The Houston Cougars (4-5) face the Arizona Wildcats (3-6) in a crucial Friday night showdown at Arizona Stadium. Kickoff is set for 10:15 p.m. ET on FS1, with both teams desperate for a win to maintain bowl eligibility hopes.

The Wildcats are 1.5-point home favorites with a moneyline of -120, implying a 54.5% win probability. The total is set at 46.5 points.

Houston enters with momentum, winning three of their last four games, including an upset over #17 Kansas State. Quarterback Zeon Chriss has energized the offense, completing 69.1% of passes while adding 294 rushing yards. The Cougars' defense ranks 23rd nationally in yards allowed.

Week 🔟 #Big12FB Co-Newcomer of the Week presented by @totinos

Zeon Chriss | @UHCougarFB pic.twitter.com/csLVoZXd6r

Arizona has lost five straight games, most recently falling 56-12 to UCF. The Wildcats rely heavily on QB Noah Fifita (2,324 yards, 13 TDs) and receiver Tetairoa McMillan (1,066 yards, 6 TDs), but struggle with a rushing attack averaging just 115 yards per game.

Noah Fifita and Dalton Johnson, on Arizona's 5-game skid:

"The whole world is against us now, so we're really just playing for the people in the locker room and trusting God's timing." — NF

"Our part as leaders is making sure this team stays together no matter what." — DJ pic.twitter.com/tsgdDg4C85

Prediction:

• Houston +1.5 (-110)
• Over 46.5 points (-110)

The Cougars' balanced offense and strong defense give them the edge as underdogs. Their ground game should exploit Arizona's 95th-ranked rush defense, while both teams' offensive capabilities suggest a higher-scoring game than the total indicates.

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