Vegas Play of the Day: TCU at SMU

Fri, Sep 7, 2018 (10:13 a.m.)

The fifth season of the annual Play of the Day betting competition between the Sun’s sports staff is now under way, effective July 1.

Bankrolls start at $10,000 for each of the four participants, with the objective to increase it as much as possible over the next year. The minimum daily wager is $300, with a $200 penalty assessed for failing to place a bet on an assigned day.

Past winners are Case Keefer in 2017-2018, Ray Brewer in 2016-2017 and 2015-2016, and Taylor Bern in 2014-2015.

TCU minus-22 at SMU: $330 to win $300

I’m not exactly thrilled with laying more than three touchdowns on the road with a young team, but this is the only football game on the board. And this is the only bet on the only football game on the board that I think may have any value at all.

I came into the season looking for spots to bet TCU, because it looks like an underrated team. Sophomore quarterback Shawn Robinson will be a household name by the end of the year, and the Horned Frogs are loaded on defense.

They’re so strong on defense that I don’t trust SMU to score more than two touchdowns, which killed any thoughts of taking the over 59 points. I project TCU for 40 to 49 points, but SMU may need garbage time to uphold its end of the bargain.

That’s strange to say for a Sonny Dykes-coached team, but SMU really struggled in a season-opening 43-26 loss to North Texas as 3.5-point underdogs. It looks like a bet-against until Dykes starts to figure things out.

Combine that with TCU being a bet-on, and there’s no escaping this play. It would be better to sit out this game totally, but left with no choice, I’ll hope TCU rewards my preseason enthusiasm.

Current Standings: Keefer (9-5, $11,118), Grimala (6-3, $10,100), Granger (4-3, $9,225), Brewer (3-7, $7,000)

Case Keefer can be reached at 702-948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.

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