Houston vs. Texas State Prediction, Game Preview

The Houston Cougars return to action with a visit from the Texas State Bobcats. We take a look at the Lone Star State matchup below in the Houston vs. Texas State prediction and game preview.

Houston vs. Texas State Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 26
Game Time: 8:00 ET
Network: ESPN3

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Why You Need To Care

Houston has had an extra week to revel in its upset of Louisville and continue fine-tuning the overall product. The Cougars are off to a fast start for rookie head coach Tom Herman, a trend they hope will lead to contention in the American Athletic Conference. Texas State, to the contrary, will be trying to get beyond a demoralizing 56-50 loss at home to Southern Miss.

Why Texas State Will Win

In what figures to be a high-scoring game, the Bobcats possess the firepower to keep pace on the scoreboard. They’ve scored at least 50 points in two of three games, and they can hit the Cougars with balance. QB Tyler Jones has thrown six touchdown passes without a pick, while backs Robert Lowe and Chris Nutall will chip in as runners and receivers.

Why Houston Will Win

Herman has had two weeks to prepare for a feeble Texas State D that just yielded 613 yards to Southern Miss. Bad news for the Bobcats. The Cougars are led by playmaking QB Greg Ward Jr. and the running tandem of Kenneth Farrow and Ryan Jackson, who are looking to bust out after being bottled up by Louisville.

Player Who Matters

The Cougars will run the ball well Saturday night, but they’d like to unlock the passing game against an opponent that struggles to defend it. This looks like a good spot for Ward to build rapport with someone other than Demarcus Ayers, the only Houston wide receiver with more than seven catches through two games.

What’s Going To Happen?

It ought to be a wild game at TDECU Stadium, with ample points and explosive plays. While both attacks will contribute to the action, Houston will be far more successful with the ball. Texas State lacks the defenders to slow down the mix of Ward’s elusiveness and the brute strength of Farrow on the ground.