Oregon State vs. Houston Prediction, Picks & Best Bets: College Football Week 1 Odds
My best Oregon State vs. Houston prediction anticipates Oregon State remaining somewhat competitive against No. 23 Houston. Last season, Oregon State went just 2-10, yet Houston still needed overtime to beat them. Braden Atkinson takes over as the starting quarterback for Oregon State after throwing for 3,611 yards and 34 touchdowns last season with Mercer.
Houston is a 20.5-point betting favorite for Saturday's noon ET game at TDECU Stadium in Houston. The contest will air on ESPN and stream on Disney+.
🏈 Oregon State vs. Houston picks & odds: Week 1
See the latest college football odds and our college football picks.
| 💰 Pick | ⚖️ Units | 🧠 Why I bet this |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon State +20.5 (-104 via FanDuel) | 1.5u → 1.44u | Conner Weigman threw seven interceptions in his final five games last season, and Oregon State has an improved offense with Braden Atkinson under center. |
| Under 49.5 (-110 via FanDuel) | 1u → 0.91u | Even if Oregon State is better offensively, the Beavers still finished 125th in scoring last year. |
| Xavyion Noland (+500 via FanDuel) | 0.25u → 1.25u | Noland scored seven touchdowns last season. |
Total wagered: 2.75 units | Max profit: 3.6 units
📃 Affiliate disclosure
Sportsbook Review may receive a commission if you sign up through our links. Not intended for use in MA. Bonuses not applicable in Ontario. 21+ only. (Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
💰 Oregon State vs. Houston prediction & best bet
Oregon State +20.5 (-104)
Houston returns many key pieces, including starting quarterback Conner Weigman. However, I'm concerned about how Weigman played down the stretch last season, throwing seven interceptions in his final five games. Additionally, even though Houston finished No. 22 in the country last season, the Cougars didn't win a single game by more than 27 points, despite playing teams like Stephen F. Austin and Rice.
Oregon State ranked 125th in points per game last season, but still scored 24 against Houston. Atkinson is a huge improvement for Oregon State at quarterback, and he should start relatively well against last year's 66th-ranked pass defense.
Score prediction: Houston 28 Oregon State 17
🙌 Oregon State vs. Houston touchdown scorer prediction
Xavyion Noland to score a touchdown (+500)
Last season, with UT Rio Grande Valley, Noland scored seven touchdowns. While Houston's defense is certainly better than any unit he faced last year, the fact remains that he's still an explosive big-play threat. Noland caught three touchdowns of at least 70 yards last season.
I expect Oregon State's offense to be pass-happy, as Atkinson is a pocket passer who rushed just 14 times last season, while throwing at least 33 passes in all but one game. He also managed at least three touchdown passes eight times. Houston's pass defense was solid last season but still allowed 16 passing touchdowns.
🚀 Oregon State vs. Houston same-game parlay
As I've already said, I don't love the way that Weigman ended last season. While Oregon State had one of the worst defenses in the nation last year, I need to see Weigman look like his early-season self again before I back him to put up huge numbers. Therefore, I'm backing an improved Oregon State team to keep this somewhat close. And since both of Houston's games against non-power conference teams featured 44 or fewer points, I'll add the Under to this parlay.
💵 Oregon State vs. Houston SGP picks
- Oregon State +20.5
- Under 49.5
Best odds: +225 via FanDuel (0.5u → 1.13u)
💵 My betting record for college football picks
All college football picks, including SGPs, have been tracked since Aug. 29.
| Bet type | Record | Net profit | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 2-9 | -7.04 units ❌ | -59.9% ❌ |
| Game picks | 1-1 | -0.59 units ❌ | -23.6%❌ |
| Player props | 1-6 | -4.95 units ❌ | -63.8% ❌ |
| Parlays | 0-2 | -1.50 units ❌ | -100% ❌ |
💡 How I'm betting Oregon State vs. Houston: College football strategy
Want more college football betting advice? Check out all of our college football analysis and expert predictions.
It's impossible to know if Noland's play will translate to this level, but I'm still willing to make a low-risk, high-reward play on him to score. As for the spread, I believe in this Oregon State team, but not enough to wager more than 1.5 units on them to cover. If the spread was 21.5, I'd consider a 2-unit play. Finally, the Under should be a safe play, but if Atkinson really elevates this Oregon State offense, this game could easily become a shootout.
📊 Live Oregon State vs. Houston odds: Week 1
Our live Oregon State vs. Houston odds update in real time.
📺 How to watch Oregon State vs. Houston: Week 1
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 5
- Kickoff: Noon ET
- Location: TDECU Stadium (Houston)
- TV: ESPN
- Streaming: Disney+
Related Articles
