Houston Predicted to Win 31-14 Against Colorado at Folsom Field

Colorado hosts Houston on Friday at 8:15 p.m. on ESPN at Folsom Field, needing a win to avoid a third losing season in the first four years of the Coach Prime era.

Deion Sanders’ Buffaloes enter the matchup with a 3-6 record overall and a 1-5 mark in Big 12 play.

The late-night kickoff creates a challenge for attendance, as a sellout would be a surprise given the program’s 2-13 record across its last 15 Big 12 games. Fans may be sensing a potential change ahead after another difficult campaign.

Sanders said that his team has remained competitive against recent ranked visitors like Texas Tech and Utah, keeping the door open for a late-season upset. To change the trajectory, the offense needs a schematic shift.

“The Buffs’ offensive game plan isn’t working,” Sanders said, explaining that limiting quarterback Isaac Wilson’s opportunities to turn the ball over failed to yield success. Offensive coordinator Brennan Marion could respond by taking more shots downfield.

In the running game, the coaching staff leans on Sacramento State transfers, though JaQuail Smith carries the primary load while Micah Welch remains sidelined with a hand injury. Damian Henderson II flashed brilliance in the season-opening win against Georgia Tech but has barely featured since a September fumble against Northwestern.

Defensively, coordinator Chris Marve must generate pressure against veteran quarterback Conner Weigman, whom Sanders described as playing like one of the best in the country. The unit welcomes back linebacker Tyler Martinez from a lower-leg injury that kept him out since September.

Special teams present another variable as kicker Elliott Arnold remains questionable following a lower-body hit taken in Tempe. That uncertainty could force the coaching staff into aggressive fourth-down choices.

No. 14 Houston is predicted to win 31-14, pointing to the Cougars’ depth and coaching under Willie Fritz against a reeling Colorado squad.