Houston travels to Boulder for a Friday-night Big 12 showdown. The #16 Cougars enter at 7-2 and remain in contention near the top of the conference standings, but with only three games left, they have little margin for error. The Cougars’ losses to Utah and Texas Tech have put a damper on their conference-title hopes, so they likely need to receive some help along with winning their remaining games.
Colorado, by contrast, is looking to revive its season and give its home fans a strong finish. The Buffaloes need a rapid turnaround to keep their bowl hopes alive, with Cincinnati and UCF still on the schedule after Houston. Do our #16 Houston vs. Colorado picks believe they’re up for the challenge against a tough Houston squad?
#16 Houston vs. Colorado Predictions for CFB Week 11, Friday, 11/13
Houston appears to hold the edge in this one, just as the #16 Houston vs. Colorado odds are suggesting, having produced more consistently on offense and compiled a much better record. A strong closing stretch at the end of this season could even strengthen their case to the College Football Playoff selection committee, so they’ll certainly be looking to do damage here.
Meanwhile, Colorado is 3-6 and has lost six of its past seven games. Their inconsistent offense faces a difficult test against one of the Big 12’s stronger teams, but our #16 Houston vs. Colorado predictions believe that playing under the lights at Folsom Field could give the Buffaloes an opportunity to make the game uncomfortable for a Houston squad with postseason ambitions.
#16 Houston vs. Colorado Expert Pick: Under 51.5 (51% at Novig)
My #16 Houston vs. Colorado picks aren’t keen on trusting either offense to carry this game. Houston has been the stronger team over the course of the season and has shown the ability to produce plenty of offense. The concern is that Houston’s offense has been far less consistent from week to week than its strongest performances might suggest.
Just two weeks before beating Cincinnati their last time out, the Cougars scored only 13 points in a loss to Utah. That game was also away from home, just like this one will be. Houston can control a game with its rushing attack, but that doesn’t guarantee a large point total. If the Cougars establish the run early, they could keep their offense on the field while reducing the number of possessions for Colorado.
Houston’s defense also supports the case for a lower-scoring matchup. The Cougars allow 21.3 points per game and have been especially strong against the run, giving up just 107.3 rushing yards per contest.
That presents a difficult challenge for a Colorado offense that has struggled to generate consistent production on the ground. The Buffaloes average only 19.8 points per game, ranking 124th nationally. They produce 130.2 rushing yards per game, while their passing output hasn’t consistently translated into points.
Speaking of, Colorado’s recent offensive results offer little reason for confidence, either. In their last game against Arizona State, the Buffaloes scored just 10 points and managed only 52 rushing yards on 34 attempts. Although they finished with 300 total yards, they weren’t able to turn that production into enough points for it to seriously matter.
Colorado has a path to keeping this game competitive, but it likely depends on the defense carrying much of the burden. The Buffaloes have been better on that side of the ball recently, allowing just 44 points across their past two games.
That recent progress matters against Houston. The Cougars have the more dangerous offense, but Colorado doesn’t need to shut them down completely to help keep the total below the line. Forcing field goals, limiting explosive plays, and making Houston sustain long drives could keep the scoring in check. Our #16 Houston vs. Colorado predictions are confidently taking the Under 51.5 for this contest.
How To Watch #16 Houston vs. Colorado - CFB Week 11
- Date: Friday, November 13th
- Time: 10:15 p.m. ET
- Location: Folsom Field, Boulder, CO
- TV: ESPN
#16 Houston vs. Colorado Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines
As we get ready for Friday’s games, most importantly these #16 Houston vs. Colorado predictions, now’s the perfect time to review the latest #16 Houston vs. Colorado odds from Novig:
- Money Line (ML): Cougars 77% | Buffaloes 24%
- Spread: Cougars -9.5 (51%) | Buffaloes +9.5 (51%)
- Over/Under (O/U): 51.5 (O: 51% | U: 51%)
#16 Houston vs. Colorado Injury Report & Latest News
Houston Injury Report
- J. Strozier Jr., WR - Questionable (Undisclosed)
- E. Noel, K - Questionable (Undisclosed)
- J. Thurman, TE - Out (Undisclosed)
- J. Hebert, RB - Out (Leg)
- M. Tounkara, WR - Out (Foot)
Colorado Injury Report
- M. Welch, RB - Questionable (Hand)
- Z. Atkins, TE - Out (Undisclosed)
- C. Williams, TE - Questionable (Undisclosed)
- D. Scudero, WR - Questionable (Undisclosed)
- M. Vickers, CB - Questionable (Undisclosed)
- K. Perry, WR - Questionable (Undisclosed)
- T. Martinez, LB - Questionable (Undisclosed)
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