Cincinnati vs TCU Prediction, Preview, Betting Lines

Originally posted on College Football News
By Pete Fiutak | Last updated Nov 26, 2025 9:59 PM ET

This wasn't where Cincinnati was hoping to be, considering where it was a few weeks ago.

At 7-1, it was deep in the mix for the Big 12 Championship, and then came the roasting at Utah, losses to Arizona and BYU, and now it's about trying to close strong.

After winning eight games over the previous two seasons, getting to eight before the bowl game would be terrific.

TCU is also 7-4, but it's coming off a strong win at Houston to make some noise of its own after two straight losses ended its Big 12 title hopes.

Cincinnati vs TCU Preview

How To Watch Cincinnati vs TCU

Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: FOX
Location: Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, TX

Why Cincinnati Will Win

The problem is fixable.

The Bearcat offense worked just fine over the three-game losing streak, and the defense didn't get destroyed. The turnovers, though, were the killer.

There's a fine line when it comes to the Bearcats. They have a slight penalty problem, but the offense has overcome the flags. Just don't give the ball away.

Cincinnati turned it over seven times over the last three games, and is 0-4 when giving it up multiple times on the season. It's 7-0 when it doesn't.

TCU doesn't run well, and it doesn't control the clock at all, but ....

Nov 22, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Josh Hoover (10) passes the ball during the first quarter against the Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium. © Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Why TCU Will Win

TCU takes the ball away at home.

The offense gets the publicity with one of the nation's best high-powered passing games, but the defense takes its game up a few notches when it's in Amon G with 13 of the 18 takeaways at home.

When the Horned Frogs hold up against the run, great things happen.

They haven't played too many teams that can pound the ball, but last week against Houston was the first time anyone other than Arizona State had any real success on the ground against the D, and it lost.

TCU is 5-0 when allowing fewer than 145 rushing yards, but Cincinnati will run for more than that. As long as the Horned Frogs are coming up with the occasional third down stop, they'll be okay, because ...

Cincinnati vs TCU Prediction, Betting Lines

Cincinnati ran wild on Utah, Nebraska, and Arizona, and it lost all three games;

Again, TCU is a different team at home, and it should be able to hold up late in a tight battle with big plays coming at a premium until both offenses open it up in the second half.

TCU 31, Cincinnati 27
Line: TCU -3.5, o/u: 57.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2.5
Must See Rating: 3

Consensus Line from BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. 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.

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This article first appeared on College Football News and was syndicated with permission.

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