PREVIEW: #14 Houston Faces Colorado on Friday Night

HOUSTON – #14 Houston Football starts its final road trip of the season, a two-game swing away from TDECU Stadium starting with a tilt against Colorado at 9:15 p.m. CT, Friday, on ESPN.

GAME 10 – AT COLORADO

#14 Houston (7-2, 4-2 Big 12) at Colorado (3-6, 1-5 Big 12)
Friday, Nov. 13 | 9:15 p.m. CT
Folsom Field | Boulder, Colo.
Broadcast: ESPN
Radio: KPRC 950 AM

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Both teams enter with a passing game in the Top 8 of the Big 12 Conference but Houston's QBs have thrown nine more touchdowns and eight fewer interceptions than Colorado's signal callers. Houston's rushing game averages 203.5 yards per game in comparison to Colorado's 140 yards per game with the Cougars scoring 16 touchdowns on the ground compared to the Buffs' nine rushing scores.
Houston has allowed 30 points just once through its first nine games. The last time the Cougars allowed 30+ points in one or fewer games through their first nine games came in 2013. Houston's 21.3 ppg allowed are the fewest since 2021.
The Cougars' defense has quietly been one of the best at taking away the football in 2026. With eight interceptions and five fumbles recovered, the Cougars rank 38th nationally with 13 turnovers gained and 7th in the Big 12. Houston has been +1 or better in seven different games and have forced multiple turnovers in three total games.
Quarterback Conner Weigman has been one of the best, if not the best quarterback over the two seasons with 62 total touchdowns since 2025 all at a P4 school. Weigman's 47 passing touchdowns and 18 rushing touchdowns are 6th and 2nd most, respectively, during that time. Weigman is 17-5 at Houston, the fourth-most wins nationally, and the most in the Big 12, since 2025.

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW

Friday's tilt marks the first meeting between Houston and Colorado in Boulder, Colo. Both of the two meetings in the series have been in Houston, including the 1971 Bluebonnet Bowl in the Astrodome.
Houston has played one of the toughest schedules in the country, and the most difficult schedule in the Big 12. Houston's past schedule ranks as the 3rd toughest and its past opposition in addition to its future opponents ranks as the 8th toughest in the country – producing the most difficult schedule in the Big 12.
ReShaun Sanford II has torn ligaments in both of his knees over his four year career, both times before a season started. He missed his freshman season due to a knee injury in 2023 and then missed all of 2025 with a season-ending injury to his other knee. In 2026, Sanford has rushed for 100+ yards twice and rattled off two 50+ yard rushing touchdowns.
Houston cornerbacks Will James and Jalen Mayo have been two of the best in the Big 12, and their value to the Cougars' secondary has been noticed nationally. Mayo was recently named a Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalist, the award given to the nation's best defensive back, and both rank in the top 10 in the Big 12 in coverage grade. James' 76.2 coverage grade ranks third in the Big 12, while Mayo's 73.5 ranks eighth.
Houston has scored 30+ points in three consecutive games, the first time since 2022 when the Cougars scored 30+ in seven consecutive games. On defense, Houston has allowed more than 30 points just once, only Utah and TCU (zero) have not allowed an opponent to score 30+ in a game. The last time Houston allowed 30 points in one or fewer games through the first nine contests came in 2013 (47 points in a loss to BYU).

SCOUTING COLORADO

Colorado enters the week with a 3-6 record, including a 1-5 mark against Big 12 opponents. The Buffaloes are 2-2 at Folsom Field.
Julian Lewis and Isaac Wilson have split time as quarterback in Colorado's offense. Together, they've combined for 2,145 yards, 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Jaquail Smith has led the backfield with 396 yards and a score while Joseph Williams is the leading receiver with 853 yards and six touchdowns.
Gideon ESPN Lampron paces the team in tackles with 96 while Lampron and Lamont Lester Jr. both have five sacks each.

LAST TIME AGAINST CINCINNATI

Houston won the first matchup between the two teams as conference opponents last season, a 36-20 rout on Sept. 12, 2025 at TDECU Stadium.
Conner Weigman threw for 222 yards while rushing for 83 yards and two touchdowns. Stephon Johnson caught five passes for 117 yards while Wrook Brown and Blake Thompson each caught an interception.

A HOUSTON WIN WOULD BE ...

Houston's second consecutive victory against Colorado.
Houston's second straight 8+ win season.

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Players Mentioned

Wrook Brown

Will James

Stephon Johnson

Jalen Mayo

Blake Thompson

Conner Weigman