Houston is sitting pretty at 7-2, pushing hard in the Big 12 and eyeing a College Football Playoff spot, but the road there is a winding one with two crucial losses already in the books. They took hits from Utah and Texas Tech, meaning the Cougars aren’t just looking to win out, they need a whole lot of help to really crack the top of the Big 12. Getting to 10-2 at least puts the pressure on that CFP committee to try and say no. Meanwhile, Colorado keeps grinding, but their 1-6 record over the last seven games tells a tough story. They need some serious offensive firepower to have any hope of winning their last three and getting bowl eligible.
Houston’s Relentless Drive
Houston’s offense, man, it just hums. It might not always be dropping 50 points, but it’s a straight-up machine when it comes to keeping those chains moving. Seriously, they’re number one in the nation for third down conversions. Think about that: when it matters most, they get it done. A lot of that comes from their ground game, which is ripping off over five yards per carry. Colorado cannot, I repeat, *cannot* let these Cougars get into a rhythm. This Houston attack is methodical, and the Buffaloes’ run defense? It struggles big time when it ain’t a rock. They’re 0-4 this season when they give up more than 125 rushing yards. Only Utah has been able to keep Houston under 150 on the ground. This isn’t just a tough matchup for Colorado, it’s a fundamental clash.
Colorado’s Uphill Battle
For Colorado to have any shot, they absolutely need to unleash that downfield passing game. Easy to say, right? Not so much. But everything they do offensively flows from opening it up a bit. The Houston defense is okay, it’ll give up some passing yards, for sure. They’ve allowed 200 or more against everyone but Kansas State and Southern. So, the Buffaloes gotta keep launching those shots, because the Cougars will give up big plays. The Buffs have chilled out on the turnovers lately, which is a good sign, but they just can’t seem to generate their own breaks. They’ve got a defensive front that can get into the Houston backfield, but as a team, they’re just not sound. Too many penalties, too many turnovers, too many special teams breakdowns throughout the season. These are the kinds of issues that sink you when you’re trying to save a season.
The Friday Night Fight
So, what’s gonna happen when these two clash at Folsom Field on Friday, November 13, 2026? This is only the third time these teams have ever played. Houston took them down 36-20 last year, but Colorado won the 1971 Bluebonnet Bowl. History lessons aside, the Cougars are projected to win this one 31-21. Colorado will definitely have their moments, but Houston is known for not making mistakes. Expect the Cougars to dominate the clock and ultimately pull away late.
After this game, Colorado hits the road to Cincinnati and then wraps up at home against UCF. Houston, meanwhile, travels to West Virginia next and finishes their regular season at home against Baylor. Both of those remaining Houston games should be absolute shootouts. For the Cougars, every game from here on out is about proving they belong in that CFP conversation, making sure the committee can’t look away. For Colorado, it’s about finding that spark, that one win to keep their bowl hopes alive.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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