Utah looks to snap three-game skid in visit to struggling Houston
Houston head coach Willie Fritz stands on the sideline in the first half of an NCAA college football game against TCU, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas. Credit: AP/Tony Gutierrez
Utah (4-3, 1-3 Big 12) at Houston (2-5, 1-3) 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+)
BetMGM College Football Odds: Utah by 3 1/2.
Series record: Houston leads 4-0.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Utah entered the season with hopes of competing for the Big 12 title in its first season in the league. Instead, the Utes are looking to snap a three-game losing streak and take a step toward becoming bowl eligible. Utah, which was ranked as high as No. 11 this season, is looking to avoid its first four-game losing streak since 2017. Houston is trying to keep its slim bowl hopes alive. The Cougars have lost three of their last four, but they play three of their next four games at home.
KEY MATCHUP
Utah QB Isaac Wilson vs. Houston's pass defense. Wilson, a true freshman, has thrown for 1,029 yards and seven touchdowns, but he has completed just 54.8% of his passes and thrown eight interceptions. Houston's defense ranks 19th nationally by allowing 173.9 yards passing a game and has five interceptions.
Utah quarterback Isaac Wilson, left, throws the football during an NCAA college football game against Arizona, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Credit: AP/Tyler Tate
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Utah: DE Van Fillinger leads the Utes with 7.5 tackles for losses and 5.5 sacks this season. He also has 30 tackles and blocked a field goal against Baylor, which led to a 77-yard touchdown return.
Houston: WR Mekhi Mews had career highs with six receptions and 99 yards last week against Kansas. Mews, who leads the Cougars with 20 receptions for 218 yards, has established himself as a big-play threat. He has two catches of at least 50 yards this season and a 75-yard punt return for a touchdown against Rice.
FACTS & FIGURES
This will be the first meeting between these teams since Houston beat Utah 42-25 on Sept. 23, 1978 at the Astrodome. … Houston coach Willie Fritz needs one win to reach 250 for his career. … Utah’s defense ranks first in the Big 12 and fifth in the nation by holding opponents to a 26.2% conversion rate on third downs. … The Utes’ defense also ranks second in the Big 12 and 12th nationally, holding opponents to 16.4 points per game. … Utah averages 34 minutes of possession per game, tops in the Big 12 and fifth in the FBS. … Utah RB Micah Bernard has rushed for 731 yards and two touchdowns and averages 6.3 yards per carry. … Houston QB Zeon Chriss has thrown for 187 yards and a touchdown, but he has thrown two interceptions. Houston's other QB, Donovan Smith, has passed for 867 yards with four touchdowns and eight interceptions.
