TCU vs. Stanford odds: Early point spread released on Horned Frogs, Cardinal

TCU is set to tangle with Stanford in a clash of teams adjusting to their new conferences in 2024, as the Cardinal heads to the ACC and TCU remains in the new-look Big 12. Both are looking to make an early impression and the early point spread indicates that this season opener should afford that opportunity.

According to lines listed by FanDuel, the Horned Frogs will enter the game as a 9.5-point favorite over the Cardinal. The over/under point total is listed at 60.5 points.

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How to watch TCU vs. Stanford

Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
Channel: ESPN, FuboTV (streaming)
Location: Stanford, CA – Stanford Stadium

Just two years removed from a national title game appearance, TCU is looking to recover after taking a major step back during the 2023 campaign.

The Horned Frogs finished last season just 5-7, failing to make a bowl even. Has TCU had enough time to reload the roster after the exodus of talent following the title appearance? That could be the key to the 2024 campaign — and maybe covering the early point spread in the season opener.

At the very least, there are some quality answers. Quarterback Josh Hoover is back after taking over in the second half of the season last year. He’ll need to be on point to help get things going in the right direction.

But his appearances last year were promising. He threw for 2,206 yards in a little more than half a season, going for 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

Former Alabama running back Trey Sanders will help pace things in the backfield, along with returner Cam Cook. Can those playmakers do enough to help cover the early point spread?

On the other side, Stanford is coming off a 3-9 season in 2023 and hasn’t had a winning season since the abbreviated 2020 campaign. That’ll have to change if the Cardinal hopes to make any sort of tangible impact in the ACC.

Quarterback Ashton Daniels is back after throwing for 2,247 yards and 11 touchdowns last fall. He’s also a rushing threat, going for 296 yards and two touchdowns.

The challenge for Stanford will be replacing some key pieces that departed for the transfer portal, namely running back EJ Smith and tight end Ben Yurosek. That won’t be easy and is probably part of the reason the early point spread is as high as it is.

TCU and Stanford will kick off at 10:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, with a national broadcast on ESPN.