TCU rides second wind

First of all, the Horned Frogs will try to jump on UNLV in a Mountain West Conference matchup today in Fort Worth, Texas, and the teams are headed in opposite directions.

Although not deserved, TCU was labeled as a possible Bowl Championship Series buster in the preseason, but those hopes were extinguished with losses to Texas and Air Force.

The Horned Frogs, however, have caught a second wind in their past two games and received a jolt of energy a couple of weeks ago when standout defensive end Tommy Blake rejoined the team after missing much of the season for undisclosed reasons.

TCU is 35-16 against the spread over its past 51 home games, and the Rebels are 3-9 versus the number as road underdogs under coach Mike Sanford.

UNLV also is 9-19-1 against the spread off a straight-up loss. I recommend taking the Horned Frogs and laying the 171/2 points.

Other selections for today (home team in CAPS):

• West Virginia (-6) over CINCINNATI — The Mountaineers looked anything but invincible last week in their 38-31 victory over disappointing Louisville. That performance, however, is another reason to bet West Virginia since it has been a consistent moneymaker in recent seasons under coach Rich Rodriguez.

The Mountaineers are 18-8 against the spread in their past 26 games and 15-5 as road favorites in their past 20 in that role.

• BOISE STATE (-331/2) over Idaho — Boise State’s offensive machine is starting to roll, and the bottom-feeding Vandals would appear to be just the opponent for another Broncos blowout. Idaho is 1-9 against the spread in its past 10 conference games.

Don’t be afraid to lay the points. Boise State has covered its past four games when favored by 31 points or more and is 32-12-1 against the spread in its past 45 games as a home favorite.

• WASHINGTON STATE (-3) over Oregon State — The Beavers are expected to be without three members of their starting secondary for the first half of today’s game in Pullman, Wash. Those players are being disciplined for their role in last weekend’s skirmish between members of the Oregon State and Washington teams.

Oregon State, which will be starting backup Lyle Moevao at quarterback again this week, is 4-9 against the spread in its past 13 games as an away underdog. Cougars quarterback Alex Brink should be able to exploit the Beavers’ makeshift secondary during the first two quarters.

• Central Florida (-121/2) over SOUTHERN METHODIST — The Mustangs, whose defense has been riddled with injuries, have allowed seven opposing running backs to rush for more than 100 yards this season. Tulane’s Matt Forte did in the Mustangs by running for 342 yards.

Now Southern Methodist has to face Central Florida tailback Kevin Smith, who has 1,768 yards rushing and a good shot at topping 2,000 this season.

• North Carolina State (+6) over WAKE FOREST — Demon Deacons coach Jim Grobe gets a lot done with little talent. One thing Grobe has not accomplished is bringing home the money when his team is favored. Wake Forest is 5-16 against the spread in its past 21 games as a favorite and 5-13 versus the number in November.

North Carolina State has continued to be a profitable underdog play under first-year coach Tom O’Brien. The Wolfpack has covered 21 of 29 games as a ‘dog.

• Louisiana-Monroe-ALABAMA (Over 54) — With John Parker Wilson at quarterback, the Crimson Tide has averaged 37 points per game at home this season.

Alabama figures to score more than its home average against Sun Belt Conference member Louisiana-Monroe, which has allowed an average of 46.3 points per game against its past 17 BCS conference opponents.

Last week: 4-1 against the spread

Season: 25-32-2

Texas-based handicapper Paul Stone of Vegas Sports Authority (vegassportsauthority.com) is providing weekly college football analysis for the Review-Journal this season.