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Texas Tech Huge Favorite, Can ACU Cover 42.5?
6 Sep
Summary
- Texas Tech is a 42.5-point favorite in their season opener.
- Abilene Christian lost their first game 21-14 at Lamar.
- The last meeting in 2024 went into overtime, Texas Tech won 52-51.
Texas Tech begins its 2026 season as a formidable 42.5-point favorite against Abilene Christian on Saturday night. The Red Raiders are looking to build on their 2025 success, which included a Big 12 championship and a No. 7 final AP ranking.
Despite losing key players to the draft and portal, Texas Tech's defense remains a strong suit, leading the nation in yards per play allowed in 2025. Junior quarterback Will Hammond will make his fourth career start. Abilene Christian enters the game 0-1 after a narrow 21-14 loss to Lamar, where they outgained their opponent but struggled with penalties and turnovers.
In their last encounter on August 31, 2024, Texas Tech narrowly defeated Abilene Christian 52-51 in overtime. The betting line of -42.5 for the Red Raiders suggests expectations of a dominant performance, though Abilene Christian, ranked in the FCS preseason polls and coached by former Texas Tech defensive coordinator Keith Patterson, could pose a challenge.
The total for Saturday's game is set at 59.5 points. Both teams aim to start their season strong, with Texas Tech seeking to replicate its previous success and Abilene Christian looking to make a statement against a highly-ranked opponent.
