By Don’t forget about Houston in the Big 12 and College Football Playoff hunt.
It’s 7-2, but there’s a problem. The two losses are to Utah and Texas Tech, meaning the Cougars have to win out and get a whole lot of help to crack the top part of the Big 12 standings. At the very least, get to 10-2 and put the pressure on the College Football Playoff committee to say no.
Meanwhile, Colorado keeps fighting the good fight, but it’s 1-6 in its last seven games and needs to find more offense to have any hope of winning its last three games to become bowl eligible.
Houston vs Colorado: Quick Hits
- Colorado closes out with a trip to Cincinnati next and a home date against UCF.
- Houston goes to West Virginia after this and closes at home against Baylor. Both games should be shootouts.
- This is just the third time these two have played. Houston won 36-20 last year and lost the 1971 Bluebonnet Bowl.
How To Watch Houston vs Colorado
Date: Friday, November 13, 2026
Game Time: 10:15 PM ET
TV: ESPN
Location: Folsom Field, Boulder, CO
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– CFN Bowl & CFP Projections | Top 25
Why Houston Will Win
Houston’s offense is humming. It might not always be cranking up the points, but it’s a machine at keeping things moving – it’s No. 1 in the nation in third down conversions – set up by a ground game that’s averaging over five yards per carry.
Colorado can’t let the Cougars get control. This is a methodical Houston attack, and the Buffaloes struggle when the run defense isn’t a rock, going 0-4 when allowing more than 125 rushing yards. Only Utah has been able to keep Houston to under 150.
Why Colorado Will Win
Colorado has to get the downfield passing game going. That’s far easier said than done, but everything about what the Buffaloes do flows when the offense is able to open it up a bit.
Overall, the Houston defense is okay, but it’ll give up passing yards, allowing 200 or more against everyone but Kansas State and Southern. The Buffaloes have to keep shooting their shot – the Cougars will give up big plays.
Houston vs Colorado Prediction, Betting Lines
Colorado has chilled a bit on the turnovers, but it’s just not able to generate its own breaks. It has the defensive front to get into the Houston backfield, but the team just isn’t sound – too many penalties, too many turnovers, too many special teams breakdowns over the course of the season.
The Buffs will have their moments, but Houston won’t make any mistakes. It’ll be a close fight, but the Cougars will dominate the clock and pull away late.
Houston 31, Colorado 21
Latest Consensus Line: Houston -10.5, o/u: 51.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 3
Must See Rating (out of 5): 3
Consensus line based on 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.
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/houston-vs-colorado-prediction-cougars-025559402.html
