BYU vs Houston Odds, Lines, and Spread
- BYU is a 4.5-point favorite on the road against Houston on October 16, 2020, in a matchup of unbeatens
- BYU ranks fourth in the nation in total offense and fifth in total defense
- A look at the odds, lines, and spreads for the game and an analysis of the matchup can be found below
BYU gets an opportunity to change the skeptics’ minds Friday night when they visit Houston for a 9:30 PM EST kickoff in a game televised by ESPN.
The Cougars are ranked No. 14 and have a 4-0 record. However, some pundits have questioned BYU’s ranking as its wins have come against a rather soft schedule that has included Navy, Troy, Louisiana Tech, and Texas-San Antonio.
Houston (1-0) is expected to present a stiffer challenge, especially playing at home at TDECU Stadium.
The oddsmakers have installed BYU as a 4.5-point favorite:
#14 BYU vs Houston Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| BYU | -215 | -4.5 (-112) | Over 60.5 (-108) |
| Houston | +172 | +4.5 (-108) | Under 60.5 (-112) |
Odds taken Oct. 16 at FanDuel
Wilson Leads Way
BYU is looking to begin a season 5-0 for the first time since 2008.
Quarterback Zach Wilson has led the way for the Cougars this season. The junior has put up phenomenal statistics and is potentially playing his way into being a first-round pick in the NFL Draft.
Unreal throw by BYU’s Zach Wilson, my QB draft crush.
Not only does he climb the pocket and evade pressure here, but he delivers a dart ACROSS his body on the post. He’s a guy the #Bears need to keep an eye on. pic.twitter.com/rIEGPcTzhG
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) October 10, 2020
Wilson leads the nation with his 81.2-completion percentage while throwing for 1,241 yards and eight touchdowns. He has been intercepted only once in 101 attempts and added six rushing TDs.
Not bad for a quarterback who got few offers from Power Five programs while playing high school ball in the Houston area. Wilson had committed to Boise State before drawing late interest from BYU and flipping to the Cougars.
BYU struggled to get past UTSA last Saturday as a 34-point home favorite, winning 27-20. However, Wilson shined again as he was 22-of-30 for 292 yards and two touchdowns.
Fine Supporting Cast
Aided by a fine supporting cast around Wilson, the Cougars are fifth nationally in total offense with an average of 556.8 yards a game. They are also averaging 43.8 points.
That has led to a lot of dancing in Provo, Utah.
— no context college football (@nocontextcfb) September 27, 2020
Wilson runs the offense behind a line that has a combined 135 collegiate starts and allowed just two sacks so far this season. Brady Christensen leads the line with 30 starts and James Epsey is not far behind with 28.
BYU’s top two receivers, Dax Milne and Gunnar Romney, have combined for 44 catches and 819 yards. Running back Tyler Allgeier, who has rushed for 391 yards, provides balance to the offense.
Houston’s D Starts Strong
Houston finally opened its season last Saturday following a series of postponements and cancellations due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Cougars got off on the right foot, covering the 6.5-point spread in a 49-31 victory over Tulane at home.
𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗢𝗻𝗲 | Tulane #GoCoogs x #hoUSton pic.twitter.com/ALHQCR6TMo
— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) October 10, 2020
Houston’s defense turned in a strong effort by limiting the Green Wave to 211 total yards, including just 141 passing. Two of Tulane’s touchdowns came on defense as it scored on an interception and a fumble.
Houston had 12.5 tackles for losses, including 4.5 by Payton Turner.
Wilson and BYU should present a much stiffer challenge. However, last week was a sign of progress for Houston, which ranked 118th out of 130 FBS teams in total defense last season.
BYU’s Other Side
While Wilson has grabbed most of the headlines, BYU’s defense has also impressed.
BYU is giving up just 250.5 yards a game. That is the fourth-best mark in the nation.
Massive play by the BYU defense.
BYU brings the heat on 3rd and 2, Shamon Willis accrues the TFL forcing UTSA to punt! pic.twitter.com/Eg5Ss6BhhS
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) October 10, 2020
Tyler Baty leads the defense with four sacks.
Houston rolled up 476 yards against Tulane. Clayton Tune threw for 319 yards and two touchdowns – while also being intercepted twice – and Marquez Stevenson caught five passes for 118 yards and returned a kickoff 97 yards for a score.
And The Winner is …
Houston looks improved after going just 4-8 last season in Dana Holgorsen’s first season as coach. However, it is hard to get a true read on the 2020 Cougars because of their late start.
However, Houston went 0-6 against ranked teams last season. Couple that with BYU having the rare chance to prove itself on the national stage and the Cougars look like the right side in this one.
The Pick: BYU -4.5 (-114)
John Perrotto has been covering and writing about sports for various outlets for over 40 years. His work has appeared in the likes of USA TODAY, ESPN.com, SI.com, Forbes.com, The Associated Press, Baseball Digest, and more. John is based out of Beaver Falls, PA.
