College Football Preview with Pick: Stanford vs. TCU
Game Details:
- Date: Friday, August 30th
- Time: 10:30 PM EST
- Location: Stanford Stadium, Stanford, California
- TV: ESPN
Betting Lines: BetAnySports – MyBookie
- Spread: TCU -9
- Total: 61
A New Era Begins:
The Stanford Cardinal embark on a new chapter in their football history as they kick off the 2024 season as a member of the ACC. However, their inaugural game in this new conference presents a formidable challenge in the form of non conference opponent the TCU Horned Frogs.
Stanford: Rebuilding Under Pressure:
Stanford’s recent struggles have been well-documented, with five consecutive seasons of four wins or fewer. Their 3-9 record last season included humiliating losses to ranked opponents and even a stunning defeat to Sacramento State. While second-year head coach Troy Taylor has a wealth of returning starters, turning around a program that has been mired in mediocrity for so long will be a daunting task.
TCU: A Championship Caliber Rebound:
After a surprising run to the national championship game in 2022, the Horned Frogs stumbled to a 5-7 record last year, missing out on a bowl game. However, the departure of Oklahoma and Texas from the Big 12 conference could be a blessing in disguise for TCU. (they lost to both last season) With seven returning starters on offense and nine on defense, the Horned Frogs are poised to reclaim their position as a Big 12 contender.
The Matchup:
Our model, based on last season’s data, predicts a decisive 38-24 victory for TCU. Stanford’s recent struggles against top-tier competition suggest that they may be overwhelmed by TCU’s talent and experience. While the Cardinal may show some improvement under Taylor, it’s unlikely to be enough to overcome the Horned Frogs’ firepower.
Our Pick:
Considering TCU’s returning talent, their favorable conference landscape, and Stanford’s historical struggles, we’re confident in picking TCU to cover the -9 point spread. The Horned Frogs are primed for a bounce-back season, and this game could be a statement win for them.
TCU -9