Houston vs Texas Tech Picks and Prediction for Friday, September 18, 2026
The 22nd-ranked Houston Cougars visit the 13th-ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders on Friday, September 18, at Galaxy Stadium in Lubbock, with the opening kickoff scheduled for 8:00 PM ET on FOX. Both teams are 2-0 overall and 0-0 in the Big 12. Houston is coming off a 77-6 victory over Southern after opening the season with a 33-20 win over Oregon State. Texas Tech most recently beat Oregon State 35-24 after opening with a 33-10 victory over Abilene Christian. Build your bankroll with our free NCAAF picks.
Houston Cougars Preview
Houston enters its first Big 12 game averaging 55 points through two contests. Conner Weigman has completed 69% of his passes for 425 yards, four touchdowns and one interception, giving the Cougars 212.5 passing yards per game from their starting quarterback. Houston has also produced plenty on the ground. Makhi Hughes has 142 yards and two touchdowns, Re'Shaun Sanford II has 102 yards and two scores, and DJ Butler has added 72 yards and a touchdown. Amare Thomas leads the receivers with 162 yards and two touchdowns.
The Cougars have allowed 13 points per game, including only six against Southern last week. Houston has produced six sacks and one interception through two games. Javion White leads the pass rush with two sacks, while Jalen Mayo, Latreveon McCutchin and Ashton Porter have one apiece. Jordan Allen owns the interception. The defense faces a much tougher assignment against a Texas Tech team that has scored at least 33 points in both games.
Injuries: WR Muizz Tounkara (foot) and TE Luke McGary (shoulder) are out.
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Texas Tech Red Raiders Preview
Texas Tech has scored 68 points through two games and enters this matchup averaging 34 points. Will Hammond has completed 46 of 60 passes for 487 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. The Red Raiders have leaned heavily on J'Koby Williams in the running game, and the junior has responded with 187 yards and two touchdowns on 33 carries. Kenny Johnson leads the receivers with 117 yards, while Coy Eakin has 92 yards and a touchdown.
The Red Raiders have allowed 17 points per game after holding Abilene Christian to 10 before giving up 24 at Oregon State. Texas Tech has generated five sacks and two interceptions. Jamond Mathis leads the defense with 2.5 sacks, while A.J. Holmes Jr. has 1.5. Amier Boyd and John Curry each have an interception. That defensive pressure will be important against Weigman, who has taken advantage of Houston's strong rushing support and multiple receiving options.
Injuries: LB Trey White (knee) is questionable.
Houston vs Texas Tech Prediction
Houston has been the more dominant team through two games, outscoring opponents 110-26, and the Cougars have enough balance to make this a close matchup. Texas Tech has the home-field advantage and a strong ground option in Williams, but Houston has allowed fewer points while producing more scoring through the opening two weeks.
Texas Tech is the pick to win behind Hammond and Williams, but the move from -12.5 to -10 makes Houston the choice with the points. The Cougars have enough offense to stay within one possession deep into the fourth quarter. Final Score Prediction: Texas Tech Red Raiders win but the Houston Cougars cover the spread, 31-27.
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- Houston +10 (-108)
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