Crossing the Goal Line: Predicting the TCU vs Colorado Football Game

Editors Note:
"Crossing the Goal Line" is a weekly column by Nathan Cross in which he predicts the upcoming TCU game. He looks at the point spread, the over/under, and makes a prediction. This is his opinion and should not be taken as betting advice.

TCU is favored to win by 20.5 points with an over/under of 63.5. Let's look at why TCU will cover the spread and why I am taking the over for the game against Colorado. Here are six reasons to back up my opinion.

Why TCU Will Beat The Spread Over Colorado

Reason #1: This is Coach Deion Sanders' first season at Colorado

It is very challenging to turn a program around in just one season. Yes, It is possible, just ask Coach Sonny Dykes. Colorado's new coach,h Deion Sanders, has been around football his whole life playing and coaching. He has brought programs back to life, and I think he will do so while at Colorado. However, I think it will take more time than just one season. But the good news for Colorado fans is that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Reason #2: It is going to be HOT...

There is no question this is one of the hottest starts to college football in Texas in quite some time. Looking ahead to Saturday's forecast, it will be around 101 F in the afternoon and about 95 F at game time. That is some intense heat that Colorado has likely not seen. With Colorado's lack of depth in their roster, their players will be tired. The Frogs will be tired, too, but having multiple players at each position will surely help. This is another reason why I am confident in TCU covering the spread. But in all seriousness, the coaches must be extremely careful with their players. And if you are traveling from Colorado to watch, the same goes for you. Be careful; this heat is no joke.

Reason #3: Almost a whole new roster

Colorado only has ten returning scholarship players this season. It is practically a clean slate for the team. The potential downside is that the team has not formed enough chemistry together. TCU has 11 returning starters, which is not a lot. However, Coach Dykes and the rest of the coaching staff did a great job in the transfer portal to fill and add depth to this roster. I think TCU has a deeper roster overall, which will allow the players to get the rest they need. This is especially important with this heat in Texas.

Reason #4:TCU is trying to pick up where they left off

After coming off of a historic season, TCU will have something to play for. They will be looking to replicate the success they had last year. The Frogs did lose a lot of key players, such as Kendre Miller, Max Duggan, and Quentin Johnston. However, they did gain a lot of talent through the portal. I think Chandler Morris is ready to be the next leader of this team and get the Frogs back to where they were last season. I think the Frogs will come into this game knowing their goal, and I think it will be too much of Colorado to handle.

Reason #5: TCU has added depth

The Frogs have added a lot of talented depth to the roster. This gives the starters more rest, which is especially important with this heat. This is one of the biggest things that sets TCU apart from Colorado. The Buffs will have to match TCU's physicality, which I just don't see happening.

Reason #6: TCU dominated Colorado last season

The Frogs put it to the Buffs last season, and yes, it is a new season. But did Colorado get that much better? I just don't see it. I could be totally wrong, but in my opinion, I think the Frogs will look to score a lot once again.

I think TCU wins this game 43-21 with all the factors mentioned, and it being Coach Primes' first game. I think it will just be tough for Colorado in the end. Again, this is just my opinion; anything could happen. Check out fellow KillerFrogs writer Brett Gibbons' Opponent Preview article for more information on Colorado.

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Visit Buffs Beat, Colorado's FanNation site, to see what they are saying about the upcoming game with TCU.