CFB Best Bets, Picks and Analysis For TCU vs. Colorado on September 2, 2022

Texas Christian starts the Sonny Dykes era in Boulder against the Colorado Buffaloes on Friday, September 2 at 10:00PM ET. Dykes comes over from SMU, where he was wildly successful. He brings a new offensive mentality into Pac-12 country to take on Karl Dorrell and Colorado. Dorrell is facing some pressure this season after going 4-8 in 2021. This is a pivotal non-conference clash for both teams.

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For the most up to date CFB computer picks, check out our interactive predictions for TCU vs. Colorado. It's constantly updating based on hundreds of different data points.

TCU vs. Colorado Best Bets, Predictions and Analysis

Spread Breakdown

TCU was known for their good defenses under Gary Patterson. Expect that narrative to change under Dykes. His teams at SMU were among the best in their conference in scoring offense. In order for TCU to have one of the top offenses in the Big 12 this season, Dykes needs to figure out who his starting quarterback is. Senior Max Duggan and redshirt freshmen Chandler Morris and Sam Jackson will likely all see playing time against the Buffaloes. 

MORE: CFB Futures Probabilities

Colorado has its own quarterback situation to figure out. The latest whispers from fall camp say that sophomore Brendon Lewis appears to be the better player. However, don’t be surprised to see redshirt junior J.T. Shrout play. All in all, we could see five different quarterbacks play in this game between the two teams. But the Buffs need to improve their passing attack. They were 126th in FBS in passing offense last season. Colorado also lost its best rusher in Jarek Broussard to Michigan State, leaving the Buffs with a lot to prove on offense. 

Both defenses last season were equally as bad, making it likely this game will be a shootout. TCU currently sits as a 13.5-point favorite in this one and we like the Horned Frogs here with the points. Dykes' team will have better quarterback play and better skill players, leaving them set up far better for a high-scoring affair. We wouldn’t be shocked to see this game turn into a route near the end.

Over/Under Breakdown

Colorado was among the worst in the Pac-12 in total defense last year, while TCU was among the worst in the Big 12 in total defense. With that in mind, we don't see either one of these teams having much of a problem putting up points (especially TCU).

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The Horned Frogs are loaded with weapons on the offensive side of the ball. One guy to keep an eye on is wide receiver Quentin Johnston. If he can stay healthy, Johnston can have an All-Big 12 season. We like the Over here at 55.5 points. Despite Colorado having a poor offense last season, we expect them to put up enough points to make this game competitive and that should make the Over hit here. 

Best Bet: Horned Frogs vs. Buffaloes

This feels like the type of game where Colorado hangs around for a few quarters before TCU pulls away. In order for Colorado to keep up with TCU, it will need to score points. We really like the Over 55.5 points in this game and we're using the DraftKings bet $5 to get $200 offer mentioned at the top of this article because, even if the Over doesn't hit, new customers still get $200 just for joining and betting $5 on the total. You can claim it ➡️ here ⬅️. 

Best Player Props for Week 1

The team at Prop or Chop have found two player props they love in this weekend, so check them out on this week's episode below. And remember to bet them with DraftKings Sportsbook, where new customers can throw down $5 and score an instant $200 in bonuses - even if your ticket doesn't cash!