Houston vs. Colorado Prediction, Betting Pick, Latest CFB Odds for Friday, November 13th
No. 14 Houston travels to Boulder on Friday night for a Big 12 matchup against Colorado, with both teams seeking an important late-season result. Can Conner Weigman continue the Cougars' winning momentum, or will Isaac Wilson and the Buffaloes make life difficult for another conference contender? Check out this Houston vs. Colorado prediction and best bet for Friday, November 13.
Peter Alexis - November 13, 2026, 6:30 PM EST
5 Minute ReadHouston vs. Colorado Prediction: Can the Buffs Stun Top-15 Cougars on Friday Night, Ruining Their Playoff Chances?
The No. 14 Houston Cougars (7-2, 4-2 Big 12) face the Colorado Buffaloes (3-6, 1-5 Big 12) at Folsom Field on Friday, November 13, with kickoff scheduled for 10:15 PM ET on ESPN. Houston is looking to strengthen its College Football Playoff positioning and remain within striking distance of the Big 12 championship race, while Colorado needs a victory to keep its bowl eligibility hopes alive.
Houston enters as a road favorite following a narrow victory over Cincinnati, but the Cougars have repeatedly struggled to produce comfortable winning margins. Colorado's record has been disappointing, although the Buffaloes have demonstrated competitive defensive performances against several quality opponents, especially at home.
Houston vs. Colorado Recent Results
Houston Cougars (7-2), (4-2 Big 12)
Houston improved to 7-2 with a 31-24 victory over Cincinnati on November 7. Quarterback Conner Weigman completed 17 of 24 passes for 227 yards and two touchdowns while adding 30 rushing yards and another score, helping the Cougars secure another important conference victory.
The rushing attack played a major role, with Re'Shaun Sanford II producing 126 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. Dean Connors was not needed to carry the entire offensive workload, as Houston spread its rushing production across multiple contributors and finished with a balanced attack that challenged Cincinnati throughout the game.
Houston previously suffered a 21-13 loss at Utah on October 24 after defeating Oklahoma State 35-32 on October 17. The Cougars have remained competitive against difficult opposition, but their tendency to play close games has become an important consideration when evaluating substantial point spreads.
Houston averages 30.3 points and 203.5 rushing yards per game, while its defense allows 21.3 points. The Cougars have allowed more than 30 points only once this season, relying on consistent defensive play and Weigman's versatility to remain competitive in the Big 12.
Colorado Buffaloes (3-6), (1-5 Big 12)
Colorado suffered a 20-10 defeat at Arizona State on November 7, falling behind 17-0 at halftime before producing a stronger second-half performance. The Buffaloes limited Arizona State to just three points after halftime, but their offense struggled to create enough scoring opportunities to complete the comeback.
Quarterback Isaac Wilson completed 20 of 31 passes for 248 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Joseph Williams provided the most productive receiving performance with seven catches for 121 yards and a touchdown, but Colorado struggled to sustain its rushing attack and managed only 52 net rushing yards.
The Buffaloes previously defeated Kansas State 27-24 in overtime on October 31, snapping a five-game losing streak. Wilson connected with Charlie Williams for the winning touchdown, while Richard Young rushed for 120 yards and two scores. The victory demonstrated Colorado's ability to execute in a competitive conference matchup at Folsom Field.
Colorado has struggled with turnovers, offensive inconsistency and inefficient rushing production throughout the season. However, its defense has remained competitive against several strong Big 12 opponents, and the Buffaloes have allowed fewer than 30 points in seven of their nine games.
Houston vs. Colorado Head to Head
- September 12, 2025: Houston 36, Colorado 20
- December 31, 1971: Colorado 29, Houston 17
The all-time series is tied 1-1, with Houston winning last season's matchup by 16 points. The Cougars outscored Colorado 20-6 in the second half of that contest, pulling away after a competitive opening two quarters.
Friday marks the first meeting between these programs in Boulder. The only other historical matchup occurred in the 1971 Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl, making last season's conference game the only particularly relevant meeting for evaluating the current teams.
Houston vs. Colorado Date, Time, Where to Watch
- Date: Friday, November 13th, 2026
- Time: 10:15 PM ET
- Location: Folsom Field, Boulder, Colorado
- How to Watch: ESPN
Houston vs. Colorado Odds
- Spread: Houston -7.5 (-108), Colorado +7.5 (+100)
- Total Points: Over 51.5 (-109), Under 51.5 (-108)
- Moneyline: Houston (-315), Colorado (+270)
Click here for the latest Houston vs. Colorado Odds
Houston vs. Colorado Line Movement and Betting Splits
Houston opened as a 10.5-point favorite in parts of the market before the spread moved toward Colorado throughout the week. Other sportsbooks were still offering numbers around Houston -9.5 on Friday, while the supplied market had reached -7.5. The movement is notable because the Cougars carry a significantly stronger overall record and national ranking.
Betting support has nevertheless remained heavily concentrated on Houston. An early Friday snapshot showed approximately 83% of spread tickets and 88% of the handle backing the Cougars at a different market number. The larger share of money and wagers on Houston contrasts with the movement toward Colorado, although the numbers do not independently establish professional betting activity.
The total has climbed from an opening range around 48 to 49 points toward 51.5. Houston's offensive efficiency has attracted attention, but Colorado's defensive performances against strong opposition create uncertainty about whether the Cougars can consistently produce enough possessions and scoring opportunities to cover a substantial road spread.
