Oklahoma State Cowboys vs Houston Cougars Prediction, 10/17/2026 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Oklahoma State Cowboys vs Houston Cougars

Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026

Location: TDECU Stadium in Houston, TX

TV: FOX

Odds/Point Spread: Cougars (-4.5)

Total/Over-Under: 60.5

The Houston Cougars (5-1) will go up against the Oklahoma State Cowboys (4-1) at TDECU Stadium on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Oklahoma State opens this game as 4.5-point dogs. The total is set at 60.5.

The Oklahoma State Cowboys head into this game 4-1 for this year. In their last contest, the Cowboys faced off with the UCF Knights and walked away with a win by a score of 42-28. When it came to stopping the run, the Cowboys gave up 110 yds on 41 tries, which averages out to 2.7 yds per run allowed. Oklahoma State surrendered 30 completions on 42 tries for a total of 265 yds, and a completion rate of 71.4%. On the day, they tallied 60 plays which converted into 414 yds. The Oklahoma State Cowboys ran the football 32 different times and totaled 110 yards, earning them an average of 3.4 yards per attempt.

The Cowboys have tallied 2,607 yards in total over the course of this year. When it comes to getting in the endzone, Oklahoma State has earned 14 passing touchdowns and 7 rushing touchdowns. They have turned the football over 9 different times. Oklahoma State has compiled 132 1st downs, and they have committed 23 infractions for 242 yds. As a team they're averaging 199.0 yards via the ground game which is 35th in the country. Regarding putting points on the board, the Oklahoma State Cowboys have an average of 38.2 points per contest.

The Cowboys rank 49th in D-1 in terms of team defense, conceding 21.4 PPG. They are allowing teams to run for an average of 3.9 yards per rush and 149.0 yards on the ground per game this season. Over the course of this season, they have allowed 745 running yards through 5 games. Regarding passing yards, the Cowboys have given up 899 yards which has them sitting in 22nd in the nation. They have surrendered 179.8 yards per contest via the pass in addition to giving up a completion percentage of 60.7%. During this campaign, they are allowing 328.8 yards/game which ranks them 46th in Division 1. They have conceded 7 touchdowns through the air in addition to 6 touchdowns running the ball.

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The Cougars head into this matchup 5-1 for this season. In their last game, the Cougars got the win with a final of 27-17 when they played the UCF Knights. The Cougars finished the game with a total of 393 yds while running 77 plays (5.1 yards per play). Houston ended up running for 3.5 yds per carry, totaling 154 yards on 44 attempts. Houston relinquished 21 running attempts for 73 yards (3.5 yards per carry). The Cougars pass defense conceded a completion rate of 65.8%, relinquishing 259 yds on 25 for 38 through the air.

The Houston Cougars are averaging 481.8 yards/outing, which ranks them 12th in Division 1. The Houston offense has racked up 349 penalty yds on 41 infractions, which is 38th in the nation in terms of making mistakes. They have an average of 230.0 run yards per game and have rushed for 1,380 yards in total. They have given away 1 pick while letting opponents recover 3 fumbles and they have been able to earn 162 first downs. When it comes to this team's ability to score points, the Cougars are ranking 15th in Division 1 with 40.0 points per game. During the season to this point, the Cougars have thrown for a total of 1,511 yards via the pass in addition to an average of 251.8 passing yards per outing, putting them at 50th in Division 1.

The Cougars are conceding 19.2 points per contest, which has them 39th in the country. Houston has given up a total of 444 yards on the ground (74.0 yards per game) and 7 touchdowns rushing so far this season. They have allowed 9 touchdowns via the pass and 248.3 yards/game, which puts them in 118th in Division 1. The Cougars defense has been on the field for 358 plays, which ranks 58th in Division 1. They have 3 fumbles recovered and 5 picks for the season. This season, they have given up 115 total points.

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

Tony's Pick: Take the Cougars -4.5

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