TCU vs. Arizona State Prediction: Is the Betting Market Wrong?

A deep dive into the TCU vs. Arizona State matchup, analyzing quarterback showdowns and betting odds to make a bold prediction.

TCU vs. Arizona State Prediction: Is the Betting Market Wrong?

The TCU Horned Frogs and the Arizona State Sun Devils are set to clash, and the betting market has Arizona State as a favorite. But is that justified? Let's dive into the details.

The Lay of the Land

No. 24 TCU (3-0) has been on a roll, cracking the Top 25 for the first time since the 2023 preseason. Meanwhile, Arizona State (3-1) is favored despite a Week 2 loss to Mississippi State. Something's fishy, right?

QB Showdown: Hoover vs. Leavitt

This game boasts one of the season's best quarterback matchups. Sam Leavitt led Arizona State to the College Football Playoff in 2024, while Josh Hoover has been tearing it up for TCU, with 3,949 passing yards and 27 touchdowns last season, carrying that form into the new season with 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns. Hoover is even 15/1 to win the Heisman at BetMGM.

Analyzing the Odds

Arizona State is a 2.5-point favorite, suggesting a neutral-field game would be a coin flip. But Arizona State's pass defense has been pedestrian, putting immense pressure on Leavitt to keep pace with Hoover. It feels like the wrong team is favored.

The Prediction

Given Hoover's current form and Arizona State's struggles against the pass, the smart money might just be on TCU. It feels like the wrong team is favored in this Big 12 showdown, so I’ll take a shot on TCU to get out of Tempe with the win.

The Play: TCU (+126, FanDuel)

Final Thoughts

Sometimes, you've just gotta trust your gut. And my gut says TCU is being undervalued. So, buckle up, folks! It’s going to be a wild ride.