Texas vs. Houston point spread: Picking Longhorns vs. Cougars

Texas is a 22.5-point favorite on the road against first-time conference opponent Houston this weekend, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

To give us a bit more insight before the weekend, On3’s Andy Staples welcomed college football writer Richard Johnson to his show to reveal his pick between the two Big-12 Conference opponents.

“I’m taking Texas in this game,” Johnson told Staples bluntly. “This is the biggest Houston home game ever. It’s going to be a juiced-up atmosphere but Texas is better. I was at Red River, I understand what happened but I think Texas, when it’s all said and done when they rematch Oklahoma — I do think Texas is on the doorstep of making the College Football Playoff.”

Staples agreed with Johnson, but not without reminding that this Texas team is unlike any we’ve seen in recent memory. In the past, this matchup against Houston would be considered a trap game. The Longhorns of old would have choked their season away while their in-state rival stormed the field.

According to Johnson, that simply won’t be the case in 2023.

“Solidly built — what’s up front is different and I think you see that every game you play,” Johnson said. “They have some absolute hitters up front. I think this Texas team is built different and I’m taking them here.”

Of course, Houston has caught the No. 9 Longhorns in an awkward position after a bye week that followed their 34-30 Red River Rivalry loss against Oklahoma. After a 5-0 start to the season, Texas is at a fork in the road where it can either pick back up its winning ways — as Johnson and Staples predict — or have it all fall apart.

The Houston offense has been known the show a spark here and there, ccoring at least five touchdowns in four of its first six games. Cougars QB Donovan Smith has been brilliant for Houston this season. Passing for 1,600 yards so far this season — good for third-best in the conference behind Oklahoma’s Dillon Gabriel and Texas’ Quinn Ewers.

Smith is also a threat to beat you on the ground with 197 rushing yards and four touchdowns to add to his totals, though no tailback on Houston’s roster can rival the production of Jonathon Brooks and the rest of the Texas running back room, who has totaled over 1,000 rushing yards collectively this year.

Opening kickoff between the Longhorns and Cougars is set for Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. ET live on Fox. The over/under total is set at 61 points.