Houston is set to open their Big 12 schedule as they face off with Texas Tech in Week 3. Both teams enter the game at 2-0 on the season. It is time to continue the NCAA Football odds series with a Houston-Texas Tech prediction and pick.

Houston is 2-0 on the season, with wins over Oregon State and Southern. The Cougars struggled some in their first game, hosting Oregon State. Houston scored first, but after a missed PAT, Oregon State was able to take the lead in the first quarter. The Beavers continued to hang around as well. In the fourth quarter, they made it a six-point game, but Houston went on to win the game 33-20. Houston then dominated Southern, winning the game 77-6.

Texas Tech opened up against Abilene Christian, winning the game 33-10. They then hit the road to face Oregon State, and like Houston, there was a struggle. The Red Raiders did not score until the second quarter, and Oregon State was able to respond on their next play from scrimmage. Oregon State took a lead in the fourth quarter on a field goal, but Texas Tech scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to take the 35-24 victory in the game.

This will be the 37th meeting between the two schools. Houston has 18 wins, while Texas Tech has 17, and there has been one tie. Texas Tech has dominated the series as of late. Since 1991, the Red Raiders have won 12 of the 13 games. They have also won seven straight games over Houston.

Odds provided by DraftKings

Houston vs. Texas Tech Odds

Houston: +7.5 (-115)

Texas Tech: -7.5 (-105)

Over: 53.5 (-105)

Under: 53.5 (-115)

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Houston vs. Texas Tech Key Injuries

Houston- WR Jerffery Strozier Jr. (Out), WR JayShon Ridgle (Questionable), WR Stephon Johnson (Questionable)

Texas Tech- CB Amier Boyd (Out), EDGE Trey White (Questionable), TE Terrance Carter Jr. (Questionable), WR Kenny Johnson (Questionable)

Houston vs. Texas Tech Betting Trends

– Houston is 1-1 against the spread this year.

– In Houston's two games this year, the over has hit in both games, as the Cougars are averaging 55 points per game.

– The last two times Houston has been an underdog, Houston has covered.

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– Texas Tech has failed to cover in each of their first two games.

– Texas Tech games have gone over once in the two games so far this year.

– Houston has been the underdog in each of their last seven games against Texas Tech. Texas Tech has covered in five of those games.

Keys to Houston vs. Texas Tech matchup

Houston has been solid on offense this year, sitting 38th in points per game and eighth in yards per game. Further, they are 18th in third-down conversion rate. The major key for Houston is going to be staying on schedule to make third-down conversions easy. That is going to be done through the running game. Makhi Hughes has been the primary back this year, with 25 carries for 142 yards and two scores. Meanwhile, Re'Shaun Sanford II has been solid on the ground with 15 carries for 102 yards. A solid running game is going to open up the pass, which should get Amare Thomas open. He has brought in 11 receptions for 162 yards and two scores this season.

On defense, Houston needs to force passing situations. Houston has been one of the best against the run this year, while Texas Tech has not been great in the running department. Houston has allowed a lot of passing yards this year, but also been solid at getting to the quarterback in passing situations. They already have five sacks this year, while Will Hammond of the Red Raiders has struggled with pressure.

For Texas Tech, they have to find a way to stay ahead of the chains on first down. J'Koby Williams is a solid running back, helping lead Texas Tech to a 50th-ranked rushing attack. He has run the ball 33 times for 187 yards so far this year, while scoring twice. Williams is often used up the gut, running between the tackles, but can run on the outside. The Houston interior of the defensive line is solid, and the outside run game is going to be key. They could also use short screens and dump passes to keep the chains moving.

On defense, Texas Tech has to get after Conner Weigman, the Houston quarterback. Texas Tech has been one of the worst passing defenses this year. They would normally have top corner Amier Boyd on Amare Thomas, but with Boyd out for the game, there is a massive hole in the secondary that can be exploited. The biggest way to compensate for the weak pass defense is the pass rush. Texas Tech has one of the most aggressive front sevens in the nation, with 33 pressures so far in two games. If Jamond Mathis and AJ Holmes can create pressure, they could potentially slow down the passing game of Houston.

Houston vs. Texas Tech Prediction and Pick

There is one major comparison point between the two teams, with both teams playing against Oregon State. Houston took a 13-point win while Texas Tech won by 11.  Houston was able to put up 533 yards of offense, but turned the ball over twice. Texas Tech had 352 yards of offense against Oregon State, while turning the ball over once. On defense, Houston allowed 402 yards while not forcing a turnover. Texas Tech allowed 472 yards but did force a turnover. Overall, Houston was better against Oregon State, but also hosted the Beavers while Texas Tech was on the road.

Neither team has shown the ability to slow down the passing game, but Houston has had the more efficient defense overall, especially against the run. Both teams have been solid on offense this year. This game could set up to be a track meet, but with Houston missing Amier Boyd and the strong run defense of the Cougars, they should be able to keep this a one-score game.

Final Houston vs. Texas Tech Prediction and Pick:  Houston +7.5 (-115) and Over 53.5 (-105)ÂÂ