Houston vs. Kansas football: Predictions for showdown between Jayhawks and Cougars

Kansas football has something to prove coming out of its bye week. The 1-5 Jayhawks have yet to take down an FBS opponent and remain winless in Big 12 play through the first six games of 2024. Things have not gone as planned for Lance Leipold and Co., who expected to compete for a College Football Playoff spot this year.

Despite the ugly start in Lawrence, there is still half of a season to play. KU has an opportunity to reset on Saturday during its homecoming meeting vs. the Houston Cougars. A bounce-back is much-needed after the squad suffered a devastating loss to Arizona State in the final seconds. Who will come out on top on Saturday?

Houston Cougars vs. Kansas Jayhawks prediction

Houston sits at 2-4 following its 30-19 upset win at TCU two weeks ago. Head coach Willie Fritz turned to former Louisiana quarterback Zeon Chriss under center, and it paid off in a big way. He threw for 141 yards and a touchdown on 15-for-18 passing, adding 97 yards and an additional score on 11 carries.

Scoring that many points is a rarity for the 2024 Cougars. They average 13.7 points per game, the second-lowest mark at the FBS level. Cincinnati and Iowa State shut them out in consecutive games prior to the TCU win, but Chriss seems to have rejuvenated his teammates since Donovan Smith was benched.

The Jayhawks are depleted on the defensive end with defensive captain and starting linebacker Cornell Wheeler listed as doubtful for the home tilt. Cobee Bryant, last year's All-Big 12 First Team selection, is at risk of being absent due to a knee/leg injury he sustained against ASU.

Luckily for Kansas, the Cougars do most of their damage on the ground. UH's rushing attack has been on full display lately, rushing for 761 yards over its last four contests (eighth in P4 football and third in the conference). The defensive line must step up to contain Chriss' scrambling ability and Houston's top two tailbacks, Stacy Sneed and Re'Shaun Stanford II.

KU's offense has played much better as of late, scoring 28, 27, and 31 in each of its last three games, respectively. Jalon Daniels did not turn the ball over for the first time all year vs. ASU. Devin Neal continues to do his thing, and Daniels is throwing to a strong group of wideouts. The defense has been the scapegoat, so that must change on Saturday.

It seems like every week, Jayhawk fans get their hopes up for a breakthrough win and the chance to turn the season around. Without sounding overly confident, Houston hasn't looked good at all this year — point, blank, period. KU's extra time off should allow them to come in refreshed, and their edge in discipline and talent should give them the upper hand.

Final Score: 34-23, Kansas