News Summary
The Houston Cougars are set to face off against the Colorado Buffaloes at TDECU Stadium. This game is pivotal for head coach Willie Fritz and marks Houston’s best start since 2018. With both teams aiming for a strong showing in the Big 12 Conference, key players like quarterback Conner Weigman for Houston and the rotating quarterbacks for Colorado will be crucial. Defensive performances from both sides could decide the outcome, while fan engagement is expected to be high.
Houston Hosts Colorado in Big 12 Opener
The Houston Cougars are set to play the Colorado Buffaloes on Friday, September 12, at TDECU Stadium in Houston, Texas. This matchup marks a significant moment for head coach Willie Fritz, as it is deemed his most critical game since he took over the program last year. The Cougars enter the game with a record of 2-0, their best start since 2018, the same year defensive lineman Ed Oliver starred for the team.
Game Details and Statistics
The Cougars are favored to win by 5.5 points and have a 57.9 percent chance of victory according to the ESPN Matchup Predictor. Colorado currently holds a record of 1-1, coming off a convincing 31-7 win against the University of Delaware, following a loss to Georgia Tech in their season opener. Last season, Colorado finished with a disappointing 4-8 record but saw a turnaround in their first year in the Big 12 Conference, achieving a 9-4 record—its best performance since 2016.
Historical Context
Historically, Houston and Colorado have met only once on the football field, during the 1971 season when the Buffaloes defeated the Cougars 29-17 in Houston. This upcoming game marks a new chapter in the rivalry as both teams look to solidify their standings in the conference.
Team Preparations and Challenges
Coach Fritz has been preparing for Colorado since the summer, noting that their quarterback situation has made scouting more challenging. Colorado has rotated between three quarterbacks: Kaidon Salter, Julian Lewis, and Ryan Shaun, with Shaun notably throwing for 157 yards and two touchdowns in his last game versus Delaware. All three quarterbacks run similar offensive schemes. Colorado also boasts a solid rushing attack, with running backs Simeon Price and Micah Welch combining for 163 rushing yards and one touchdown this season. Senior wide receiver Sincere Brown leads the team in receiving yards with 120 and has contributed one touchdown.
Special Teams and Houston’s Offense
On the special teams front, Colorado’s kicker Alejandro Mata has gained recognition as one of the most accurate kickers in college football, successfully converting all kicks this season.
For Houston, quarterback Conner Weigman, who was a former five-star recruit, is off to a strong start, completing over 65% of his passes without throwing any interceptions during the first two games. The Cougars’ rushing attack has also shown effectiveness, with running back Dean Connors racking up 182 rushing yards and two touchdowns, averaging an impressive 6.5 yards per carry.
Defensive Performance and Fan Engagement
Houston’s defense, under new coordinator Austin Armstrong, has limited opponents to just 9 total points and 186 yards per game so far this season, illustrating a promising defensive performance. Recovering from early challenges, the Cougars will look to build on their success as they compete against Colorado.
In anticipation of a large crowd, Houston’s athletic director Eddie Nuñez has urged fans to arrive early. Currently, 25,000-30,000 tickets have been sold, creating excitement for what is expected to be a sold-out student section at TDECU Stadium.
Looking Ahead
The matchup between Houston and Colorado, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. this Friday, promises to be a highlight in both teams’ schedules as they aim to make a mark in the Big 12 Conference.
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Additional Resources
- AZ Central
- Wikipedia: College Football
- USA Today
- Google Search: College Football News
- Sports Illustrated
- Google Scholar: College Football Statistics
- Bleacher Report
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- Denver Gazette
- Google News: Houston vs Colorado football
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HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
