Texas Tech has heard the noise all offseason due to them building a $29 million roster. Now, sportsbooks have joined as Texas Tech opens up as a 52.5-point favorite against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Making it the biggest point spread of week 1 in college football.
The Red Raiders were 7-4-1 against the spread in 2024. At the same time last year, they had opened as a 31.5-point favorite against Abilene Christian. The game ended up going into overtime, and they barely sneaked out a win against the Wildcats, as they missed the game-winning two-point conversion.
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The Golden Lions are coming off a disappointing 3-9 season, which included a 70-point scoreless blowout loss to Arkansas. Z'amarion Webber and BJ Curry, their top leading rushers, are set to return, and they have yet to announce their starting quarterback for Saturday. On the defensive side of the ball, there's a lot of turnover.
During Texas Tech's weekly press conference, HC Joey McGuire talked about what he expects out of his team this year. "It's not who we're playing. It's about us. It's like, literally, are we going to be the team that we're supposed to be?" McGuire said.
The Red Raiders' biggest upgrade this offseason was on the defensive line, with all the starters being transfers.
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Texas Tech is in uncharted territory, and they hope that with the roster they've built, thanks to the transfer portal. They can win the Big 12 and compete in the College Football Playoff.
Texas Tech is set to play Arkansas-Pine Bluff at 6:30 pm CT Saturday on ESPN+.
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