Colorado vs Houston Player Props Picks – Best Bets for Ryan Staub & More

• Colorado quarterback Ryan Staub makes his first career start Friday night against Houston’s elite defense
• Dean Connors faces a Colorado run defense that allows 202 yards per game on the ground
• Check out my Colorado vs Houston player props, plus best bets and picks for Friday’s Big 12 opener

The Big 12 conference schedule kicks off Friday night with Colorado (1-1) visiting Houston (2-0) in what could be a defensive battle. The biggest storyline centers on Buffaloes quarterback Ryan Staub, who went from third-string to starter after impressing in relief last week against Delaware.

Staub completed 7 of 10 passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns in limited action, earning the nod from Deion Sanders. Now he faces a Houston defense that’s allowed just 78 passing yards per game through two weeks. The college football player props market has set some interesting lines for this matchup.

Colorado vs Houston Player Props

Staub’s passing touchdown line sits at 1.5 after he threw two scores on just 10 attempts last week. Houston’s Dean Connors has a rushing yards total of 65.5 against a Colorado defense that’s been getting gashed on the ground.

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Colorado vs Houston Player Prop Pick #1: Dean Connors Rushing Yards

Houston’s ground game should feast Friday night. Connors ran for 132 yards on just 13 carries against Rice last week, averaging over 10 yards per pop. Now he faces a Colorado defense that’s been absolutely torched on the ground.

The Buffaloes allowed Georgia Tech to rush for 320 yards in Week 1. They’re giving up 202 yards per game and 5.2 yards per carry through two games. That’s the worst run defense in the Big 12 by a mile.

Dean Connors 2025 Stats

Connors is averaging 6.5 yards per carry this season. At that rate, he needs just 10 carries to hit 60 yards. Houston will lean on the ground game to control clock and keep Staub off the field. Houston is a 4-point favorite, suggesting they’ll play with a lead and run even more in the second half.

• Dean Connors 60+ Rushing Yards (-120 at DraftKings); 1 unit

Colorado vs Houston Prop Pick #2: Ryan Staub Passing TDs

This is Staub’s moment. The third-stringer turned starter threw two touchdowns on just 10 attempts against Delaware, showing impressive red zone efficiency. That’s a 20% touchdown rate that won’t continue, but it shows he can deliver when needed.

Yes, Houston’s defense has been elite, allowing just 78 passing yards per game. But those numbers came against Stephen F. Austin and Rice. Colorado has more weapons at receiver than either of those teams, even without Travis Hunter.

If Colorado falls behind early, they’ll have to throw. Staub will get his opportunities, especially if Houston focuses on stopping the run. Getting plus money on the over makes this worth a play.

• Ryan Staub Over 1.5 Passing TDs (+134 at FanDuel); 1 unit

Colorado vs Houston Touchdown Scorer Props

Dean Connors is the heavy chalk to score at -145, but I’m targeting Tanner Koziol at plus money. The 6’7″ tight end presents a massive target in the red zone.

Colorado vs Houston Anytime Touchdown Pick #3: Tanner Koziol Anytime TD

Koziol has become Conner Weigman’s security blanket and primary red zone target. Through two games, he leads Houston with 13 receptions – no other player has more than five catches. That target share is massive.

He scored eight touchdowns at Ball State last season and already has one this year. His size creates major mismatches near the goal line, especially against a Colorado defense that allowed a former FCS quarterback to throw for over 300 yards last week.

Houston should find the red zone multiple times against this Colorado defense. When they do, look for Weigman to target his most reliable weapon. Getting +170 at DraftKings is excellent value.

• Tanner Koziol Anytime TD (+170 at DraftKings); 1 unit