On October 19, 2024, the Houston Cougars will take on the Kansas Jayhawks in a Big 12 matchup where both teams will look to break out of their respective slumps. Houston, under new head coach Willie Fritz, has shown flashes of improvement but has struggled to maintain consistency on offense. The Cougars have leaned on quarterback Donovan Smith, who has thrown for nearly 700 yards this season but has also been plagued by interceptions. Houston’s rushing attack, led by Stacy Sneed, has been underwhelming, forcing the team to rely more heavily on a passing game that has yet to click fully. Defensively, Houston has been respectable, ranking in the top 20 nationally in total defense, but turnovers have frequently left the defense in difficult situations.

Kansas, on the other hand, has been battling its own issues, primarily at quarterback, where Jalon Daniels has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns this season. Despite their offensive struggles, Kansas has found success in the running game, with Devin Neal averaging nearly 100 yards per game. However, the Jayhawks have been plagued by turnovers and have failed to execute in key moments, especially in their passing attack. Defensively, Kansas has been vulnerable, particularly against the run, giving up over 200 rushing yards per game. With both teams desperate for a win, this game could hinge on which offense can minimize mistakes and control the clock. While Kansas has the home-field advantage, Houston’s defense and slightly more consistent quarterback play could give them the edge in this contest.