Houston Cougars Injury Report and Team News
- Aaron Wolford (OL): Out, Undisclosed
- Carmycah Glass (LB): Out, Undisclosed
- De'Marion Thomas (DL): Probable, Undisclosed
- Ejiro Egodogbare (DL): Probable, Undisclosed
- JD Rhym (DB): Probable, Undisclosed
- Travis Buhake (DL): Probable, Undisclosed
Houston's offensive line will be without Wolford, creating another consideration for a unit facing a Colorado defense that has generated pressure and limited opponents' rushing efficiency. Weigman's mobility provides some protection against breakdowns, but consistent blocking will be important if Houston intends to establish control through the running game.
Defensively, the absence of Glass affects linebacker depth, although several contributors along the defensive front are probable. Houston's ability to maintain pressure on Wilson could play a significant role, particularly considering Colorado's protection problems and tendency to commit turnovers.
Colorado Buffaloes Injury Report and Team News
- Danny Scudero (WR): Out, Undisclosed
- Kaleb Mathis (WR): Out, Undisclosed
- Micah Welch (RB): Out, Undisclosed
- Naeten Mitchell (DB): Out, Undisclosed
- Sam Gadie (DE): Out, Undisclosed
- Braylon Edwards (DB): Doubtful, Undisclosed
- Elliott Arnold (K): Doubtful, Undisclosed
- Tyler Martinez (LB): Questionable, Undisclosed
- Vili Taufatofua (DL): Questionable, Undisclosed
Colorado remains without running back Micah Welch, leaving Richard Young and JaQuail Smith with larger responsibilities in the rushing attack. The Buffaloes also have several unavailable receivers, increasing the importance of Joseph Williams and DeAndre Moore Jr. in creating explosive passing opportunities.
Defensively, Mitchell's absence and Edwards' doubtful designation create concerns in the secondary against Houston's efficient passing attack. The Buffaloes must also compensate for Gadie's absence along the defensive front. Arnold's doubtful status introduces a special-teams concern that could become particularly important in a game projected to be decided by a relatively narrow margin.
Houston vs. Colorado Prediction
Houston possesses the stronger offensive profile, more productive quarterback and better overall record. The Cougars deserve to be favored, but their tendency to win games without creating substantial separation makes the alternate spread an interesting option for Colorado.
Weigman has been excellent this season, combining efficient passing with valuable rushing production. Houston's offense ranks among the national leaders in efficiency and averages more than 200 rushing yards per contest. However, Colorado's defense presents a more challenging matchup than the Buffaloes' overall record suggests.
Colorado has limited opponents to approximately 3.5 yards per rushing attempt, making its defensive front one of the team's most reliable units. Houston typically benefits from establishing manageable downs through the ground game, but the Buffaloes have demonstrated an ability to disrupt that approach and force opponents into longer situations.
The Buffaloes have also performed competitively against several of the Big 12's strongest programs. Their defense limited Utah's scoring production and challenged Texas Tech, showing that Colorado can remain competitive even when facing opponents with clear advantages in overall team quality. That defensive profile becomes especially important when receiving more than a touchdown.
Houston's recent results illustrate why its record does not automatically translate into comfortable spread victories. The Cougars defeated Cincinnati by seven points, Oklahoma State by three and UCF by 10 after overcoming a 17-point deficit. Houston has frequently relied on second-half adjustments and close-game execution rather than consistently controlling opponents from the opening quarter.
Colorado's offense must still produce enough points to prevent Houston from separating. Wilson has provided more stability at quarterback, and Williams has emerged as a legitimate receiving threat with 853 yards and six touchdowns this season. The Buffaloes can threaten Houston through the passing game, although their ability to protect Wilson remains an important concern.
Turnovers represent the biggest risk to Colorado. The Buffaloes enter with a turnover margin of approximately -11, one of the worst marks nationally, and have struggled with interceptions throughout the season. Houston has forced 13 turnovers and generally protects the football well, creating a potentially significant disadvantage if Colorado becomes careless with possession.
Still, the Buffaloes' home-field advantage should not be overlooked. Colorado defeated Kansas State in overtime at Folsom Field two weeks ago, demonstrating an ability to remain competitive in a close game and execute late. A Friday night matchup at altitude presents Houston with a difficult environment, particularly if the Buffaloes can establish defensive momentum early.
FairPlay AI projects Houston as a six-point favorite with a 68% win probability, compared with the sportsbook's -7.5 spread. At Colorado +8.5, that creates 2.5 points of projected spread value. The model also projects 52 total points, almost identical to the sportsbook total of 51.5, suggesting that the spread advantage is based on the projected margin rather than an expectation of an unusually low-scoring contest.
The distinction between Colorado +7.5 and +8.5 is important. The additional point protects against an eight-point defeat, which could result from a touchdown and two-point conversion or a late scoring sequence. Houston may ultimately secure the victory, but Colorado's defensive ability and the Cougars' recent narrow winning margins provide a credible path to remaining within the selected number.
Houston vs. Colorado Best Bet
- Best Bet: Colorado +8.5 (-115) Check out these best odds at DraftKings Sportsbook
Colorado's ability to limit rushing efficiency, remain competitive against stronger conference opponents and challenge Houston at Folsom Field makes the Buffaloes an attractive underdog. Houston has consistently found ways to win, but its recent performances suggest that securing a victory and covering a spread of more than a touchdown are two different propositions.
The primary concern is Colorado's turnover problem, particularly against a Houston defense that frequently creates takeaways. However, the alternate +8.5 spread provides additional protection beyond the supplied market's +7.5, and the most favorable outcome involves Houston winning a competitive game without generating enough offensive separation to cover the larger number.
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