No. 8 Utah State will face No. 9 TCU on Friday, March 22 (9:55 p.m. ET), with the winner likely earning a date with No. 1 Purdue in the second round of the men’s NCAA Tournament.
Who has the edge? Read on as we break down the best picks and identify the best Round 1 March Madness betting promos to use for this matchup.
📈 Utah State vs. TCU Odds
Utah State-TCU lines were found at BetMGM Sportsbook on Friday around 7:30 p.m. ET:
- Moneyline: TCU (-185), Utah State (+150)
- Spread: TCU -3.5 (-115), Utah State +3.5 (-105)
- Total points: Over 149.5 (-110), Under 149.5 (-110)
TCU sputtered down the stretch, dropping five of its final eight games, including a Big 12 quarterfinal to Houston. Utah State, on the other hand, seemed to be rounding into form before a loss to San Diego State, ended its six-game winning streak.
Nevertheless, as we’ve seen in the metrics, these teams are fairly similar. The Horned Frogs are ranked 33rd in KenPom, a mere 15 spots ahead of the Aggies. Both are top 50 offensively and have high-level big men but lack the consistency needed to be real threats in March.
This is shaping up to be a classic 8/9 game, with both sides trading blows in the paint well into the second half. Oddsmakers seem to agree, pricing the Horned Frogs are modest 4.5-point favorites.
🔮 Utah State vs. TCU Prediction
TCU 75, Utah State 71
Utah State’s Great Osobor is a load in the paint at 6-foot-8, 250 pounds, possessing the skill set needed to wreck games on a whim. Averaging 18 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.5 blocks, Osobor will cause TCU fits.
However, the Horned Frogs’ Emanuel Miller should prevent him from taking over. The 6-foot-7 Miller’s ability to body up Osobor could turn this into a wrestling match in the paint, which would amplify the need to find more ways to score.
These teams are nearly identical offensively, with Utah State ranking 39th in efficiency and TCU 44th, but the Horned Frogs tend to have a few more options from deep. Thus, I’m siding with Jamie Dixon’s team in a close one.
✅ Utah State vs. TCU Best Bet
Utah State +3.5 (-105)
bet365 Sportsbook • 1 Unit
TCU is 19-14 ATS, compared to only 14-15-2 for Utah State, yet I can’t help but back the Aggies as the better play.
Utah State didn’t get to play the kind of competition that TCU saw on a regular basis in the Big 12, but when it did, it generally rose to the occasion. The Aggies have nine combined Quad 1 and 2 wins, including a victory over No. 24 San Diego State.
Statistically, these teams are comparable on practically every metric, which I suppose is what you’d expect from an 8/9 game.
Based on this spread, Utah State remains a tad undervalued.
💰 Utah State vs. TCU Betting Promos
There’s nothing quite like the first Thursday and Friday of March Madness. How can you beat watching 32 matchups in a 36-hour window? Try wagering some cold hard cash on some of these matchups using the awesome sportsbook promotions below.
BetMGM Utah State-TCU March Madness Promo
BetMGM’s Bet & Get gives new users $150 in bonus bets whether their first wager wins or loses — using the promo code LWOS.
Since you’ll get your bet back anyway if it loses, how about taking a slight underdog like Utah State to win outright?
To take advantage of this offer, sign up and make your first deposit of at least $10. Initial wagers must be at least $5 to qualify.
bet365 Utah State-TCU March Madness Promo
With the promo code LWOSBONUS, bet365 Sportsbook is giving new users the opportunity to pick between the promo of their choosing for March Madness:
- Bet $5, Get $150
- $1,000 First Bet Safety Net
Bettors who select the first option will receive $150 in bonus bets when they place their first wager of $5 or more on any market. Like BetMGM, they’ll receive the bonus credits regardless of whether they win or lose.
Those who select the second option will receive a bonus bet up to $1,000 if their original wager loses.
Do you trust TCU to cover as a 4.5-point favorite? Now’s a good time to take advantage of one of these bet365 promos. When you sign up, use bet365 bonus code LWOSBONUS and then choose the offer of your choice.
📋 How To Claim Utah State vs. TCU Betting Promos
Go through the general steps of how to claim the new user promotions at any sportsbook.
- Locate your preferred Utah State vs. TCU March Madness sportsbook and welcome offer.
- Sign up by providing accurate personal information and banking details.
- Deposit however much you want — especially if it’s the minimum amount to claim any bonus rewards. (Some sportsbooks require bettors to deposit a minimum as low as $5 to qualify.)
- Make your first wager for March Madness in eligible Utah State vs. TCU markets.
- Check after your bet settles win or loss to make sure your bonus funds arrived in your account.
