Two years ago, Jalen Hurts was the starting quarterback of an Alabama team well on its way to the National Championship Game. However, in that NCAA Football betting matchup against Georgia, Hurts was pulled. Tua Tagovailoa sparked an overtime comeback win in place of Hurts. Subsequently, Tua won the starting job. Jalen definitely has been feeling the Hurts ever since. He transferred to Oklahoma for the 2019 season. And has big shoes to fill. OU quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray won the last two Heisman Trophy awards. Now Hurts and Oklahoma will open the season against capable Houston.
Houston Cougars Vs. #4 Oklahoma Sooners
| Date and Time: | Sunday, September 1, 2019, 7:30 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Memorial Stadium, Norman, Oklahoma |
| Houston U Vs. Oklahoma TV Coverage: | ABC |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston U | +23½ (-110) | 83 (-110) | +1100 |  |
| Oklahoma | -23½ (-110) | 83 (-110) | -1700 | |
| ||||
Houston Cougars vs. Oklahoma Sooners Overview
Last season Oklahoma posted an NCAA Football Betting record of 12-2 straight up, 6-7-1 vs, the line, and 11-3 over the total. The defense was against the detriment that prevented playoff success for the Sooners. Houston’s record was 8-5 straight up, 6-7 against the spread and 9-4 over the total. Following a 70-14 annihilation at the hands of Army in their bowl game, the Cougars fired head coach Major Applewhite. Dana Holgorsen defected from West Virginia to take over.
Dirty Dana Doubletake
Fashion that Holgorsen did what few other coaches would ever dare do. He left a Power Five job for a Group of Five gigs. Holgorsen did OK at West Virginia, but never fully broke through. As an example, his record at Morgantown was 61-41 in seven seasons. The Mounties bowled six times. Their highest ranking was 18th in 2016 when they went 10-3. But Holgorsen sees Houston as a natural fit and aspiring P5 program. Specifically, he knows the Houston and Texas recruiting grounds quite well from past experience.
A Smooth Riding Lincoln
Oklahoma’s third-year head coach Lincoln Riley has proven to be a sportsbook asset. To show the Sooners have made the playoffs in both of his seasons. NFL teams constantly show up at his office for offensive advice. Namely, Alex Grinch arrives to tighten up a defense that has been a liability. Riley thinks any defensive improvement at all can mean a national title.
Houston Vs. Oklahoma ATS Stats
The Cougars are:
9-1-1 against the line as a road dog
4-1 over the total getting points away from home
11-3 with the odds as a double-digit road dog
1-6 under the total getting 10 or more points on the road
In games with Oklahoma 1-1 vs. the spread and with over under totals
The Sooners are:
11-4 against the odds as a home favorite
6-1-1 over the total laying points at Memorial Stadium
5-4 vs. the spread as a double-digit home chalk
6-1-1 over the total as a favorite of 10 or more points at home
In-home games with Houston 1-0 vs. the line and over the total
Houston Cougars vs. Oklahoma Sooners NCAA Football Betting Picks
Holgorsen knows Oklahoma well from his Big 12 conference days at West Virginia. However, Oklahoma’s depth and personnel is an NCAA Football Betting advantage.
Houston Vs. Oklahoma NCAA Football Betting Pick: Oklahoma Sooners
Houston Vs. Oklahoma NCAA Football Betting Score Prediction: Sooners 49, Cougars 20
Get Lincoln Riley’s read on the 2019 OU season!