Introduction to the Big Game
The University of Houston football team, led by Willie Fritz, is currently 4-0, but the chatter surrounding their upcoming home game against Texas Tech has been surprisingly one-sided. Texas Tech’s athletic director, Kirby Hocutt, has even gone so far as to declare the game as one of their "home games" for the season, tweeting that "Houston is West Texas."
The Odds Are Against Houston
The oddsmakers seem to agree with Hocutt’s assessment, with Texas Tech favored to win by 11 and a half points. Earlier in the week, this number was as high as 12 and a half points. This has led many to believe that the game is essentially a guaranteed win for Texas Tech, with some even referring to it as a "grand Texas Tech party" in the making.
Houston’s Chances
Despite the odds being against them, Houston’s coaches and players are remaining optimistic. Defensive line coach Oscar Giles believes that playing in big games like this is essential for the program, saying "it’s always good for a program to play in big games… the players made it a big game because of the way they played the week before and the week before and the week before." Giles also emphasized the importance of the players’ mindset, telling them that they have a chance to win every game they play.
The Rivalry Heats Up
The rivalry between Houston and Texas Tech is certainly heating up, with many considering this game to be a key matchup in the Big 12 conference. Texas Tech reportedly spent over $25 million on their football roster this year, which has led to bold claims from their athletic director. However, Houston’s coaches are focusing on what they can control, with offensive coordinator Slade Nagle saying "at the end of the day, it just comes down to it being another game and playing football and executing."
The Impact on Recruits
The game is also expected to have an impact on recruits, with many Houston-area recruits scheduled to attend the game. Nagle believes that the excitement surrounding the game will be beneficial for the program, saying "obviously, the higher excitement about a game, the higher the atmosphere will be in the stadium. And recruits like that obviously." However, he also emphasized the importance of focusing on the game itself, rather than getting caught up in the hype.
The Student Section
University of Houston’s Hall of Fame worthy basketball coach Kelvin Sampson is also getting in on the action, praising the school’s student section for their energy and enthusiasm. Sampson is confident that the students will bring the noise and make their presence known to Texas Tech, saying "our students have been awesome… so huge shoutout to our students."
Conclusion
The stage is set for a thrilling matchup between Houston and Texas Tech, with the Cougars looking to prove themselves against a tough opponent. Despite the odds being against them, Houston’s coaches and players are remaining optimistic and focused on the task at hand. With a sellout crowd expected at TDECU Stadium, the atmosphere is sure to be electric. Will Houston be able to pull off the upset, or will Texas Tech emerge victorious? One thing is certain – it’s going to be a game to remember. The game kicks off at 6 pm on ESPN, and fans can get tickets and more information by visiting the University of Houston’s website.
