Jackson State vs. Texas NCAA Betting Picks: December 27th Prediction and Odds

After the holiday, college basketball is easing back into play as teams return from break, starting off with a trickledown of games played into opening rounds of conference play this weekend in some of the biggest slates of the entire year.

In our first game back from the holiday weekend, the Jackson State Tigers take on the Texas Longhorns in the lone game of the evening.

Texas is one of the handful of remaining undefeated teams in Division 1, entering the night 12-0 and ranked 5th in the country.

Jackson State enters at 5-5, but have played one of the most rigorous schedules in the country, 3rd hardest per basketball reference's strength of schedule metric.

The game will be played at the Moody Center, home of the Longhorns, and Texas is by far the favorite. However, this Jackson State team is much better than record indicates, and I'd envision a closer affair than the books currently predict. Below is my prediction and picks for the matchup! Odds courtesy of DraftKings.

• Game Date: Wednesday, December 27th
• Game Time: 8pm EST
• Spread: Texas -38.5
• Moneyline: N/a
• Scoring Total: O/U 139.5 points
• Location: Moody Center in Austin, Texas
• TV Channel: Longhorn Network & Watch ESPN

Our Jackson State vs Texas Betting Picks and Prediction

Jackson State to Cover the Spread

• Texas is potent offensively, but has largely been able to thrive forcing turnovers and playing in transition. Jackson State is the first team they'll play that brings similar size to the court, particularly in the frontcourt.
• I would still expect a strong showing from Texas, but the Tigers have given every Power 5 team they've played trouble outside of the Kansas State game.
• Jackson State is now healthy with Daphane White back in the fold, crucial to their depth and size at the center position.

Total Points Over 139.5

• Texas has not played a game under 140 points since Thanksgiving.
• Both teams thrive on forcing turnovers, each well above average in turnovers generated, both in blocks and steals.
• Both teams score the majority of their points in the paint: the rebounding and paint battle is significant, and more possessions will be abundant if shots are missed from the outside.