Texas Longhorns vs. Houston Cougars Week 8: Staff Predictions

The Longhorns Country Staff gives their predictions for Week 8 against the Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium

There's always a "what if" element to Houston football. 

What if the Cougars were invited over Baylor to join the Big Eight — which later became the Big 12 — in 1996? Would the program have brought home a national title? Would players who snubbed the Conference USA school for another program eventually become prominent alums that changed the course of college football history?

But more so, what would one of the better Southwest Conference rivalries look like for two-plus decades? Houston and Texas are separated by less than 200 miles, and those who remember the days of Bill Yeoman vs. Darrell Royal understand the animosity these two programs have. 

The Southwest rivalry is renewed for the first time since 2002, though it'll be short-lived as conference members. Texas and Oklahoma depart for the SEC this summer, while Houston looks to become the new flagship of the revamped Big 12. And yes, while the Cougars have struggled in 2023, the talent found throughout the Lone Star State could transform them into a program on the come up. 

For Texas, a win keeps it ahead in the race to Arlington for a potential Red River rematch in the Big 12 title game against Oklahoma. A victory for Houston gives bragging rights but also ends all conversations of the Longhorns making the College Football Playoff. 

Let's not waste any more time. Here's LonghornsCountry's staff picks for the Southwest showdown at TDECU Stadium on Saturday. 

Houston's quarterback Donovan Smith (1) gestures at a receiver during the Big 12 football game against Texas Tech  :: Annie Rice/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Matt Galatzan - Publisher 

The Longhorns will hit the road looking to bounce back after a difficult loss to Oklahoma. Donovan Smith could present some issues for Texas, but the Horns are the superior team and it will show Saturday. Texas takes out some frustration on Houston and wins big.

Texas 45, Houston 13

Cole Thompson - Staff Writer 

On paper, this should be an easy win for the Longhorns, which means this will be closer than expected. It'd be one thing to see how Texas responds coming off a loss, but throw in a bye week, and how prone is the offense to making mistakes? How quickly will the defense fall for the double move and let Donovan Smith eat? 

The Longhorns become bowl-eligible with a win, but it takes four quarters for them to pull away late. 

Texas 34, Houston 21

Zach Dimmitt - Deputy Editor

The emotions will be high for both sides in this one, though for different reasons. The Longhorns are "pissed off," as coach Steve Sarkisian has put it, while the Cougars are riding high after their game-winning Hail Mary over West Virginia.

Many expect the Longhorns to let the frustration of the loss to Oklahoma result in a blowout over Houston, but Texas fans won't be getting the final deficit they're hoping for. The Longhorns get the win, but it's closer than some might expect.

Texas 38, Houston 33

Kevin Borba - Staff Writer

Texas has had two weeks to get over their loss to Oklahoma, but I still think they come out a tad slow. They have a disease of playing down to opponents, and we really haven't seen them start out hot of the gates against anyone.

However, when they do get hot I think it will come in waves of fury. Quinn Ewers is due for a bounceback showing and Jonathan Brooks is as well. Defensively, the Longhorns should be extra motivated considering what Donovan Smith did to them last year. It will be closer than it should be at first.

Texas 42, Houston 28