Houston vs Arizona Picks and Prediction – 11/16/2024

The Houston Cougars take a road trip this week to Tucson for a match up with the Arizona Wildcats. Houston has four wins through nine games played having won three of the last four including two in a row following a 5 point victory against Kansas State. Offensively Houston has been extremely below average this season averaging 14.1 points on just over 300 yards per game. Defensively the Cougars have been mediocre allowing 22.3 points on better than 310 yards per outing. Stay in the loop with our College Football Picks.

Donovan Smith is the offensive leader this season for Houston with 867 yards and four scores on 87 completions. Zeon Chriss has added to the Houston offense with 351 yards and four scores on 38 completions. Re’Shaun Sanford II leads the way on the ground for Houston with 300 yards and one touchdown on 65 carries. Joseph Manjack IV has added 266 yards and three scores on 17 receptions.

The Arizona Wildcats stay at home this week with three wins through nine games played on a long losing streak after a 44 point blowout loss on the road to UCF. Offensively Arizona has been strong this season averaging 23.3 points on 389 yards per game. Defensively the Wildcats rank in the top 100 nationally allowing 28 points on nearly 370 yards per outing.

Noah Fifita has led the way this season for Arizona with 2324 yards and 13 scores on 197 completions. Quali Conley has record on a team high 570 yards and seven scores on 116 carries. Tetairoa McMillan leads the team with 1066 yards and six touchdowns on 63 catches. Keon Burnett and Chris Hunter have combined for 411 yards and one score each on 36 total catches.

Arizona is perhaps the better team on paper in this matchup, but Houston is playing the better football coming into this week. Look for the Cougars to continue their push as a bowl game is a reachable goal. Take Houston this week to do the work on the road as they get the win and cover against a struggling Arizona team to inch closer to bowl season. Final Score Prediction, Houston Cougars win and cover 24-14.