**BYU Has No Chance Against Houston? Bold Prediction, Odds, and TV Details for Jan 4 Showdown!**
The Houston Cougars (11-2, 1-0 Big 12) face off against the BYU Cougars (10-3, 0-1 Big 12) in what many are already calling a one-sided affair. Scheduled for Saturday, January 4, this Big 12 matchup is set to tip off at 8:00 PM ET, broadcast live on ESPN. But let’s cut to the chase—does BYU even stand a chance?
On paper, the answer might lean toward “no.” Houston, ranked #9 in the nation, has been a defensive powerhouse this season, allowing opponents an average of just 60.2 points per game. Their high-pressure style and suffocating half-court defense have smothered some of the best offenses in the country. Led by star guard Marcus Sasser and a deep rotation of athletic forwards, Houston looks poised to dominate yet another conference game.
BYU, on the other hand, enters this game as a significant underdog. After dropping their Big 12 opener to Texas Tech, the Provo-based Cougars are scrambling to find their rhythm. Their offense, averaging 74.8 points per game, thrives on perimeter shooting, but Houston’s elite defensive schemes could neutralize their sharpshooters.
The oddsmakers seem to agree with the narrative. Houston is favored by 8.5 points, with an over/under set at 134.5. Those odds reflect the reality of the matchup: BYU will need a near-perfect performance to hang with the Cougars.
However, BYU fans might argue that the game isn’t over until it’s played. Their team’s resilience and home-court energy at the Marriott Center could be game-changers. Players like Fousseyni Traore and Dallin Hall will need to step up and deliver career-best performances to keep Houston within reach.
The big question remains: will BYU prove the doubters wrong, or will Houston further solidify its dominance in the Big 12? Tune in Saturday night to find out. Just don’t expect any miracles from BYU—they’ll need more than divine intervention to pull this one off.
