Texas Tech vs Washington State Prediction, Odds, and Pick for Week 2 of College Football

It’s time to continue our college football odds series with a Texas Tech-Washington State prediction and pick. Find out how to watch Texas Tech-Washington State.

The Texas Tech Red Raiders and Washington State Cougars played two of the most entertaining games of Week 1 of the college football season. Surprisingly, both Tech and Wazzu played games in which at least 100 combined points were scored. Tech beat FCS side Abilene Christian by one point, 52-51. The Red Raiders won in overtime, with Abilene Christian’s failed conversion attempt after a touchdown being the difference. Washington State scored 70 points in a 40-point win over Portland State. Washington State saw quarterback Cam Ward transfer to the Miami Hurricanes and perform well in his season opener in Florida last weekend. WSU needed a good replacement at the quarterback position. John Mateer could be the candidate. Mateer guided Washington State to a 70-point explosion. He looked completely comfortable on the field, a great sign for head coach Jake Dickert, who is trying to lead Washington State to bigger and better things after the demise of the Pac-12 and the dispersion of its teams nationally.

A week after Texas Tech played a 103-point game and Washington State played a 100-point game, it will be very interesting to see if either of these teams’ defenses can step up and be considered. If Week 1 had plenty of rough edges, Week 2 needs to smooth out those spots so the Lubbock Red Raiders and Pullman Cougars can have 2024 seasons worthy of their talent, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

Here are the Texas Tech-Washington State college football odds, courtesy of FanDuel.

College Football Odds: Texas Tech-Washington State Odds

Texas Tech: +1.5 (-105)

Money line: +105

Washington State: -1.5 (-115)

Money line: -126

Over: 65.5 (-114)

Under: 65.5 (-106)

How to watch Texas Tech vs Washington State

Time: 10pm Eastern/7pm Pacific

Television: Fox

Streaming: fuboTV (Free Trial)

Why Texas Tech could cover the spread and win

The Red Raiders will look at Washington State’s defense (which gave up 30 points to Portland State) and gain confidence in what they’re doing. Texas Tech will evaluate Wazzu’s defense and come to the conclusion that the Red Raiders will be able to score virtually any time they have the ball. If Washington State gave up 30 points to Portland State (an FCS team), just wait until Wazzu has to face a Big 12 offense with a Big 12 quarterback. The Cougars could get blown out by at least 50 points, if not more. Washington State would have a hard time winning a video game-style shootout like that (if, of course, it ever happened).

Why Washington State Could Cover the Spread and Win

John Mateer was a quarterback who flew under the radar during the offseason. Now, there’s absolutely none of that about this guy. After dazzling and helping WSU score 70 points against Portland State, Mateer has become the main focus of Texas Tech’s defensive game plan. Given that Mateer had to fill a very important role in the person of Cam Ward, WSU’s quarterback in 2023, the composure with which he played in his first game of 2024 was remarkable. If this is the version of Mateer that will show up against Texas Tech, Washington State is going to win and cover.

Texas Tech-Washington State Game Prediction and Final Pick

We love John Mateer pitching against a poor Texas Tech defense. Take Washington State for example.

Prediction and final pick for Texas Tech-Washington State: Washington State -1.5