The Texas Tech Red Raiders and Houston Cougars meet this weekend in the first conference game for each team in Week 3 of the college football season. Texas Tech is 2-0 with wins over Abilene Christian and Oregon State, while Houston beat Oregon State and Southern to also reach 2-0 last Saturday. Both teams have high hopes of competing atop the Big 12 Conference, with Texas Tech the defending Big 12 Champions, and Houston coming off a nine-win season as they go into their third season under head coach Willie Fritz.
There was controversy around this game in the offseason as to whether or not it should be moved to a Friday evening. But, FOX and the Big 12 Conference won out, much to the chagrin of the Red Raiders. So now here we are with Texas Tech vs. Houston, a critical Big 12 matchup, with a preview, prediction and pick for the showdown.
Texas Tech vs. Houston Odds
- Spread: Texas Tech -8.5
- Over/Under: 53.5
- Moneyline: Texas Tech -330/Houston +260
Odds as of Monday morning. Odds are subject to change.
The Biggest Question: Can Texas Tech’s Defense Show Up?
All the eyes and all the pressure is on the Red Raiders this Friday night. It’s been a ho-hum first two weeks for Texas Tech, despite sky-high expectations coming into the season. But the 2025 team was driven by its defense. Tech’s defense has been mediocre through the first two games, and the secondary has gotten torched. Houston’s offensive weapons could have a field day if Tech’s defense doesn’t step up in a big way. Conner Weigman is loaded with weapons like Amare Thomas, Koby Young, Trent Walker and more, while Patrick Overmyer is stepping in as a solid safety blanket at tight end. Mahki Hughes has also been as advertised after coming in from Oregon at running back. With some of the issues Tech has shown defensively, notably last week vs. Oregon State, this could spell trouble come Friday.
Texas Tech vs. Houston Prediction and Pick
Prediction: Texas Tech 27, Houston 24
I have to give the home team a lean here. It’s Lubbock. At night. With this much talent? I’m not betting against that. Well, at least not straight up. I will bet against the Red Raiders against the spread. I don’t think they’ve earned being this sizable a favorite. But let’s be clear, Houston has, thus far, the better quarterback in the game, and a defense that has been much more consistent. Houston was expected to need to fill rolls at cornerback, but Jalen Mayo (SFA) and Javion White (Tulane), have done more than their share so far, with a secondary that has looked complete.
Tech will need its offensive line and running game to get going on Friday night to wear down the Houston defense and win this game by owning time of possession. They’ll do enough to get it done against a Houston run defense that hasn’t really been tested yet, but it won’t be easy.
Texas Tech wins. Houston covers.
