Big 12 football: Preview and predictions for each Week 5 conference game
![FORT WORTH, TX - SEPTEMBER 2: A detailed view of an end zone pylon with the Big XII logo is seen before the game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the Colorado Buffaloes at Amon G. Carter Stadium on September 2, 2023 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) FORT WORTH, TX - SEPTEMBER 2: A detailed view of an end zone pylon with the Big XII logo is seen before the game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the Colorado Buffaloes at Amon G. Carter Stadium on September 2, 2023 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/da6e68c987f4b2aa97233f188bf21c09c08d7481ba976dbe8c7ca84f912fdec2.jpg)
Houston Cougars (2-2, 0-1 Big 12) at Texas Tech Red Raiders (1-3, 0-1 Big 12)
Neither of these teams has done well through their first four games. In fact, they’ve both been pretty terrible. Houston’s defense remains inept, and Tech has completely underperformed after receiving plenty of praise during the preseason.
UH opened conference play early in Week 3, but they got blown out by TCU. They’re riding high after a 38-7 morale-enhancer against Sam Houston State, but it’s back to reality for the Cougars, who will be on the road against an in-state opponent.
TTU has not shown me enough to make me think they’ll be the clear winners of this game. ESPN reported that starting quarterback Tyler Shough will undergo regular season-ending surgery on his fibula, a huge blow to an already-struggling unit. However, Houston allowed 43 points to Rice and could legitimately go winless in conference play. Give me the Red Raiders in an ugly shootout.
Game Prediction: 35-31, Texas Tech