UTSA Roadrunners vs Houston Cougars Best Bets, Picks, and Odds (September 2, 2023)

• Game: UTSA Roadrunners vs Houston Cougars
• Date: Saturday, September 2, 2023
• Location: TDECU Stadium in Houston, TX
• TV: FS1
• Odds/Point Spread: Cougars (-2)
• Total/Over-Under: 60.5

TDECU Stadium is set to host an exciting college football clash between the UTSA Roadrunners and the Houston Cougars on Saturday, September 2, 2023. The Cougars, who finished last year with an 8-5 record, enter this game as 2-point favorites. The total points line is set at 60.5.

The UTSA Roadrunners, with an impressive 11-3 record last season, will be looking to bounce back from their previous loss against the Troy Trojans, which ended with a final score of 18-12. Quarterback Frank Harris had a decent performance, completing 23 out of 42 passes for 198 yards and 1 touchdown. However, he also threw 2 interceptions, resulting in a QB rating of 92.7. On the rushing front, Kevorian Barnes led the Roadrunners with 132 yards on 21 carries, averaging 6.3 yards per carry. Overall, UTSA gained a total of 345 yards from 74 plays. Defensively, they allowed 113 passing yards on 13 completions out of 24 attempts, with a completion rate of 54.2%. They also gave up 47 rushing yards on 41 attempts, averaging just 1.1 yards per rush allowed.

During the previous season, the Roadrunners showcased their scoring abilities, averaging 36.8 points per game. Their rushing offense was particularly strong, accumulating an average of 175.3 yards per game, placing them 50th in Division 1. UTSA managed to gain a total of 6,664 yards over the season, with 34 touchdowns through the air and 28 touchdowns on the ground. They secured 363 first downs as a team but also committed 98 penalties, resulting in 861 yards. They also turned the ball over 20 times.

Defensively, the Roadrunners struggled against the passing game, allowing a total of 3,408 passing yards last season, ranking them 115th in Division 1. Their opponents had a completion percentage of 57.9% and scored 21 passing touchdowns. In terms of rushing defense, the Roadrunners gave up 2,013 yards over 14 games, averaging 4.0 yards per carry and 143.8 rushing yards per game. Overall, they allowed 25.9 points per game, placing them at 59th in Division 1 in terms of team defense.

Looking at the Houston Cougars, they finished the previous season with an 8-5 record and ended on a high note with a 23-16 victory over the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns. Quarterback Clayton Tune had a solid performance, throwing for 229 yards and 3 touchdowns on 18 out of 27 completions. He didn’t throw any interceptions and finished with a quarterback rating of 174.6. On the ground, Tune carried the ball 11 times for 55 yards, averaging 5.0 yards per carry. Overall, Houston gained 363 yards from 65 plays, averaging 5.6 yards per play. They also rushed for 134 yards on 38 attempts, averaging 3.5 yards per carry.

Offensively, the Cougars were strong, averaging 455.8 yards per game and ranking 25th in Division 1. They accumulated 4,082 passing yards over the season, averaging 314.0 yards per game, which placed them 8th in the country. They also scored an average of 36.1 points per game, ranking them 17th in Division 1.

Defensively, the Cougars struggled against the run, allowing a total of 1,862 rushing yards last season, averaging 143.2 yards per game. They also gave up 33 rushing touchdowns. In terms of passing defense, they allowed 278.6 passing yards per game, ranking them 122nd in Division 1. They surrendered 33 passing touchdowns and participated in 928 defensive plays. In total, they allowed an average of 32.2 points per game.

When it comes to betting on this exciting college football game, considering the Cougars’ favorable odds as 2-point favorites, they seem to be the preferred choice.

The Pick: Take the Cougars -2

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