Texas vs Houston Preview: Lopsided Game Predicted in Lone Star State

The No. 8 Texas Longhorns make the 2.5-hour bus ride to Houston on Saturday to face the Cougars in a Big 12 Conference game. The Longhorns are taking the field for the first time since their loss to Oklahoma, while the Cougars are back after connecting on their last-play ‘Hail Mary’ to defeat West Virginia. The Texas vs Houston preview has the Longhorns as 23.5-point road favorites. The total in the game is at 61 points.

Texas Defense Out to Make Statement

The Texas Longhorns had a week to regroup after losing to Oklahoma and look to right the ship against Houston. The game features one of the best teams in the Big 12 Conference against one of the worst. But Texas still has to come out and take care of business here.

The Longhorns are strong offensively, averaging 35 points against teams allowing 24.7. Texas is solid on the ground, averaging 185.8 yards per game. But the Longhorns are better through the air, averaging 300 yards per game and 9.3 yards per pass attempt. Texas runs the ball 38.7 times and throws 32.2, which is enough of a balance to keep the opposition guessing.

The Texas vs Houston preview notes the Longhorns are allowing 16.3 points per game to teams averaging 31.6. The Longhorns are strong against the run, allowing 3.4 yards per carry and hold the opposition to 54.9% passing. Texas is allowing 323.3 total yards and 5.0 yards per play. The Longhorns are No. 20 in the NCAAF rankings in total defense. After allowing 34 points to the Sooners, the Texas defense will look for a big performance against Houston.

Cougars Riding High After Last-Play Victory

Just when it looked as though the Houston Cougars gave away the game to West Virginia, they scored on the game’s final play to take a 41-39 win over the Mountaineers. West Virginia dominated the stats, but the Cougars hung around and grabbed the victory as 3-point home underdogs. Houston’s stats aren’t bad, but that doesn’t cut it in the Big 12 Conference, where you have to be good each week.

The Cougars are 3-3 straight-up and against the college football betting lines. Houston averages 29.7 points against teams, allowing 25.2, so it’s hard to knock the offense. Houston runs the ball halfway decent and is a pretty good passing team. The Cougars throw for 276.3 yards per game and complete 65.3 of their passes. The Cougars throw a little bit more than they run, which is where the team has most of its success.

It’s the Houston defense that you have to worry about. The Cougars allow teams 31.3 points per game, averaging 27.6 points. Houston has allowed 36 or more points four times in its six college football games, which doesn’t bode well against the high-powered Texas offense.

What to Expect

Texas’ title dreams took a major hit last time it took the field. But all the Longhorns can do is focus on the next game. Texas has played one of the toughest NCAA football schedules, with the Sagarin ratings giving the Longhorns the No. 5 schedule in the nation. The Longhorns should come out with some fire for this one. Texas has already defeated to of its instate rivals, and Houston will be No. 3.

Texas should be able to move the ball on the ground or through the air, as Houston isn’t strong with either. The Longhorns like to run more than they pass, and there’s no reason why they’d look to do anything different here.

The Cougars will come fired up after the win against West Virginia. But that momentum should disappear pretty quickly after getting a taste of the Longhorns’ physicality. But the Cougars’ passing game can help them stick around for a bit if they can complete a few passes. The running game doesn’t figure to be too successful against Texas.

Who to Bet On?

The Texas vs Houston preview believes the point spread is slightly inflated here in Texas’ favor due to the Longhorns coming off the loss to the Sooners. The Longhorns are about 22.5 points better than Houston on a neutral field, so this line should be closer to 21. But Texas will be out to make a statement here, and it’s hard to go against them after a loss.

But the Cougars at least have a puncher’s chance to stay within the point spread. Houston has been able to score some points each game, and it should get a few scores against the Longhorns. But will it be enough to cover the spread? Instead, the value here is probably going to be on the over 61. Texas should break into the 40s and have to believe Houston will get a few scores itself.

For NCAAF betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

Get into the field and play with more related info:

• MWC Showdown: Colorado State vs UNLV Free Pick
• Duke vs Florida State Free Picks: Can Duke Be The First To Knock Off Florida State?
• Penn State vs Ohio State Odds: Can Buckeyes Continue Big 10 Dominance?
• Memphis vs UAB Free Picks: Tigers Road Favorites at Blazers
• Elic Ayomanor Stats: Record-Setting Performance Caps Stanford’s Comeback