No. 8 Texas Longhorns vs. Houston Cougars: How to Watch, Betting Odds

Texas returns to TDECU Stadium as a conference member against Houston for the first time since 2002.

Texas football returns for the second half of the season to prove to the Big 12 that it's still the head honcho. 

Despite collapsing late against No. 5 Oklahoma in the Red River Showdown, the No. 8 Longhorns (5-1, 2-1 Big 12) still feel like the team to beat. Minus a couple of turnovers and a few defensive mishaps, the Longhorns likely walk out of the Cotton Bowl with back-to-back wins over their rival under third-year coach Brent Venables. 

On paper, Saturday's showdown against Houston doesn't seem like a trap game, thus making it a must-see spectacle. The Longhorns owe the Cougars (3-3, 1-2 Big 12) a favor thanks to last week's last-second Hail Mary 49-yard touchdown pass that secured a 41-39 win over West Virginia.

Texas isn't falling for a wing and a prayer, either, especially when Houston quarterback Donovan Smith has taken advantage of the program before. Last year, while starting for Texas Tech, Smith threw for 331 yards and two touchdowns in a 37-34 upset win in overtime. 

"He's a great quarterback," senior defensive back Jahdae Barron said. "(We) played him last year at Tech. He has a lot of talent to himself."

“This football team that we’re getting ready to play has an experienced quarterback which we know all too well,” Sarkisian echoed.  

Houston Cougars defensive lineman Nelson Ceaser (9) tackles UTSA Roadrunners quarterback Frank Harris (0) during the first quarter at TDECU Stadium / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Consider the trip to TDECU Stadium a bit of homecoming for both schools. Texas and Houston were rivals in the Southwest Conference and played regularly from 1968-1996. But when the SWC decided to disband, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech and Baylor were given bids to join the Big Eight. 

TCU and Houston were left on the outside looking in as now Group of Five programs without a home. 

Saturday marks the first time in over two decades the Cougars and Longhorns will meet as conference foes and the first time since 2002. It's also the final time since Texas and Oklahoma will depart for the SEC next fall. And while Texas considers this "just another game," those in Houston would consider this matchup "the game" to claim victory. 

WHAT: No. 8 Texas Longhorns (5-1, 2-1 Big 12) at Houston Cougars (3-3, 1-2 Big 12)

WHERE: TDECU Stadium, Houston, Texas 

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, 3 p.m. CT

HOW TO WATCH: FOX / FuboTV (try it free)

HOW TO LISTEN: TexasSports.com

TICKETS: SI Tickets

BETTING via SI Sportsbook

SPREAD: Longhorns -23.5

TOTAL: 61.5 

MONEYLINE: Texas (-1600), Houston (+900)