The No. 1 team in the nation is about to take the field in the eighth-largest stadium in the world, and even with the home crowd rooting against them, they are favored in the matchup.
The No. 1 Texas Longhorns and the No. 14 Tennessee Volunteers are set to play in their first SEC game of the season, and after a strong start to the season, including a win over then-No. 1 Ohio State, the Horns are expected to defeat the home team.
READ MORE: Texas vs. Tennessee: How to watch, weather, injuries, odds, announcers, and more
And, with Hollywood Smothers now listed as probable, the odds are right back to where they started at the beginning of the week.
Texas Longhorns vs. Tennessee Volunteers line, spread, and total
Vegas oddsmakers expect it to be close, but they do expect the Horns to walk away with nearly a touchdown advantage over the Vols.
- Spread: -5.5 Texas, +5.5 Tennessee
- Moneyline: -196 Texas, +162 Tennessee
- Over/Under: +/-54.5 points
Texas is favored by just 5.5 points, with the point total set at 54.5 points, which is a relatively large point total for such a small spread.
When it comes to the moneyline, one would have to bet $196 on the Horns winning to walk away with a $100 profit. However, if someone wanted to bet on the upset, they could put $100 on the Vols and walk away with a $162 profit.
Odds are courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Hollywood Smothers listed as "probable" has everyone favoring Texas again
Running back Hollywood Smothers was listed as questionable throughout the week, missing two days of practice with a reported ankle injury.
However, on Friday evening, Texas released its latest availability report, and Smothers was upgraded to "probable," giving the Horns that one-two punch in the backfield with him and fellow tailback Raleek Brown running the rock.
So, with Smothers likely suiting up to play against the Vols, one could easily assume it will be easier for the Horns to get downfield and into the end zone.
All of that being said, the biggest test will come at the line of scrimmage. Tennessee's defensive line is one of the best in the country, earning the third-most sacks through the first three games. Texas's offensive line has been the best in the country, protecting quarterback Arch Manning unlike any other team in the nation.
Unfortunately, I expect this game to be uncomfortably close and come down to the wire. However, I do expect our Longhorns to walk away victorious.
Final score prediction: Texas 24, Tennessee 17
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