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

Nathan Cross gives his prediction for the game, and whether or whether not the frogs cover the spread.

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.

I finally got close on one of my predictions last week. I am super proud of the way TCU played against Baylor. They showed signs of life and improvement, which is a huge relief as a Horned Frog fan. 

The TCU coaching staff is excited after the Frogs score against Baylor in Week 12.  :: Brian McLean, On Assignment Photo/KillerFrogs

Josh Hoover just proved that he has what it takes to be TCU's future quarterback. He and Jared Wiley put on a clinic against Baylor, which was absolutely electric.

This week, Oklahoma is favored to win by 10.5 points with an over/under of 63.5. I have gotten almost every prediction wrong. However, what I saw from TCU against Baylor has me really excited. So, let's examine why TCU will cover the spread and why I am taking the over for the game against OU. Here are a few reasons to back up my opinion.

Why TCU Will Beat The Spread Over OU

Josh Hoover has continued to improve

Josh Hoover is coming off the best game of his young career, completing 24 out of 29 passes for 412 yards. Hoover also did not turn the ball over, which was huge for the Frogs. Baylor seemed to have no answer for Hoover and Jared Wiley. If he can roll this performance over to Friday's game, the Horned Frogs will challenge the Sooners. 

Josh Hoover runs it in for a touchdown :: Tony Beblowski/KillerFrogs

Dillon Gabriel is dealing with an injury

Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel suffered an upper body injury last game that sidelined him the rest of the game vs. BYU. Brent Venables said Gabriel is progressing and has a good chance of playing on Friday. However, the Frogmust be prepared forth Gabriel and Jackson Arnold. This will be challenging, because OU will have a different game plan if Arnold starts. It could also play in the Frogs' favor because the Sooners could not be fully prepared with all the moving pieces happening on their team.

OU has been skating by with wins

Besides just a few games, OU has been badly pulling off wins, especially within the last six games, where they have only had one convincing win over West Virginia. The rest of the games have been won by one score. If TCU can stay close through the first half, they will have an excellent opportunity to win this game.

TCU has been known to ruin teams' chances

Just ask 2021 Baylor, who had a chance to potentially get into the College Football Playoffs, when TCU came out of nowhere to ruin their chances. The Frogs find a way to make things happen and seem to play harder when other teams' seasons are on the line.

TCU is bowl eligible with a win

It's really simple. If TCU wins, they become bowl eligible. If TCU loses, they finish the season 5-7. The Frogs will have some extra fight in them with the desire not to end the season with this game. Win or lose, I am super proud of this team for continuing to fight hard through hard times and constant criticism. They have kept this season somewhat intact, and we need to all cheer them on one more time on Friday.

TCU wide receiver Jared Wiley with another huge TCU reception against Baylor :: Brian McLean, On Assignment Photo/KillerFrogs

TCU wins this game 42-38 with all the factors mentioned. I have been wrong, but I have faith they can do it again against the Sooners in Norman. I think Josh Hoover is going to be something very special for TCU. He has what it takes to be elite. Again, this is just my opinion; anything could happen. Regardless, there are good things to take away from this season.

TCU Football Week 13 Opponent Preview: Oklahoma Sooners

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