Predicting order of finish for each Big 12 football team in 2023 season

12. Houston

Houston’s 2022 averages of 36.1 points per game scored and 32.2 points per game allowed should fit perfectly into the Big 12. The only issue — and it’s a big one — is that the Clayton Tune-Nathaniel Dell duo is no more. Meanwhile, they return just 43% of their defensive production, and it was absolutely horrific last season regardless.

Matthew Golden and other receivers should provide a boost to the offense, as well as Stacy Sneed, the team’s top running back from the previous year.

When you look at their schedule last year, you’ll notice they lost 77-63 to SMU in a game. That should tell you all you need to know about this defense. If transfer quarterback Donovan Smith cannot perform up to par, the Cougars could finish even worse than 12th in their debut season in the conference.