The Houston Cougars are set to face off against the Oregon State Beavers in Corvallis, OR. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
This college football matchup has Houston favored by -13.5 points on the spread and a moneyline of -525. The total for the game sits at 47 points.
Houston’s off to a strong start this season, while Oregon State’s been struggling. It’s a matchup that could say a lot about where both teams are headed.
Houston Cougars: A Strong Start with Challenges Ahead
Houston’s 2025 season has kicked off in style. They’re 3-0 both straight up and against the spread.
They grabbed a solid win over Colorado, and their defense has kept their other two opponents to only nine points combined. Still, there are some headaches, especially with the offensive line.
Injury Concerns on the Offensive Line
Four of Houston’s five starting offensive linemen missed the last game against Colorado. That led to quarterback Conner Weigman being pressured 17 times—yikes.
Left tackle David Ndukwe dislocated his kneecap and is done for the season. The other three missing starters are back at practice, though, and should play this week.
It’s worth watching how they hold up—and if anyone tweaks something again.
Quarterback Performance and Defensive Strength
Even with protection issues, Conner Weigman’s been slippery. He’s dodged sacks and generally kept the ball safe.
He leans on the deep ball a bit, which can be risky, but so far it’s working. On defense, Houston’s been lights out.
Defensive lineman Khalil Laufau is already racking up All-America-level stats—six QB pressures and seven run stops. Defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong seems to have bounced back after a tough time at Florida, and his unit has been tough against both the run and pass.
Oregon State Beavers: Struggling to Find Their Footing
Oregon State’s start to 2025 has been, well, rough. They’re 0-4 both straight up and against the spread.
They haven’t come close to covering, missing by almost a touchdown each week. Offense and defense both look out of sorts.
Offensive and Defensive Woes
The offense just hasn’t clicked. Running back Anthony Hankerson and receiver Trent Walker haven’t found their rhythm in a system that feels off.
The O-line is a mess—injuries and shaky play have forced constant changes. Guard Tyler Voltin still hasn’t played, and it shows.
There’s just not much depth or standout talent up front. The defense isn’t helping matters, either.
They’ve been giving up big runs and can’t seem to get stops early in drives. Head coach Trent Bray, now calling the defensive plays, hasn’t found the fix yet.
Coaching and Team Morale
You can almost feel the frustration with Oregon State—players and coaches alike. Last year’s 5-7 record felt tough, but this year’s start has been even worse.
There’s talk of possible coaching shake-ups midseason, and with the Pac-12’s future up in the air, it’s a tense time. Morale seems low, and honestly, it’s showing on the field.
Key Factors to Watch
- Houston’s Offensive Line: The performance and health of the returning starters will be crucial. Keep an eye out for any signs of re-injury or if they just can’t seem to sync up.
- Conner Weigman’s Play: His knack for dodging sacks and pulling off big plays is going to matter, especially with the offensive line under pressure.
- Oregon State’s Morale: The Beavers’ body language and effort levels could say a lot. If they look checked out, Houston might run away with it early.
- Defensive Matchup: Houston’s defense going up against Oregon State’s struggling offense could be where things get decided. If Houston keeps up their usual form, it could get ugly fast for the Beavers.
For more detailed analysis and the latest odds, check out the full article on The Action Network.
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