The Colorado Buffaloes will travel to Houston to take on the Houston Cougars in Week 3 of the 2025 regular season. This game is set to take place on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 7:30 PM at TDECU Stadium. Fans can catch the action on ESPN as these Big 12 conference rivals meet under the lights.
Colorado enters the game with a 1-1 record, having won their recent game against the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens by a score of 31-7. Their season opener, however, saw them fall to Georgia Tech, 27-20, which highlights their mixed start to the season. The Buffaloes are yet to play an away game this season.
On the other side, Houston has started their season strong with a perfect 2-0 record. Their most recent victory came against the Rice Owls, 35-9, while they shut out the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks 27-0 in their season opener. As they return to TDECU Stadium, they are favored with a moneyline of -225 and a 6-point spread advantage.
Houston vs Colorado At a Glance
- Game Location: TDECU Stadium, Houston, TX
- Game Time: Friday, September 12, 2025 at 7:30 PM
- Broadcast Information: ESPN
- Colorado Record: 1-1 for the season
- Houston Record: 2-0 for the season
- Betting Odds: Houston favored by 6 points
Houston’s Cougars Ready to Tackle Another Challenge
Offensive Analysis
The Houston Cougars have shown marked improvement in their offensive capabilities, scoring 62 points this season and ranking 32nd overall. The passing game has generated 340 yards, placing them 93rd, while their rushing attack has amassed 398 yards, earning them a commendable 41st place.
The Cougars’ offense has gained 32 first downs, placing them 32nd, indicating a balanced approach between the air and ground game. Their ability to move the chains consistently will be crucial in maintaining their offensive momentum.
Defensive Strength
Defensively, the Cougars have been impressive, allowing just 9 points in their games, securing them the 3rd spot in defensive rankings. They’ve managed 5 sacks, ranking 6th, showcasing their ability to apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Houston’s defense has also been opportunistic with 3 interceptions and 1 fumble recovery, ranking 4th and 5th respectively. This defensive prowess will be key in disrupting the opposition’s offensive rhythm.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Conner Weigman stands out with 347 passing yards and 4 touchdowns in just two games, ranking 1st in both categories for the Cougars. His decision-making and accuracy will be critical for the team’s success.
Running back Dean Connors has contributed significantly with 182 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns, leading the team’s rushing attack. His ability to break through defenses will be a focal point for the Cougars.
Recent Performances
The Cougars have started the season strong with wins against Rice Owls (35-9) and Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (27-0). These performances highlight their ability to dominate both offensively and defensively.
In their game against Rice, the Cougars demonstrated balanced play with 188 passing yards and 207 rushing yards. Their defensive unit held Rice to just 51 passing yards, showcasing their ability to stifle opposing offenses.
Team Betting Trends
- SU All Games: 2-0 (100.0%)
- ATS All Games: 2-0 (100.0%)
- O/U All Games: 1-1 (50.0%)
- SU in Away Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS in Away Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U in Away Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
Colorado Buffaloes Gear Up for Houston Showdown
Offensive Strategy
The Houston Cougars will be relying heavily on their offensive line to create opportunities for their talented quarterback and running backs. A balanced attack will be crucial as they aim to exploit any weaknesses in the Buffaloes’ defense.
Maintaining possession through sustained drives and minimizing turnovers will be key factors for Houston’s offense to keep the pressure on Colorado.
Defensive Game Plan
On the defensive side, the Cougars must focus on containing the Buffaloes’ running game, which showed promise in their recent win against Delaware. Houston’s defense should aim to put pressure on Colorado’s quarterbacks, forcing them into making quick decisions.
Securing turnovers will also be a vital aspect of their strategy, as this could shift momentum and provide a significant advantage.
Key Players to Watch
Houston’s quarterback will play a pivotal role in orchestrating the offense and will be someone to watch as he attempts to navigate Colorado’s defense. The running backs will also need to capitalize on any gaps created by their offensive line.
Defensively, Houston’s linebackers will be critical in both pass coverage and run stopping, ensuring the Buffaloes are kept at bay.
Recent Performance
Houston has shown resilience in their recent outings, with their offense producing consistent numbers. However, defensive lapses have occasionally cost them, highlighting areas for improvement.
Addressing these issues will be essential for Houston to secure a positive result against the Buffaloes.
Team Betting Trends
- SU Record: 1-1 (50%) in their last two games.
- ATS Record: 1-1 (50%) in recent games.
- O/U Record: 0-2 (0%) in the last two outings.
- SU as Favorite: 1-0 (100%).
- SU as Underdog: 0-1 (0%).
Houston vs Colorado Prediction: Over 43.5
Both Houston and Colorado have showcased potent offenses early in the 2025 season. Houston has scored 62 points, ranking them 32nd, while Colorado has accumulated 51 points, placing them 42nd overall. Considering these offensive outputs, the over of 43.5 points seems attainable.
Defensively, Houston is formidable, allowing just 9 points, but Colorado’s defense has been more vulnerable, giving up 34 points so far. This combination suggests that Houston could capitalize on Colorado’s defensive weaknesses, making a high-scoring game likely.
Although the previous postseason saw Colorado struggle against BYU, losing 36-14, their ability to score in the regular season indicates improvement. Additionally, Houston’s defense will be tested more than in previous games, providing Colorado opportunities to contribute to the total score.
The night game setting at TDECU Stadium in Houston could also play a factor, as both teams have been involved in dynamic games under the lights. With both offenses capable of putting up points, I anticipate a final score of Houston 28 – Colorado 24.
- Houston vs Colorado Prediction: Over 43.5
- Houston vs Colorado Score: Houston 28 – Colorado 24
