There’s no denying that Deion Sanders knows how to keep things entertaining.
In last week’s win over Delaware, the Colorado Buffaloes rotated through three quarterbacks, with third-stringer Ryan Staub ultimately winning over his head coach and earning the start for Friday night’s showdown under the lights against the Houston Cougars.
But the Cougars aren’t the Blue Hens and in my Colorado vs. Houston predictions and college football picks, I’ll explain why Staub won’t be the solution in this prime-time Big 12 matchup on Friday, September 12.
Colorado vs Houston prediction
Colorado vs Houston best bet: Houston -4.5 (-110)
Keeping Deion Sanders happy seems like a difficult job these days.
Former starting QB Kaidon Salter wasn’t exactly playing poorly when Coach Prime benched him against Delaware. He was 13-for-16 for 102 yards with no touchdowns, no interceptions, but with 25 rushing yards and a score. And despite the loss to Georgia Tech the previous week, he kept the Colorado Buffaloes in that game.
But Salter can’t attack downfield the way Sanders prefers. So, enter third-stringer Ryan Staub. He aired it out in the second half against the Blue Hens, throwing for 157 yards and two touchdowns.
Once again, Sanders & Co. had the freedom to experiment against Delaware, which was playing its first FBS opponent as an FBS team. The Buffs won’t have that luxury vs. the Houston Cougars.
Houston is 2-0 following a 35-9 win over Rice last week. Head coach Willie Fritz has built an imposing defense, starting with the defensive front that already has five sacks this season. The Cougs are also allowing just 3.0 yards per play.
On the other side of the ball, the Cougars offense looks balanced and should find success against a Colorado defense that got trampled in the run game by Georgia Tech and then let a former FCS QB throw for over 300 yards the following week.
Going on the road, on a short week, at night, with what is a suspect at best offensive line, against a strong defensive line. That’s a tough spot for anyone. Let alone a third-stringer thrust into the starter's role. Lay with the home team.
Colorado vs Houston same-game parlay
Balance is the key to this Cougars offense. Conner Weigman hasn’t looked like the best QB, but he’s done enough to make opponents respect Houston's pass game. He can also tuck it and run at times.
Dean Connors has been the most dynamic back in the Cougars' backfield, carrying the ball 28 times for 182 yards and two scores. Colorado allowed Georgia Tech to rush for 320 yards in its opener, so Over 52.5 yards looks really doable.
The Buffs followed that up by allowing Delaware QB Nick Minicucci to throw for 322 yards on 18 completions.
It pretty much means the Cougars should be able to move the ball however they want in this matchup. Weigman has thrown four touchdown passes this season, and throwing a pair on Friday night is a great value add to this SGP.
Colorado vs Houston SGP
- Houston -4.5
- Dean Connors Over 52.5 rushing yards
- Conner Weigman Over 1.5 passing TDs (+410)
Our deep-ball SGP: Forget it, Deion, it's Cougar Town
- Expect the Cougars to establish the run early.
- Don't be shocked to see a heavy dose of Connors in Q1, and seeing him cross the goal line first is very much on the table.
Colorado vs Houston SGP
- Houston -4.5
- Dean Connors Over 52.5 Rushing Yards
- Conner Weigman Over 1.5 Passing TDs
- Dean Connors First TD Scorer
Colorado vs Houston game predictions
Colorado vs Houston moneyline prediction
The Cougars are winning this game. Houston is at home, at night, and has a strong defense going against an inexperienced QB while having a balanced offense.
Colorado vs Houston spread prediction
Houston will not only win, but cover as well. The Cougs will force Staub into a few turnovers and control the game with the run. Perhaps most importantly, Willie Fritz will have his team better prepared.
Colorado vs Houston Over/Under prediction
I'm going to lean toward the Over, mostly because this is a modestly low number. I expect Houston to do the heavy lifting against a suspect Colorado defense, and the Buffs should do just enough on offense to send this one above the number.
Colorado vs Houston odds
- Spread: Colorado +4.5 | Houston -4.5
- Moneyline: Colorado +158 | Houston -192
- Over/Under: Over 44.5 | Under 44.5
Colorado vs Houston trend to know
Houston has covered the Spread in 4 of their last 6 games at home for +1.80 Units and a 27% ROI. Find more college football betting trends for Colorado vs Houston.
How to watch Colorado vs Houston
| Location | TDECU Stadium, Houston, TX |
| Date | Friday, September 12, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
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