Houston vs Utah Picks and Predictions for Saturday October 24 2026
Houston just beat Oklahoma State 35-32, and now the Cougars have to go to Salt Lake City and play an undefeated Utah team. That’s a pretty tough two-week stretch. Houston visits Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday, October 24, 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 10:15 PM ET on ESPN. Utah is favored by 5.5 points in one October 18 market, while other books have the Utes laying 6.5. The total has been moving, too, with numbers ranging from 50.5 to 55.5. I’m using 55.5 for this preview. The early weather outlook needs another look closer to Saturday, especially with a late kickoff in Salt Lake City. But the matchup itself is good enough without worrying about the forecast. Two ranked teams, both playing well, and a Big 12 race that’s getting interesting. Check out our free college football picks for more predictions.
Houston Has Been Better Than People Expected
Houston is 6-1 overall and 3-1 in Big 12 play. The Cougars just beat Oklahoma State 35-32 in front of a packed house, and that was a big win for Willie Fritz’s program. Houston had already beaten UCF and Kansas State, but Oklahoma State was another step up. The Cougars led most of the game, then had to survive a late push from the Cowboys. They got the stops they needed and held on. Now they’re bowl eligible, and I don’t think anybody in that locker room is satisfied with six wins. This team has bigger plans.
Houston’s offense has been the surprise. The Cougars threw for 343 yards against Oklahoma State, and the passing game was clicking all night. They scored five touchdowns through the air, including a 48-yard strike in the fourth quarter that gave them a little breathing room. The defense wasn’t perfect. Oklahoma State scored 32 and threw for 365 yards, so there’s plenty to clean up. But Houston made a couple of big plays when it mattered, including an interception and a fourth-down stop. That’s what good teams do. They don’t have to be perfect. They just have to make the right play at the right time.
Conner Weigman threw for 343 yards and five touchdowns against Oklahoma State. Five touchdown passes against a ranked opponent. That’s a pretty good night. Amare Thomas caught seven passes for 126 yards and two scores, while Trent Walker added seven catches for 104 yards and a touchdown. Houston has enough receiving talent to make Utah defend the entire field. The concern is whether the offensive line can give Weigman time against the Utes’ defense. Utah is going to bring pressure, and Houston can’t count on getting the same clean pockets it had Saturday.
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
Utah Keeps Finding Ways To Win
Utah is 6-0 overall and 3-0 in Big 12 play. The Utes just went to Colorado and won 27-24, and that wasn’t easy. Colorado made them work for it, but Utah found a way to finish the job. The Utes have also beaten Kansas 41-24 and Iowa State 31-17, so they’ve been handling conference opponents pretty well. Now they get Houston at home, where the crowd should be ready for a late-night game against another ranked team. Rice-Eccles Stadium is not a fun place for visitors, especially when Utah gets its defense rolling.
The Utes have been doing a good job controlling games with their running attack and defense. They don’t always score 40, but they make opponents work for every yard. Colorado managed 24 points Saturday, which shows Utah isn’t unbeatable. But the Utes have been better at limiting mistakes and winning the field-position battle. Houston’s passing game is going to be a challenge. Weigman has been throwing touchdowns all over the place, and Utah can’t afford to let him get comfortable. The Utes need pressure up front and better coverage than Oklahoma State managed Saturday.
Utah has been getting steady quarterback play and strong production from its running backs. The offense has enough balance to keep defenses guessing, and the Utes have been particularly good at turning manageable third downs into first downs. That’s important against Houston, which just gave up 32 points. Utah doesn’t need to get into a passing contest with Weigman. It needs to run the football, control the clock, and make Houston defend long drives. If the Utes can do that, they’ll have a good chance to stay unbeaten.
Houston vs Utah Picks and Predictions
Houston +5.5 (-106)
I’m taking Houston and the points. Utah is undefeated, and playing in Salt Lake City is a real advantage. I understand why the Utes are favored. But Houston just beat Oklahoma State, and Weigman has been playing excellent football. The Cougars can score through the air, and I think that’s going to give Utah some problems. The danger is Houston’s defense. It just allowed 32 points, and Utah has enough offense to take advantage. But I don’t see this as a game where one team runs away from the other. Give me Houston and the 5.5 points. If you can find 6.5, even better.
Over 55.5 Points (-110)
I’m going over 55.5. Houston just played a 67-point game against Oklahoma State, and the Cougars have been throwing the football well enough to score against good defenses. Utah can move the ball, too, and Houston’s defense has been giving up some big plays. The concern is Utah slowing the game down with its running attack. That’s certainly possible, and the Utes would probably prefer that kind of game. But I think Houston forces them to score more than usual. A 31-28 Utah win gets us over, and I can see something pretty close to that happening. Give me the over.
Final Picks: Houston +5.5 (-106) and Over 55.5 Points (-110)
This article was completed on October 18, 2026. Betting lines, injuries, and weather forecasts may change before Saturday’s kickoff.
Betting on College Football?
- Bet with other College Football fans at the best sportsbooks
- Sign up today and get started with the latest college football sportsbook promos
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days
New DraftKings Customers: Bet $5, Get $200 + 3 Months of NBA League Pass!
