| MATCHUP | Southern Jaguars | Houston Cougars |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 1-1 | 1-0 |
| Where | TDECU Stadium, Houston, TX | |
| When | Saturday, September 12, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EDT | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
Southern Jaguars Betting Preview
The Southern Jaguars are 1-1 this season after they defeated Kentucky State by a score of 34-15 last week. Southern led 13-2 at halftime and added 21 points in the second half to get the win. The Jaguars were out gained by a total of 378-372, went 4-13 on third downs, and won the turnover battle by a total of 1-0 in the game. Christian Johnson threw for 200 yards and two touchdowns, while Daejawn Smith caught four passes for 72 yards. Trey Holly led the ground game with 21 carries for 99 yards and two scores in the win.Prior to that game, Southern lost to Alabama State by a score of 30-17 in week zero. Southern trailed 17-13 at halftime and failed to score in the second half in the loss. The Jaguars were out gained by a total of 351-335, went 4-14 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a total of 1-0 in the game. Christian Johnson threw for 174 yards and one interception, while Daejawn Smith caught four passes for 76 yards. Johnson also led the rushing attack with 81 yards and one score on 14 carries.
Houston Cougars Betting Preview
The Houston Cougars are 1-0 this year after they defeated Oregon State by a score of 33-20 in week one. Houston led 19-7 at halftime, but their lead was cut to 26-20 in the fourth, before they put the game away. The Cougars out gained Oregon State by a total of 533-402, went 7-13 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a total of 2-0 in the game. Conner Weigman threw for 305 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while Amare Thomas caught eight passes for 133 yards and one score. Makhi Hughes rushed 17 times for 98 yards and one touchdown in the win.Last year, Houston went 10-3 (6-3) and they finished tied for fourth in the Big 12 standings. Houston started the season with a 27-0 win over SFA and defeated Rice 35-9 in their second game. The Cougars only lost to Texas Tech, TCU, and West Virginia, and they defeated LSU in the Texas Bowl. Houston scored 29.1 points per game in 2025, while they allowed 22.8 points against per game on defense.
Why the Houston Cougars will win
- The team ranked 22nd in the AP Poll has won each of its last five games.
- Houston has covered the spread in three of its last four games against non-FBS teams.
Why the Southern Jaguars will win
- Houston has lost three of its last four games as an AP-ranked team against a non-AP-ranked team.
- Houston has failed to cover the spread in seven of its last eight games as an AP-ranked team against a non-AP-ranked team at TDECU Stadium.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Houston’s last four games in September have gone OVER the total points line.
Houston Cougars Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 2, Javion White ranks T10th amongst FBS players for sacks (2.0) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Houston ranks 8th among FBS teams for rushing yards allowed per game this season (26.0).
- Houston ranks 126th among FBS teams for passing yards allowed per game this season (337.0).