Houston Cougars vs Texas Tech Red Raiders Prediction, 9/18/2026 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Houston Cougars vs Texas Tech Red Raiders

Date: Friday, September 18, 2026

Location: Galaxy Stadium in Lubbock, TX

TV: FOX

Odds/Point Spread: Red Raiders (-8.5)

Total/Over-Under: 53

The Houston Cougars (2-0) are traveling to Galaxy Stadium on Friday, September 18, 2026 where they will meet the Texas Tech Red Raiders (2-0). Texas Tech opens this game as 8.5-point favorites. The total comes in at 53.

The Houston Cougars head into this matchup 2-0 for this year. The last time they stepped onto the field, the Cougars went up against the Southern Jaguars and notched a win by a score of 77-6. When it came to the battle of the line of scrimmage, the Cougars conceded -6 yds on 22 attempts, which is -0.3 yards per rush surrendered. Houston allowed 10 pass completions on 20 attempts for 127 yds, and a completion percentage of 50.0%. Overall, they tallied 64 plays which gave them 591 yds. The Houston Cougars ended up rushing 45 different times and accrued 388 yds, which came out to an average of 8.6 yds per attempt.

When talking about scoring, the Houston Cougars are sitting at 55.0 points per game. As a team they're maintaining an average of 308.0 yards on the ground giving them a rank of 7th in D-1. The Cougars have attained 1,124 total yards this year. When it comes to distribution of touchdowns, Houston has compiled 6 touchdowns via the pass and 9 touchdowns via the ground. Houston has accrued 58 1st downs, and they have been called for 15 penalties for 110 yards. They have given the ball to the opposition 2 different times.

When talking about passing yards, the Cougars have allowed 503 yards which has them sitting in 109th in college football. They are giving up 251.5 yards per outing via the pass as well as giving up a completion percentage of 57.4%. Over the course of this season, they are surrendering 261.5 yards per outing putting them at 35th in the country. They have granted 2 touchdowns via the pass as well as 2 touchdowns on the ground. They are giving up 0.4 yards per rushing attempt and 10.0 rushing yards per game so far this year. During this campaign, they have given up 20 rushing yards through 2 games. The Cougars are sitting in 32nd in college football when it comes to their opponents scoring, allowing 13.0 points per game.

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The Red Raiders head into this matchup 2-0 for this season. The last time they took the field, the Red Raiders walked away with a victory by a final of 35-24 against the Oregon State Beavers. Texas Tech conceded 19 run attempts for 55 yds (2.9 yds per carry). The Red Raiders passing defense conceded a completion rate of 61.5%, relinquishing 417 yards on 32 out of 52 through the air. The Red Raiders ended up finishing with 352 yds on 74 plays (4.8 yards per play). Texas Tech ran for 3.4 yards per carry, finishing the game with 155 yards on 46 attempts.

The Texas Tech Red Raiders average 411.5 yards per game, which has them sitting 73rd in D-1. The Texas Tech offense has accrued 130 yds of penalties on 12 violations, which has them sitting 87th in Division 1 in terms of making mistakes. They maintain an average of 164.0 yards via the ground game and have toted the ball for 328 yards for the year. They have thrown 1 interception while losing 1 fumble and they have been able to earn 48 1st downs. When discussing the points being put on the board, the Red Raiders currently sit 59th in college football holding an average of 34.0 PPG. For the season thus far, the Red Raiders have compiled 495 passing yards as well as an average of 247.5 passing yards per game, which has them ranked 59th in the nation.

Texas Tech has given up a total of 130 rushing yards (65.0 yards per game) as well as 0 touchdown via the rush so far this season. They have allowed the opposition 3 touchdowns from the passing game as well as 268.0 yards per game, which has them ranked 121st in Division 1. Their defense has compiled no fumbles recovered and 2 picks so far this season. The Red Raiders defense has participated in 132 plays, which has them ranked 82nd in D-1. The Red Raiders are giving up 17.0 points per game, which has them ranked 55th in the nation.

Who will win tonight's Cougars/Red Raiders college football game against the spread?

Josh's Pick: Take the Cougars +8.5

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