The No. 25 Houston Cougars prepare to face their Texas rivals, the TCU Horned Frogs, in an important matchup. This game marks the Cougars’ last home game of the season at TDECU Stadium. Houston seeks to secure a victory to stay competitive in the Big 12 conference as they honor their senior players.
Game Context and Team Performance
The Houston Cougars come into this game with a strong record of 8-2. They recently achieved a narrow victory over UCF, winning 30-27 on November 7. Houston aims for its second consecutive win against a struggling TCU team, having won their last encounter 30-19 in Fort Worth last October.
Series History and Rankings
In the all-time series between the Cougars and Horned Frogs, Houston leads 14-13. This season marks a significant turnaround for the Cougars under head coach Willie Fritz. Last year, they finished with a 4-8 record, but they have already matched their total wins from the past two years combined.
Houston has secured a bowl game and is ranked in the polls for the first time since 2022, currently holding the No. 23 spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings.
Key Players for Houston
- Connor Weigman: Junior transfer quarterback leading the offense.
- Amare Thomas: Junior wide receiver contributing significantly to the passing game.
- Tanner Koziol: Senior tight end known for his reliable receiving.
- Dean Connors: Senior running back adding depth to the running game.
Current Challenges for TCU
TCU enters the game with a record of 6-4, currently on a two-game losing streak. Head coach Sonny Dykes is facing considerable challenges due to injuries affecting key players:
- Bud Clark (Safety) – significant contributor on defense.
- Kevorian Barnes (Running Back) – vital for the rushing attack.
- Ed Small (Wide Receiver) – absence impacts the receiving corps.
- Cade Bennett (Offensive Lineman) – questionable status may affect offensive line stability.
- Trent Battle (Running Back) – also listed as questionable.
Game Day Details
The matchup is set to kickoff at 3:00 p.m. in Houston. Fans can watch the game live on FOX. The outcome will be crucial for both teams as they navigate the concluding stretches of their seasons.
Will the Cougars end their home schedule on a high note, or will TCU rebound with a much-needed victory? Stay tuned for live updates as the game unfolds on El-Balad.
