Week 15 of the college football season features a couple of season-defining games, some of which include de facto bowl games for teams as their seasons end. Four of the games are rescheduled matchups, one even from all the way back in Steptember. Our staff is here to help you make sense of them.
The Dave Campbell's Texas Football staff has made its picks for all of the Texas college football matchups in Week 14. Our pickers include:
- College Football Insider Shehan Jeyarajah (@ShehanJeyarajah)
- Managing Editor Greg Tepper (@tepper)
- Texas Basketball/DCTF Editor Ishmael Johnson (@IshmaelRJohnson)
- Web Editor William Wilkerson (@WillieWilk23)
Without further ado, here are the Week 15 picks.
| Matchup | Shehan Jeyarajah | Greg Tepper | Ishmael Johnson | William Wilkerson |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Texas (-5.5) vs. UTEP | North Texas | UTEP | UTEP | North Texas |
| Houston (-2.5) at Memphis | Houston | Houston | Memphis | Memphis |
| Rice vs. UAB (-9) | Rice | Rice | UAB | Rice |
| TCU (-21.5) vs. Louisiana Tech | Louisiana Tech | TCU | TCU | Louisiana Tech |
| Baylor vs. Oklahoma State (-4.5) | Baylor | Oklahoma State | Baylor | Oklahoma State |
North Texas (-5.5) vs. UTEP
Why UNT will cover: "These are not the same two teams that played a 52-26 game last season. In many ways, they've been about the same level this year. That said, UTEP's going to be without four key defensive backs and hasn't played a football game in quite a while. This'll be an ugly game, but what will UTEP definitively do better than North Texas?" –Shehan Jeyarajah
Why UTEP will cover: "At times this season, North Texas has looked flat out bad. Defensively, in the passing game and rhythmically on offense, the Mean Green have been unconvincing. UTEP, on the other hand, have been very competitive in every game except UTSA this season and possess a Top 50 defensive line unit that’s at times played like a Top 30 unit. It’ll depend on what version of Gavin Hardison we get, but I’d take my chances on Jacob Cowing and Deion Hankins giving North Texas fits." –Ishmael Johnson
Our Picks
- JEYARAJAH: North Texas
- TEPPER: UTEP
- JOHNSON: UTEP
- WILKERSON: North Texas
Houston (-2.5) at Memphis
Why Houston will cover: "This hasn't been the season Houston hoped it would be and the players must be even more frustrated after losing three straight weeks of games. This is one last chance to face off against a great team – and Houston is built to do it. Houston's going to contain Memphis' running game, force some turnovers and the senior running backs are going to have the games of their lives." –Shehan Jeyarajah
Why Memphis will cover: "What has Houston done this season to suggest that the Cougars are worth confidently taking? Memphis has certainly struggled without a reliable run game to balance out the offense, but also taking into account that Houston’s coming off nearly a month off, that doesn’t sway me much from the Tigers. Prior to that time off, the Cougars needed a terrible USF team to get them out of a very unimpressive run of games against good competition. Give me the surer bet right now in Memphis." –Ishmael Johnson
Our Picks:
- JEYARAJAH: Houston
- TEPPER: Houston
- JOHNSON: Memphis
- WILKERSON: Memphis
Rice (+9) at UAB
Why Rice will cover: "There are pretty good reasons why this game shouldn't be played at all. According to reports, UAB might be down half of its scholarship players. We saw last week against Marshall, you have to bring your best game if you're going to beat Rice. And I get two extra scores as insurance? Easy choice." –Shehan Jeyarajah
Why UAB will cover: "I think last week was, as Mike Bloomgren put it, a perfect proof-of-concept win. But a lot of what went right for Rice vs Marshall is unsustainable. Insanely good turnover luck, an offense that did just enough to keep the ball away and good field position swings. With the status of Austin Trammel and Michael Collins up in the air, it’s hard to ask them to do that again against a team with everything to play for in UAB. JoVoni Johnson will probably be good in the future, but he won’t win another game throwing for less than 90 yards." –Ishmael Johnson
Our Picks:
- JEYARAJAH: Rice
- TEPPER: Rice
- JOHNSON: UAB
- WILKERSON: Rice
TCU (-21.5) vs. Louisiana Tech
Why TCU will cover: "TCU’s offense has been…bad. That much we know. But Louisiana Tech’s offense and defense have both been worse! The Bulldogs might be the most baffling 5-3 team in the nation since they almost do nothing well. They’re bottom 25 in both offensive and defensive SP+. Now, don’t expect the Horned Frogs to come out with vertical passing concepts but I do anticipate Gary Patterson’s defense shutting down any chance Luke Anthony and company have of making this competitive and TCU’s offense, which has shown signs of explosiveness, to do thoroughly control this game." –Ishmael Johnson
Why Louisiana Tech will cover: "Here's a list of teams TCU has beaten by more than 21 points over the past two seasons: Kansas. Arkansas-Pine Bluff. That's it. That's the list. Louisiana Tech hasn't been great, but why should we believe TCU will be consistent offensively long enough to ensure a four-score win? We shouldn't!" –Shehan Jeyarajah
Our Picks:
- JEYARAJAH: Louisiana Tech
- TEPPER: TCU
- JOHNSON: TCU
- WILKERSON: Louisiana Tech
Baylor vs. Oklahoma State (-4.5)
Why Baylor will cover: "Baylor hasn't been especially good or reliable or consistent all year long. So what? I'm taking the Bears. Baylor is surging defensively and has had a chance to win each of the past four games. On the other side, Oklahoma State is limping its way to the end of the season and has nothing to play for. They've been a disappointment. This is a moment for Baylor and they'll take full advantage." –Shehan Jeyarajah
Why Oklahoma State will cover: "Oklahoma State is 0-5 ATS in their last 5 conference games, so why the hell would I pick them to cover, especially at a place they haven’t won at since 2009? Because I’m crazy and like losing money." –William Wilkerson
Our Picks:
- JEYARAJAH: Baylor
- TEPPER: Oklahoma State
- JOHNSON: Baylor
- Wilkerson: Oklahoma State
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