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9-Line Prediction: BYU vs. Texas

The 9-line Prediction. Nine specific predictions presented as over-under betting lines.

The BYU Cougars try to shake off a disappointing first week loss to Virginia by surprising the nation, beating the odds, and defeating nationally-ranked Texas. Here are nine Vegas-style lines, some serious, some not, to watch for on Saturday.

  1. “Altitude” references by ESPN crew – Line: 1.5 – Altitude is a consistent topic when teams from sea level come to Provo. Well, so long as the team from sea level is losing to BYU. If BYU is losing, however, altitude doesn’t seem to be as important. With Texas practicing in Bane masks, Mack Brown and Co. are certainly aware of the thin air. OVER
  2. Tess Effect: – Line: 0.5 – Joe Tessitore is the face of the college football upset. “I don’t care who wins,” said Tessitore in an interview with Stewart Mandel. “The only thing I want to see is the craziest, closest, most outlandish finish we can.” Tess’s opening game this year was Ole Miss-Vanderbilt, a game that saw two go-ahead touchdowns scored in the final 1:30. If BYU fans wanted an upset, Tess is coming town. Will he bring the Tess Effect? UNDER
  3. Texas Rushing Yards – LINE: 109.5   – Despite losing Romney Fuga to graduation, being forced to play Ethyn Manumaleuna at nose tackle, and breaking in a new contributor in Marques Johnson, the BYU defense remained stout against the run in Week 1. Virginia had 109 yards on the ground. David Ash will test BYU through the air, so stopping the run will be a most important task. OVER
  4. Big Plays by the BYU Offense – LINE: 2.5 – Other than a meaningless Ross Apo catch as time expired in the fourth quarter, the BYU offense was completely void of any big plays last Saturday in Charlottesville. This has to change. The question becomes: Who can be that big play threat? UNDER
  5. 3-and-Outs Forced by Bronco D – LINE: 7.5 –  The BYU defense forced eight 3-and-outs against Virginia. When BYU played Texas in Austin in 2011, the defense managed seven 3-and-outs. If BYU approaches that number on Saturday evening, the Cougars will be right in the game.  UNDER
  6. Taysom Hill Completion Percentage – LINE: 50% – 13-40. 13/40. Thirteen-for-Forty. Let us hope and pray that Taysom’s Virginia line is the floor of his career. He was better than the numbers suggest, but if BYU is going to upset a Top 15 Texas squad, Mr. Hill needs to be on his A-Game. PUSH
  7. Cody Hoffman Catches — LINE: 8.5 – Man, did BYU’s offense miss one of the best receivers ever to step foot on campus. Hoffman can be a difference-maker and BYU will need that on Saturday. No question he is capable of having a big game, but is Hoffman fully healed? UNDER
  8. Total Points Scored – LINE: 58 – Last week, the Longhorn offense began firing on all cylinders after the first quarter. New Mexico State’s defense is not BYU’s defense, and Texas will surely be tested in the trenches on Saturday. BYU’s front seven is fantastic and can play toe-to-toe with anyone in the nation. While the secondary looked great against Virginia, David Ash is not David Watford. Expect Texas to move the ball between the 20’s and for BYU to toughen up in the redzone. As for the BYU offense, I expect to see an improved offensive performance but without the degree of execution necessary to knock off a nationally ranked opponent. UNDER
  9. Line: TEXAS by 8 – COVER – Texas 26, BYU 14