TCU football shoots to big favorite over SMU after early betting action
Bettors couldn’t wait to get their money down on the TCU football team to beat SMU.
The Horned Frogs opened as 4.5-point favorites at Circa Sports in Las Vegas for Saturday’s 11 a.m. showdown with the Mustangs at Amon G. Carter Stadium.
A few hours later, TCU had risen to a 7-point favorite. The total — the combined points scored by both teams — had dropped to 63 after opening at 65.
The matchup comes after both teams turned in ho-hum victories over FCS opponents on Saturday.
TCU (2-0) built a 28-0 halftime lead en route to a 42-21 victory over Abilene Christian in the Horned Frogs’ home opener. TCU failed to cover as a 37.5-point favorite; the total went over 56.5.
SMU (2-1) trailed Missouri State 10-0 after the first quarter before rebounding for a 28-10 road win.
The Mustangs crushed TCU 66-42 last season in Dallas.
Circa Sports caters to sharp bettors
Circa is usually the first sportsbook to open college football betting lines each week during the season, drawing in action from the sharpest bettors in the world.
Their early support for TCU suggests Horned Frogs fans might enjoy Saturday’s outcome, the last Battle for the Iron Skillet, at least for now.
TCU’s Big 12 title odds updated
The Horned Frogs now have the third-best odds to win the Big 12 at DraftKings at +650, trailing only Texas Tech (+350) and Utah (+380),
TCU started the season with the sixth-best odds at +850 at DraftKings.
TCU’s national title odds updated
The Horned Frogs are down to 120-1 to win the College Football Playoff national title at DraftKings after starting the season at 250-1.
Ohio State is the 6-1 favorite, followed by Oregon and Penn State at 7-1.
TCU is still 250-1 to win the national title at Circa.
This story was originally published September 14, 2025 at 5:41 PM.
