BYU (9-2) vs Houston (4-7)
Game Info: Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 10:15 pm (LaVell Edwards Stadium)
Betting Odds: BYU -13.5 / Houston +13.5 --- Over/Under: 41.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: ESPN Stream live sports and exclusive originals on ESPN+. Sign up now! 
In this article, we will formulate a Houston vs BYU prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, November 30th at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week 14 matchup.
Houston Cougars Betting Preview
The Houston Cougars are 4-7 (3-5) this year after they lost to Baylor by a score of 20-10 in their last game. Houston cut the deficit to 17-10 in the fourth quarter, but couldn’t get any closer in the loss. The Cougars were outgained by a total of 352-239, lost the turnover battle 4-3, and went 3-10 on third down in the game. Zeon Chriss threw for 126 yards and three interceptions, while Stephon Johnson caught three passes for 54 yards in the loss.
Prior to that game, the Cougars lost to Arizona by a score of 27-3 but did beat Kansas State and Utah before that. The Houston offense has scored 13.1 points per game with 152.4 passing yards and 138.5 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 22.3 points per game this season. Zeon Chriss has completed 63.2% of his passes for 668 yards, four touchdowns, and seven interceptions, while Stephon Johnson has caught 27 passes for 348 yards and two scores.
BYU Cougars Betting Preview
The BYU Cougars are 9-2 (6-2) this season after they lost to Arizona State by a score of 28-23 in their last game. BYU trailed 21-0 in the first half and 28-9 in the third quarter, but they nearly came away with a last-second victory. The Cougars were outgained by a total of 413-391, lost the turnover battle 2-1, and went 7-10 on third down in the game. Jake Retzlaff threw for 297 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, while Darius Lassiter caught five passes for 103 yards in the game.
Prior to that loss, the Cougars lost to Kansas by a score of 17-13, but they did win their first nine games of the season. The BYU offense has scored 31.5 points per game with 240 passing yards and 156.7 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 20.3 points per game this season. Jake Retzlaff has completed 58.5% of his passes for 2,580 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, while LJ Martin has rushed for 543 yards and five scores.
Why Houston will cover
- BYU has lost each of its last three home games in November.
- BYU has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six November games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- The underdog has covered the spread in 12 of BYU's last 16 games at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
Total Points Facts
- Nine of Houston's last 10 games as an underdog have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Seven of BYU's last eight games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- BYU ranks 6th among FBS teams for Q3 opponent points per game this season (2.7).
- BYU ranks T7th among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage this season (73.9).
- Houston ranks 134th among FBS teams for red zone percentage this season (54.5).
- Houston ranks 133rd among FBS teams for Q3 points per game this season (1.1).
Houston vs BYU Prediction
BYU comes into this matchup trying to bounce back after losing their last two games, and they will be back at home here. The Cougars are still battling in the Big 12 race, but they need to find more offense in this game. Houston has also lost two games in a row and they have one of the lowest scoring offenses in the country. Houston has played better over the last month and while their offense has been bad, their defense has actually been pretty good. I think BYU will get the win here, but I like Houston’s defense to keep this game somewhat close. Take Houston and the points.
David’s Pick Houston +13.5
AUTHOR: David Racey
