On Friday, October 4, 2024, the Houston Cougars (1-4) face off against the TCU Horned Frogs (3-2) in a much-anticipated Week 6 college football game. Set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, this matchup will be crucial for both teams but particularly for Houston, who are desperate for a turnaround to their season.
This game will be broadcast live on ESPN+, with streaming options available through services such as FuboTV and Hulu + Live TV, offering fans the chance to catch all the action on various platforms.
How to Watch:
- Date: Friday, October 4, 2024
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, Texas
- Tickets: as low as $12
- TV: The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+, with streaming options available through FuboTV, Hulu TV, and various cable providers that carry ESPN networks.
- Streaming: You can also watch through online platforms like ESPN+ and FuboTV if you have a subscription.
Preview
Houston Cougars will face the TCU Horned Frogs in a crucial matchup under the Friday night lights on October 4, 2024. TCU, sitting at a 3-2 record, is aiming to build on its recent successes, while Houston, struggling with a 1-4 record, will be desperate for a win to revive their season.
TCU’s Offense vs. Houston’s Defense TCU has looked solid offensively this season, averaging 38.6 points per game. Their quarterback, Josh Hoover, has been a standout, particularly in their recent victory against Kansas, where he threw for 356 yards and three touchdowns. Hoover has shown an ability to ignite the offense with both passing and rushing options, and the Horned Frogs’ quick starts (7.6 points per game in the first quarter) will be key against a Houston defense that has shown vulnerability.
Houston’s Struggles Houston’s offense, on the other hand, has been a major concern. Over the past two games, they have failed to score even a single point, including a 20-0 loss to Iowa State. The Cougars’ quarterback, Donovan Smith, has underperformed, completing only 8 of 12 passes for 71 yards in their last game, with little support from the ground game. They rank among the bottom of the FBS in offensive production and must improve significantly to challenge TCU.
Odds & Prediction
- Spread: TCU is favored by 17 points.
- Over/Under: The total for the game is set at 49.5 points.
The prediction heavily favors TCU. Given the Horned Frogs’ offensive firepower and Houston’s offensive struggles, TCU is expected to dominate this matchup. If Houston cannot find a way to ignite their offense, this game could get out of hand early.
Prediction: TCU wins comfortably, covering the spread.
Players to Watch
- Josh Hoover (TCU): As the key to TCU’s offense, Hoover’s performance will be critical. Watch for his passing accuracy and ability to spread the ball to multiple receivers.
- Stacy Sneed (Houston): Despite Houston’s offensive issues, Sneed has been a bright spot on the ground, rushing for 79 yards in their last game.
How to Watch: Key Streaming Options
- ESPN+: Offers comprehensive coverage of the game, including additional highlights and analysis.
- FuboTV: A great option if you’re looking for a streaming service that also includes a cloud DVR for later viewing.
- Hulu + Live TV: Provides live TV streaming, including ESPN, giving fans the flexibility to watch on various devices.
With TCU looking to continue their winning momentum and Houston desperate for a turnaround, this Friday night matchup should provide plenty of excitement, even if the odds favor the Horned Frogs significantly.
Key Matchup Details
TCU Horned Frogs:
- Record: 3-2
- Key Players:
- Josh Hoover (QB): Hoover is coming off a standout performance in a 38-27 win over Kansas, where he threw for 356 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. He has been the driving force behind TCU’s explosive offense, which averages 38.6 points per game(Sports Chat Place). Hoover is also a capable runner, adding versatility to the offense.
- Savion Williams (WR): Williams has been Hoover’s go-to target, racking up impressive yards per game, and will be pivotal in keeping Houston’s secondary on their heels.
- Offensive Strength: TCU has been averaging 38.6 points per game, with a balanced attack that utilizes both the passing and rushing game effectively. Their quick starts (averaging 7.6 points in the first quarter) are a key strength(Sports Chat Place).
- Defensive Struggles: While the offense is high-powered, TCU’s defense has been leaky, giving up an average of 31 points per game (ranked 107th nationally). They’ll need to tighten up defensively, especially against a Houston team looking to exploit any weakness(Sports Chat Place).
Houston Cougars:
- Record: 1-4
- Key Players:
- Donovan Smith (QB): Smith has had a rough start to the season, throwing for only 71 yards in their latest game against Iowa State in a 20-0 shutout(Sports Chat Place). The Cougars’ struggles on offense have been pronounced, but if Smith can regain his form, Houston has the potential to surprise.
- Stacy Sneed (RB): Sneed offers a glimmer of hope for Houston’s rushing attack, with 79 rushing yards in their last game. He could play a critical role in keeping TCU’s offense off the field(Sports Chat Place).
- Offensive Struggles: Houston has one of the weakest offenses in college football, averaging just 10.4 points per game. Over the last two games, they’ve been shut out entirely, which does not bode well going up against a TCU team with a high-scoring offense(Sports Chat Place).
- Defensive Strength: Despite the offense’s struggles, Houston’s defense has been a bright spot, allowing only 20.8 points per game (ranked 48th). The defense will need to step up and contain TCU’s potent offensive attack if they want any chance of an upset.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Spread & Over/Under:
- TCU -17: The Horned Frogs are significant favorites in this game, with a 17-point spread.
- Over/Under: The total points for the game are set at 49.5(Sports Chat Place).
Prediction:
TCU is expected to dominate this game, with most predictions pointing to a relatively comfortable win. Given Houston’s offensive woes and TCU’s superior quarterback play with Hoover, it’s hard to see the Cougars keeping pace. Unless Houston finds a way to rejuvenate their offense, TCU is likely to cover the spread and cruise to victory.
- Predicted Score: TCU 35, Houston 10(Sports Chat Place)(Pickswise).
Key Matchups to Watch
- Josh Hoover vs. Houston’s Secondary: Hoover’s ability to throw deep and spread the ball across the field will test Houston’s defensive backfield. If the Cougars’ secondary can contain him, it may give their offense a fighting chance to keep the game close.
- Houston’s Running Game vs. TCU’s Front Seven: Houston’s ground game, led by Sneed, will need to control the clock and keep TCU’s offense off the field. This is their best chance to stay competitive, especially since TCU’s defense has shown vulnerabilities in stopping the run.
- Turnovers: TCU’s offense has been prone to the occasional turnover, with Hoover throwing two interceptions in their last game. Houston’s defense will need to capitalize on these opportunities to stay in the game and potentially pull off an upset.
Players to Watch
TCU Horned Frogs:
- Josh Hoover (QB): His ability to ignite the offense with both his arm and legs makes him the game’s most important player. He’ll be tasked with taking advantage of Houston’s defensive gaps.
- Savion Williams (WR): Williams will be critical in stretching the field and keeping Houston’s defense on the back foot. Expect him to be a key target for Hoover throughout the game.
Houston Cougars:
- Donovan Smith (QB): Smith’s inconsistency has plagued Houston all season. If he can find a way to rediscover the form that made him a top prospect, Houston may be able to keep things competitive.
- Stacy Sneed (RB): The Cougars will rely heavily on Sneed to provide balance and control the tempo of the game. A breakout performance by him could be pivotal.
Final Thoughts
Houston faces an uphill battle against a TCU team that looks poised for a deep run in the second half of the season. TCU’s explosive offense, combined with Houston’s offensive woes, points to a lopsided affair. If Houston hopes to be competitive, they’ll need their defense to keep the game close while finding ways to spark an otherwise dormant offense. All eyes will be on Hoover, as he continues to build his case as one of the standout quarterbacks in college football this season.