pullman for the Mike Leach Bowl, with the Cougars currently favored by one point. We'll show why Jake Dickert's team can take advantage of the Red Raiders in our Texas Tech vs. Washington State predictions and college football tips for Saturday, September 7.

Prediction for Texas Tech vs. Washington State

My best bet
Washington State -1 (-110 at BetMGM)

My analysis

With most of the remaining members of the Pac-12 defecting to the Big 12, Washington State was left without a home stadium. The Cougars can now make a statement with a win against a Big 12 team that is surely exhausted after its Week 1 victory.

Texas Tech went into overtime against Abilene Christian and narrowly avoided a major upset on home turf. The Red Raiders won 52-51, thanks to a failed 2-point conversion by the Wildcats.

The emotional energy that goes into a win like that can take its toll on a team the next week, especially when they have to travel to a place like Pullman.

Moreover, it was a concerning performance for a defense that allowed 28 or more points six times last season. In 2023, the Red Raiders surrendered 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 slipped if Week 1 is any indicator. Abilene Christian quarterback Maverick McIvor threw for 506 yards and three scores in that nail-biting opening game.

Texas Tech ranks 84th in SP+ defense after the opening game and the Cougars will be ready to strike. Washington State scored 70 points against Portland State in the opening game and new starting quarterback John Mateer threw five touchdowns on just 17 attempts. Not only was the passing attack successful, Wazzu ran for 224 yards.

With an offense that ranks 23rd in SP+, the Cougars should be able to take advantage of Texas Tech's weak defense. And while Washington State has defensive issues of its own, Tech's offensive numbers were strong against an FCS opponent.

The Red Raiders ranked 113th in EPA per pass offense last year and will have trouble moving the ball on Saturday.

Texas Tech vs. Washington State – Same Game Combo (SGP)

Washington State -1.5

Below 66.5

Tahj Brooks anytime touchdown

That total is just too high to confidently bet the over. While these two teams both scored a lot of points in Week 1, it was against FCS teams.

It's safe to assume that neither team will have as many big aerial plays and both will have to go to the ground more often. This should help buy some time and make the game less scoring.

In particular, Texas Tech will likely look to run more often with Tahj Brooks, one of the best running backs in the country and has scored at least one touchdown in nine of his last 10 games.

Learn how to bet on the same game in an accumulator bet with these helpful tips and strategies.

Odds for Texas Tech vs Washington State

Texas Tech vs Washington State live odds

Opening odds for Texas Tech vs. Washington State

• Spread: Texas Tech +1 | Washington State -1
• Money line: Texas Tech -105 | Washington State -115
• Over/Under: Over 65.5 | Under 65.5

Odds courtesy of BetMGM

Spread and Over/Under Analysis for Texas Tech vs. Washington State

• Washington State entered the race as a favorite with -1 to -1.5 points and the spread remains there with little movement.
• The Cougars are 7-6 ATS since last season, while the Red Raiders are 6-8 ATS.
• The over/under started at 65.5 and has jumped to 66.5 at most bookmakers.
• Since last season, Washington State is 8-5 in the over, but Texas Tech is only 6-8 O/U.

Things to know about the Texas Tech vs. Washington State betting trend

Texas Tech has underperformed the game total in four of its last five road games (+2.90 units / 53% ROI). Find more college football betting trends for Texas Tech vs. Washington State here.

Match info Texas Tech vs. Washington State

Texas Tech vs. Washington State – latest injuries

Texas Tech vs. Washington State – Weather

Monitor conditions during the game with our college football weather information.

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