Houston vs Colorado Prediction, Odds & Player Props (Nov. 13)

• Houston averages 203.5 rushing yards per game heading into a Friday night trip to Folsom Field
• Colorado’s passing volume runs through Joseph Williams, who leads the Buffaloes with 853 receiving yards
• Read below for my Houston vs Colorado prediction, odds and player props

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The No. 14 Houston Cougars visit the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field in Boulder on Friday, November 13, with kickoff set for 10:15pm ET on ESPN. Houston enters at 7-2 overall and 4-2 in Big 12 play.

Colorado is 3-6 and 1-5 in the Big 12 after a 20-10 loss at Arizona State. These schools have met twice and split the games. Houston won 36-20 last season, but this time the Cougars travel to Boulder, having split their first four road games this year.

The matchup I want to watch is Houston’s running game against an improved Colorado front. On the other side, receiver Joseph Williams gives the Buffaloes a chance to move the chains even if the Cougars force them into passing situations.

Houston vs Colorado Prediction

• Prediction: Houston’s efficiency gives it the edge, while Colorado’s passing volume drives the best prop angles

My Houston vs Colorado prediction is a Cougars win. Houston put up 468 yards in its 31-24 win over Cincinnati last week. When the Bearcats tied the game midway through the fourth quarter, Houston needed three plays to answer, with Re’Shaun Sanford II breaking a 51-yard touchdown run.

Houston comes in averaging 203.5 rushing yards per game. Colorado is allowing 133.2, down from 222.5 a year ago. The Buffs are giving up 3.53 yards per carry, so I like Houston to win more than I like the idea that the Cougars can run away from them.

Quarterback Conner Weigman gives Houston another way to finish drives. Against Cincinnati, he found Amare Thomas for scores from eight and 31 yards out, then kept the ball for a two-yard touchdown. A defense that holds up against Houston’s backs still has to account for its quarterback near the goal line.

Colorado lists Isaac Wilson as its leading passer with 1,412 yards, but my favorite angle on the Buffaloes is his receiver. Williams has 58 catches, 853 yards and six touchdowns through nine games. He has caught at least five passes in seven straight.

The distinction between the winner and the spread matters here. At Novig, Houston was 77¢ to win outright and 50¢ to cover 9.5 points. A seven-point Houston win would cash the first and lose the second. Colorado’s improvement against the run is enough to keep me on the outright side.

Houston vs Colorado Odds

Novig’s Houston vs Colorado board had the Cougars favored by 9.5 points with a total of 51.5. Here’s how the two teams were priced to win outright.

Novig prices as of 12:21am ET on Nov. 13. Prices are subject to change.

A winning Houston contract bought at 77¢ pays $1, including the initial 77¢, before any fees. At Colorado’s 24¢ price, the Buffaloes need to win outright. Staying inside the spread alone would leave that contract worthless.

Compare these prices with the latest college football odds.

Houston vs Colorado Player Props

My first two player props have posted BetMGM prices. The other two are targets at specific numbers. Novig had game lines for Houston vs Colorado when I checked, so I’ve listed the player prices separately.

For receiving yardage, the half-yard matters. A 75-plus milestone pays with exactly 75 yards, the same finish as Over 74.5. A 75-plus market is a different bet from Over 71.5, since a receiver could finish with 72, 73 or 74 yards.

Pick 1: Joseph Williams Over 74.5 Receiving Yards

• Joseph Williams Over 74.5 receiving yards (-105 at BetMGM)

Williams caught seven passes for 121 yards against Arizona State, including Colorado’s only touchdown and its longest gain, a 48-yard catch. That was his fourth 100-yard game this season. BetMGM’s 75-plus receiving yards market gets me the same number as Over 74.5 without asking him to reach the century mark again.

Pick 2: Makhi Hughes Anytime Touchdown

• Makhi Hughes anytime touchdown (-161 at BetMGM)

Hughes ran for 90 yards against Cincinnati. The case for an anytime touchdown is his role in a rushing offense that can put him in scoring position several times. The price is short, and the risk showed up last week: Sanford and Weigman both scored rushing touchdowns while Hughes went without one.

Prop Target: Isaac Wilson Under 1.5 Passing Touchdowns

• Target: Isaac Wilson Under 1.5 passing touchdowns

My Wilson lean is Under 1.5 passing touchdowns. BetMGM listed a price for him to throw two or more, but I couldn’t verify an Under price. I’d want his starting status and the payout before making that bet. A score on the ground would help Colorado without counting toward his passing total.

Colorado’s last game illustrates the difference between the yardage and touchdown bets. Williams had enough receiving yards to beat his Friday line comfortably, but the offense scored only one touchdown. I’d take his yardage prop first.

Prop Target: Amare Thomas Over 71.5 Receiving Yards

• Target: Amare Thomas Over 71.5 receiving yards

Thomas caught six balls for 78 yards against Cincinnati. My target of Over 71.5 gives him room to finish with fewer than 75, which matters when last week’s total was only three yards above that milestone. BetMGM posted 75-plus at -105. My target is Over 71.5 if that exact number opens at a playable price.

For more matchups, browse our college football player props and find a platform in our guide to the best college football betting apps.