Southern U. vs Houston Picks and Prediction for Saturday September 12 2026

The Southern University Jaguars travel to TDECU Stadium in Houston, Texas, to face the Houston Cougars on Saturday, September 12. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET on ESPN+. Southern enters at 1-1 after defeating Kentucky State 34-15, while No. 23 Houston is 1-0 following a 33-20 victory over Oregon State. At the time of this writing the odds were not released. Before placing your wagers, check out our free college football picks for more predictions throughout the season.

Southern Gets Marshall Faulk His First Victory

Southern bounced back from its season-opening 30-17 loss to Alabama State by defeating Kentucky State 34-15 in its home opener. The victory was the first for head coach Marshall Faulk, whose Jaguars broke open a 13-2 halftime game by scoring 21 points after the break.

Christian Johnson threw for 200 yards and two touchdowns, finding Isaiah Pina and Khalil Davis for scores. The ground game was led by Trey Holly, who rushed for 99 yards and two touchdowns. Southern also received a major defensive contribution when Tayton James returned an interception 85 yards for the game's first touchdown.

Southern is showing progress after two games, but this represents a dramatic increase in competition. The Jaguars now face a ranked Big 12 opponent on the road, and Houston's defensive front was outstanding against the run in its opener.

Houston Opens With an Impressive Victory

Houston started its season by defeating Oregon State 33-20 at TDECU Stadium. The Cougars built a 19-7 halftime advantage and never surrendered the lead, giving them a quality victory before facing Southern in their second consecutive home game.

Conner Weigman threw for 305 yards and a touchdown while adding another touchdown on the ground. Re'Shaun Sanford II and Mekhi Hughes also scored rushing touchdowns as Houston demonstrated enough balance to consistently finish drives.

The most encouraging number came from Houston's run defense. The Cougars held Oregon State to only 26 rushing yards while recording four sacks. Oregon State did throw for 376 yards, but Southern is unlikely to present the same passing threat. Houston should be able to concentrate on stopping Johnson and Holly while forcing the Jaguars into difficult passing situations.

Southern U. vs Houston Picks and Prediction

Pick: Houston -35.5 or Better

With no dependable conventional sportsbook spread available yet, Houston -35.5 or better is my target. Southern has improved under Faulk and should be encouraged by its first victory, but the jump from Kentucky State to a ranked Big 12 opponent is enormous. Houston just held Oregon State to 26 rushing yards, which could eliminate Southern's most reliable offensive avenue. The Cougars also have enough offensive firepower to create separation quickly. I'll back Houston if the spread opens at -35.5 or better.

Pick: Under 55.5

The Under 55.5 is my preferred total target. Southern could struggle to reach double digits against a Houston defense that just dominated Oregon State on the ground, which means the Cougars may need to produce somewhere around 45 points themselves to push this Over. Houston should control the game comfortably, but a matchup around 42-7 or 45-7 keeps us below this target. Take the Under if the total is set at 55.5 or higher.

Final Picks: Houston -35.5 or better and Under 55.5 or higher