• We’ve made our Houston vs BYU prediction for Saturday night Big 12 action
• The No. 19 BYU Cougars are laying 12 points at home against struggling Houston
• Read below for Houston vs BYU odds, prediction and best bets

The Houston Cougars (4-7, 3-5 Big 12) travel to Provo, Utah, to face the No. 19 BYU Cougars (9-2, 6-2 Big 12) on Saturday, November 30, 2024. Kickoff is set for 10:15 p.m. ET at LaVell Edwards Stadium, with ESPN handling the broadcast.

The Saturday Night Football odds list the BYU Cougars as notable home favorites, with a win required to keep their CFP aspirations alive. Houston, meanwhile, aims to salvage a disappointing season by playing spoiler.

Here is a look at our Houston vs BYU prediction and odds for Saturday night college football.

Houston vs BYU Odds

BYU comes in as a solid 12-point home favorite over Houston. The moneyline suggests BYU has about an 85% chance to win outright, which makes sense given their stellar record and home-field edge.

The total sits at just 41.5 points, hinting at a defensive struggle. Both teams can really defend – BYU ranks second in Big 12 scoring defense (20.3 ppg) while Houston sits fifth (22.3 ppg). The Cougars are a combined 13-7-1 to the under this season.

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Odds as of November 30, 2024, at ESPN Sportsbook. Register with the ESPN promo code to bet on Saturday Night CFB.

Houston Betting Analysis

Houston stumbles into this one after dropping two straight – a 20-10 loss to Baylor and an ugly 27-3 drubbing by Arizona. Their offense has been a mess, with QB Zeon Chriss (67/106, 668 yds, 4 TD, 7 INT) now leading the nation’s lowest-scoring attack at 13.6 points per game.

The lone bright spot has been RB Re’Shaun Sanford II, who’s shown flashes with 413 rushing yards and a score. The ground game averages a respectable 4.2 yards per carry, but Houston’s inability to sustain drives has limited their rushing attempts.

Play the next play #GoCoogs | @MeowWolf pic.twitter.com/MsDWRRFLZO

— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) November 30, 2024

The Cougars actually lead the Big 12 in total defense (321.9 ypg) and have locked down some solid offenses. Their resume includes impressive wins over Kansas State, TCU, and Utah. The defense has held opponents under 24 points in seven of eleven games.

Houston’s secondary has been particularly strong, allowing just 190.8 passing yards per game. They’ve recorded 12 interceptions on the season and rank third in the conference in pass defense efficiency.

For Houston to pull this off, they’ll need their defense to shine and force some key turnovers.  Chriss has to avoid the picks that have plagued him lately (4 INTs in the last two games). The offense must find ways to extend drives and keep BYU’s attack off the field.

BYU Betting Analysis

BYU’s dream season hit a rough patch with consecutive losses to Kansas (17-13) and Arizona State (28-23). After starting 9-0 and flirting with the CFP, they now need help to reach the Big 12 title game.

QB Jake Retzlaff (193/328, 2,629 yds, 20 TD, 10 INT) leads a balanced attack that can beat you several ways. The explosive Chase Roberts (48 catches, 767 yards, 4 TDs) has been his go-to target, averaging an impressive 16 yards per catch.

Jake Retzlaff leading the Cougars to another victory
Retzlaff Highlights#GoCougs | #Big12FB pic.twitter.com/evgiuZXxY8

— Big 12 Studios (@big12studios) November 10, 2024

LJ Martin (99 carries, 543 yards, 5 TDs) anchors the ground game. BYU’s offense puts up 30+ per game, and they’re nearly unbeatable at home under the lights (30-4 since 2019). The Cougars are averaging 34.8 points in home games this season.

BYU’s defense should focus on stuffing the run and daring Houston to throw. Build a lead, make Houston pass, and let that opportunistic defense (23 takeaways) do its thing. The Cougars are 7-4 ATS this season and have covered four straight at home.

Houston vs BYU Prediction

Everything points to BYU bouncing back strong. They’re the better team on both sides of the ball and should feed off a rowdy home crowd on Senior Night.

Houston’s defense might keep it interesting early, but BYU’s firepower and Houston’s turnover issues should be the difference. That 30-4 home night record under Kalani Sitake speaks volumes.

I see BYU controlling this one start to finish. Lay the 12 points with confidence – the motivated home squad from Provo should roll to a comfortable win.

Saturday Night CFB Pick:

• BYU -12 (-110)

The post Houston vs BYU Prediction, Pick & Odds for Saturday Night Football appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.