The Only Game Preview You need: Week 3 vs. Houston!

“Hello, friends.” – Jim Nantz, UH Class of 1981

Game Details for Friday Night Lights in Space City

• Kickoff: Friday, September 12 at 5:30 p.m. MT 
• Venue: TDECU Stadium (soon to be renamed Space City Financial Stadium), Houston, TX; Capacity ~40,000
• TV: ESPN (National)
• Weather: Humid evening, temps in the low 80s at kickoff, dipping into the mid-70s by the 4th quarter
• Tickets: High demand; secondary market prices averaging over $440

Vegas Odds & Betting Watch

• Spread: Houston favored by ~4.5 points
• Over/Under: ~43.5 total points
• Moneyline: Houston –205, Colorado +170
• ESPN Matchup Predictor: Houston 57.9% win probability

History

This will mark just the second all-time meeting between the Buffaloes and Cougars. Their first came in the 1971 Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl, where Colorado, led by quarterback Ken Johnson and running back Charlie Davis, earned a 29–17 victory. The Buffs went on to finish the season ranked No. 3 nationally, while Bill Yeoman’s Cougars — with his famed Veer offense — closed the year at No. 17.

Check out highlights from the game at the link below — seriously, click the link. The video is worth 15 minutes of your time.

https://texasarchive.org/2022_00243

The Scene

This game is about more than records. It’s Houston’s Big 12 opener and one of the most anticipated home contests in school history.

TDECU Stadium will be packed, with UH celebrity alums like Jim Nantz, Jim Parsons, and even Grammy-winner Lizzo (Melissa Jefferson) hyping the game on social media. On the field, two of college football’s most magnetic leaders—Coach Prime and Willie Fritz—square off under the Friday night lights.

For Colorado, it’s a chance to prove it can win on the road in a hostile environment. For Houston, it’s a statement game to show they belong as a true contender in their second season in the Big 12. The atmosphere will be electric, and every snap will feel like it carries extra weight.

Lizzo playing the ol’ CU cheer…..first is the west side: “Go CU!”….now east side: “Go CU!”….now everybody….Go CU!” Or not.

When CU has the Ball

Ryan Staub is presumably getting the start in Houston. The third-year quarterback has quickly earned the staff’s trust with his command of the playbook and ability to make decisive, quick reads. Against Delaware, he made the most of his chance, completing 7 of 10 passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns. Unlike Kaidon Salter’s improvisational style, Staub thrives on rhythm—getting the ball out quickly, spreading touches across multiple receivers, and neutralizing pressure with timing routes.

That approach will be tested against a Houston defense ranked among the nation’s best through two weeks, allowing just 78 passing yards per game. The Cougars boast NFL-caliber talent in the front seven, including defensive tackle Carlos Allen Jr. (2024 PFF run-defense grade: 84.4) and linebacker Jalen Garner (2024 PFF grade: 86.8). Houston will try to collapse the pocket, but Staub’s knack for hitting his first or second option should help CU avoid negative plays.

Look for Omarion Miller (fingers crossed he plays), Sincere Brown, and the Buffs’ young receiving corps to benefit from Staub’s accuracy on the perimeter, while the short passing game to the backs—particularly Simeon Price, who flashed with several eye-popping carries against Delaware—and the tight ends could function as an extension of the run game.

If CU stays ahead of the chains and keeps Staub comfortable, the Buffs have the firepower to create explosive plays, stress Houston’s secondary, and quiet a charged Friday night crowd.

When Houston has the Ball

The Cougars (2–0) look like a rejuvenated program under Willie Fritz. Quarterback Conner Weigman, the Texas A&M transfer, has been steady, completing over 65% of his passes with multiple touchdown connections to tight end Tanner Koziol. Koziol, a former freshman All-American at Ball State, notched 94 receptions for 839 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2024 before transferring to Houston. Running back Dean Connors, a Rice transfer who tallied more than 1,500 yards from scrimmage a year ago, adds a downhill presence that keeps defenses honest. Connors averages 6.5 rushing yards over 28 carries, with 2 touchdowns, early on the season.

Expect Connors to get a lot of carries on Friday night because two other Houston backs — Re’Shaun Sanford II and J’Marion Burnette – are listed as out this week.

Colorado’s defense showed improvement against Delaware but hasn’t seen a unit as balanced as UH. Expect Fritz to test CU’s secondary early with play-action while relying on Connors to grind clock and control tempo. If Houston’s offensive line can hold off CU’s pass rush, the Cougars will look to wear the Buffs down with long, sustained drives.

Keys to Victory

Colorado

• Staub’s Poise: If Ryan Staub starts, his quick reads and comfort in the system must translate into efficient drives. Avoiding turnovers and staying on schedule is critical.
• Explosive Plays: CU needs Miller, Brown, Price, and Taylor to break a couple of chunk gains. Houston’s defense has been stingy, so one or two big plays could tilt momentum.
• Defensive Discipline: Houston thrives on balance. The Buffs must contain Dean Connors on early downs to force Weigman into obvious passing situations.

Houston

• Control the Clock: Fritz’s Cougars want to grind with Connors and wear down CU’s defense. Long, sustained drives will keep Staub and CU’s playmakers off the field.
• Protect Weigman: If the O-line holds, Weigman can work his tight end Koziol and outside threats in rhythm. Pressure is the one thing that can rattle him.
• Keep it Rocking: TDECU will be rocking for prime time. If Houston gets out front early, the environment could overwhelm a quarterback making only his second start.

Winning the Tailgate

• BOTW (Beer of the Week): Banquet Classic – A frosty Coors Banquet pulled from a black-and-gold cooler, the iconic road companion for Buff Nation.

• WOTW (White of the Week): Txakolina (Basque White, but found in Houston’s foodie circles) – Crisp, lightly fizzy, and citrusy. Perfect for Houston’s humid Friday night air, cuts right through brisket and queso. Think of it as the “quick read” of wines — efficient, no wasted motion.

• ROTW (Red of the Week): Texas Tempranillo – Bold, structured, and increasingly the pride of Hill Country vineyards. Brings heat and spice, pairing beautifully with ribs or fajitas at a Cougar tailgate. 

• Opponent Pour: Michelada Madness – A Lone Star or Shiner Bock dressed up with lime, Tajín, and a dash of hot sauce. Perfect for the sticky Friday night air.

Go Buffs – Beat the Cougars!

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Inside CU’s QB Call: Staub’s Deep Ball, Salter’s Role, and Houston Up Next