TCU still seeking committee’s respect

Not much has changed for Texas Christian coach Gary Patterson. He still has one of the top teams in college football, but it's not one of the top four.

The best news for Patterson? Trevone Boykin and one good month can change the storyline this time.

The Horned Frogs (8-0) are No. 8 in the College Football Playoff rankings, one season after they got the cold shoulder from the voting committee. A wild November full of marquee matchups will determine the Big 12 Conference's playoff fate.

One of the most intriguing games on Saturday's schedule is TCU at Oklahoma State, which is 8-0 and ranked 14th. It's obvious the Horned Frogs have an exciting offense. Boykin, a dual-threat senior quarterback, has passed for 28 touchdowns and rushed for six. Josh Doctson has 71 receptions, including 14 for touchdowns.

On the other hand, the Cowboys have been flying under the radar. After a slow start, Oklahoma State's offense is clicking on all cylinders, averaging 64 points in the past two games.

Luckily for the Horned Frogs, this game kicks off in the afternoon at Boone Pickens Stadium, so it won't be a rowdier late-night crowd. TCU is a 5-point favorite, and the total is 76½. I'm surprised the total is not in the 80s.

But this might be the best defense the Horned Frogs have faced. In the season opener, TCU struggled against Minnesota, and could a similar fate await Boykin?

If you want to take the revenge factor into consideration, TCU spanked the Cowboys 42-9 last season. If the Big 12 referees don't bail out the Horned Frogs too many times, I expect a close game.

TCU is 17-6 against the spread in its past 23 games, but 2-5 ATS in its past seven on the road. There are several things to factor into your handicapping should you decide to lay or take the points.

Also in the Big 12, Texas Tech is an 8-point underdog at West Virginia. Both teams are unranked, but both offenses can score against mediocre defenses, so the total is 80. The Red Raiders were rolling against Oklahoma State in the first half last week, but the Cowboys came roaring back to win 70-53.

Oklahoma has one loss, and it was a bad one to Texas. The Sooners have bounced back impressively and are 25½-point home favorites over Iowa State. They need a statement game to keep alive their chances of winning the conference title over Baylor or TCU, should each team lose a game.

Texas, after a humiliating shutout loss at Iowa State, is a 28½-point favorite over winless Kansas in the league's pillow fight of the week.

Hottie threesome

Each week, I recommend a three-team underdog parlay. I call it my "Hottie threesome," and I also parlay the teams on the money line (Home team in CAPS):

* Duke (+8, +250) over NORTH CAROLINA — The Blue Devils were robbed in a thrilling last-second loss to Miami, but I don't think they will back down. Duke is 11-3 straight up in its past 14 in the underdog role.

* Louisiana State (+6½, +230) over ALABAMA — Tide quarterback Jacob Coker is good for an interception — he has averaged one per game this season. Alabama coach Nick Saban has failed to cover the number in the past eight games in Tuscaloosa. LSU coach Les Miles is 6-2 ATS off a bye. Tigers running back Leonard Fournette could struggle with the Tide front seven, but the upset is a real possibility.

* PITTSBURGH (+8½, +280) over Notre Dame — I love to bet against the Irish this season. The Panthers have been great against the number when facing Notre Dame, going 4-1-1 ATS in the past six matchups.

NFL best bet

* PATRIOTS (-14) over Redskins — Tom Brady and the Patriots are on a mission to prove something. Look for New England, 7-0 with a plus-116 point differential, to roll the Redskins.

Kelly Stewart of Kellyinvegas.com is a sports betting columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Follow her on Twitter: @kellyinvegas