The Houston Cougars, hailing from the Big 12 Conference, enter Week 5 with an unblemished record of 3-0. They’ve shown strong performances both at home and on the road, including a recent win against Colorado with a score of 36-20. Their offense has been effective, capitalizing on both passing and rushing opportunities.
Oregon State Beavers, representing the Pac-12, are still seeking their first win of the season with a 0-4 record. Despite their struggles, they will be playing on their home turf at Reser Stadium, hoping to turn things around. Their recent games have posed challenges, particularly in maintaining a solid defense against high-powered offenses.
This Friday night game will be broadcast on ESPN, providing a platform for both teams to make a statement. The Cougars are favored with a moneyline of -523, while the Beavers stand at +389, indicating the uphill battle Oregon State faces. Both teams will aim to utilize their strengths, with Houston relying on their momentum and Oregon State leveraging their home field advantage.
Oregon State vs Houston At a Glance
- Game Date: Friday, September 26, 2025, at 10:30 PM (Night Game)
- Venue: Reser Stadium in Corvallis, OR — Outdoor Field
- TV Broadcast: ESPN
- Houston Cougars Record: Undefeated at 3-0 this season
- Oregon State Beavers Record: Searching for their first win at 0-4 this season
- Betting Odds: Houston favored with a moneyline of -523 and a spread of -13.5
Oregon State Beavers Ready to Challenge the Cougars
Offensive Insights
The Oregon State Beavers have shown significant strength in their passing game this season. Ranking 40th nationally, they have accumulated 997 passing yards. However, their rushing game has struggled, with only 301 yards, placing them 124th in the nation.
Despite the challenges on the ground, the Beavers have managed to secure 74 first downs, placing them 34th in the country. This indicates their ability to maintain possession and control the clock.
Defensive Overview
Defensively, the Beavers have allowed 156 points, ranking 96th nationally. They have been effective in creating turnovers, with three interceptions placing them 4th nationally.
The pass rush has been a highlight, with three sacks ranking 15th. However, their inability to recover fumbles remains a concern, with zero recoveries this season.
Quarterback Performance
Quarterback Maalik Murphy has been a standout performer, throwing for 964 yards in four games. He ranks 34th nationally in passing yards, contributing six touchdowns.
While Murphy’s performance has been solid, he has also thrown five interceptions. This places him 221st nationally, suggesting room for improvement in decision-making.
Key Players to Watch
Wide receiver Trent Walker leads the team with 23 receptions and 302 receiving yards, ranking 24th and 36th nationally, respectively. His contributions are vital for the Beavers’ offensive success.
On the defensive side, Bryce Caufield, the top tight end, has been consistent with 14 receptions for 88 yards. He has also scored one touchdown, highlighting his red zone effectiveness.
Recent Game Challenges
The Beavers have faced tough competition recently, losing to Oregon 41-7. This came after a 45-14 defeat against Texas Tech and a close 36-27 loss to Fresno State.
These games have exposed their defensive vulnerabilities, particularly against strong passing attacks. Improving their pass defense will be crucial against future opponents.
Team Betting Trends
- SU – As Favorite: Last 29 Games (2021–2025) → 22-7 (75.9%)
- SU – Home Games: Last 28 Games (2021–2025) → 21-7 (75.0%)
- O/U – Home Games: Last 3 Games (2024–2025) → 3-0 (100.0%)
- ATS – Home Games: Last 28 Games (2021–2025) → 19-9 (67.9%)
- ATS – After Win: Last 30 Games (2020–2024) → 20-10 (66.7%)
Houston Cougars Ready to Roar: A Look at Their Upcoming Game
Offensive Overview
The Houston Cougars have shown a consistent offensive performance, scoring 98 points so far in the 2025 season, which places them 53rd nationally. Their rushing game has been a significant strength, accumulating 611 yards and ranking 63rd. However, their passing game has room for improvement, with 562 yards ranked 117th.
Leading the charge in the air is quarterback Conner Weigman, who has thrown for 569 yards across three games. His efforts have been complemented by the ground game, with Dean Connors rushing for 271 yards, ranking him 61st among his peers.
Defensive Strength
The Cougars’ defense has been formidable, allowing only 29 points, which ranks them 8th in the nation. They have excelled in putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks, recording 8 sacks, placing them 10th overall. Additionally, Houston’s defense has been opportunistic, securing 5 interceptions, ranking 6th nationally.
The team’s ability to recover fumbles has also been impressive, with a ranking of 5th, having recovered 1 fumble this season. Their defensive prowess was on full display in their recent 36-20 victory over the Colorado Buffaloes, where they allowed only 204 passing yards and 96 rushing yards.
Recent Performances
Houston started their 2025 campaign with a dominant 27-0 win against Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks. They followed up with a convincing 35-9 victory over Rice Owls, showcasing their defensive capabilities by restricting Rice to just 51 passing yards.
The Cougars continued their impressive run with a 36-20 win over Colorado Buffaloes, where their balanced offensive approach resulted in 222 passing yards and 213 rushing yards. These performances reflect their ability to adapt and execute effectively on both sides of the ball.
Upcoming Game
The Cougars are set to travel to Reser Stadium to face the Oregon State Beavers. As a -13.5-point favorite, they are well-positioned to extend their winning streak. With their solid defensive track record and consistent offensive output, they will be a tough opponent for the Beavers.
Houston’s defense will be key in this matchup, as they aim to pressure Oregon State’s offense and create turnovers. On the offensive side, Conner Weigman’s leadership will be crucial in orchestrating a balanced attack to challenge the Beavers’ defense.
Betting Trends
- SU – As Favorite: 19-6 (76.0%) over the last 25 games.
- ATS – As Favorite: 4-0 (100.0%) over the last 4 games.
- SU – All Games: 3-0 (100.0%) in the current season.
- ATS – All Games: 3-0 (100.0%) in the current season.
- O/U – As Favorite: 12-5 (70.6%) over the last 17 games.
Oregon State vs Houston Prediction: Over 47.0
As Oregon State prepares to host Houston, the focus is on the total set at 47.0. Oregon State’s defense has allowed 156 points this season, ranking 96th, while Houston’s offense has scored 98 points, showing their potential to contribute significantly to the scoreboard.
The Beavers have shown a tendency to surpass the total in their recent home games, evident from their 3-0 over/under record in their last three home appearances. Houston, with its efficient scoring capabilities this season, is likely to exploit Oregon State’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Given Oregon State’s defensive struggles and Houston’s balanced offensive attack, the game looks likely to exceed the set total of 47.0 points. The weather conditions at Reser Stadium, being an outdoor venue, should not deter the offensive flow expected from both teams.
Projecting a final score, Houston should secure a victory, scoring 31 points while Oregon State manages 21, totaling 52 points. Hence, taking the over 47.0 seems a prudent choice for this encounter.
- Oregon State vs Houston Prediction: Over 47.0
- Oregon State vs Houston Score: Houston 31 – Oregon State 21
