Houston Cougars vs. Oklahoma Sooners 9/7/24 – It’s time for the Houston Cougars to take on the Oklahoma Sooners in an exciting Week 2 of the NCAAF season. In this matchup, both teams have had significantly different origins. The absolute winning position taken in the first encounter is what the Sooners would like to carry on. However, it is a chance for the Cougars to fix their loss in the last game played. As fans and gamblers alike turn their attention towards this game, it has become one of the major highlights on premier betting online sites and offers exciting views on how this game might pan out.
Houston Cougars vs. Oklahoma Sooners 9/7/24
| When: | Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 7:45 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium |
| TV: | SECN |
| Stream: | SofaScore |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cougars | +21.5 (-110) | 57.5 over (-111) | +1160 |  |
| Sooners | -21.5 (-122) | 57.5 under (-111) | -2800 | |
| ||||
Cougars vs Sooners
Preview » https://t.co/QotGJcFwvb pic.twitter.com/jGOzejiTDr
— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) September 5, 2024
The odds present a clear narrative: the Sooners are heavy favorites. With a 21.5-point spread favoring Oklahoma, bettors might consider the potential for a blowout. However, the total points line at 57.5 offers room for debate. Will Houston’s defense tighten, or will Oklahoma’s offensive firepower prove too much?
Donovan Smith QB vs. Jackson Arnold QB
So far this season, Donovan Smith, who plays as a quarterback for the Houston Cougars, has struggled badly. One must agree that completing 48.4% of his passes and gaining an additional 135 yards with 2 interceptions and no touchdowns does indicate some struggle. Smith’s yards per attempt (4.4) isn’t impressive, and going down to 4 sacks at this stage shows his fragility, especially with such defense as Oklahoma’s.
On the other hand, Oklahoma’s Jackson Arnold has had a fair share of reasons to confirm he is an up-and-coming star. With an impressive passer rating of 168.2, Arnold’s completion percentage of 68% with 141 passing yards and 4 passing touchdowns also demonstrates his prowess in the pocket. Especially his ability to withstand the pressure with such low sacks or no interceptions indicates this would be highly relevant against the Houston defense.
Ground and Air Assault: Houston’s Challenge
Parker Jenkins and Mekhi Mews represent bright spots in a struggling Houston offense. Jenkins, though limited to two carries, showed his potential with an average of 8.5 yards per carry. Mews, snagging three receptions for 57 yards, stands out as a critical target in the passing game. However, for Houston to truly test the Oklahoma defense, these key players must find more opportunities and maintain their high level of play throughout the game.
Sooner’s Offensive Prowess
Taylor Tatum and Bauer Sharp have already set a high standard for Oklahoma’s rushing and receiving groups. Tatum’s impressive 13.8 yards per carry and a touchdown, alongside Sharp’s consistent receiving, showcasing an ability to secure crucial yards, fortify an already formidable Sooner offense. Their performances, particularly in stretching the field and managing clock through sustained drives, will be pivotal in maintaining Oklahoma’s offensive rhythm.
Trends
Houston Cougars Betting Trends
Houston are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Houston’s last 7 games.
Houston are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games.
Cougars are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games on the road.
Houston are 2-11 SU in their last 13 games against an opponent in the Big 12 conference.
Oklahoma Sooners Betting Trends
Oklahoma are 10-5 ATS in their last 15 games.
Sooners are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games.
Oklahoma are 8-0 SU in their last 8 games at home.
Oklahoma are 8-0 SU in their last 8 games against an opponent in the American Athletic Conference conference.
Sooners are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games played in September.
Houston Cougars vs. Oklahoma Sooners Betting Prediction
In light of the trends and analysis available, the Oklahoma Sooners can be relied on to keep winning and as such, present the safer bet within this matchup. The broad spread might seem daunting, but no such extremes are expected considering Oklahoma’s versatile and consistent performance and strategy. The total points should more than likely lean towards the under with all the recent trends of the Houston team, along with the Oklahoma defensive unit’s ability to control the pace of the game.
As for the prop bets and NCAAF Week 2 betting prediction, look for those that include Arnold’s passing touchdowns or Tatum’s rushing yards, as they are most likely to be correct. However, this game is likely to make Oklahoma’s credentials more than unquestionable while raising urgent concerns about Houston’s chances to stay competitive.
Score Prediction: Oklahoma 48, Houston 17.
Hilbert Mayer
Sports Writer
Hilbert Mayer is a professional sports writer, betting analyst, and content strategist with over 15 years of experience in the sports industry. Before focusing on sports betting analysis and handicapping, Hilbert worked as a sports writer for various news outlets, covering everything from game recaps to in-depth matchup features. Today, he specializes in MLB, NFL, March Madness, and UFC betting, combining his journalistic background with deep statistical expertise and real-world betting insights. His proven track record, sharp reads, and ability to break down complex matchups make him a trusted voice among both casual bettors and seasoned sharps.
Published on: September 5, 2024
Last updated: March 26, 2025