Kansas football vs. Houston: Five things to know about Jayhawks’ next Big 12 game

After five straight defeats, Kansas football looks to end its losing streak on Saturday vs. Houston.

The Jayhawks (1-5, 0-3 Big 12) return to action after an off week. Houston is also coming off its bye week. Before the bye, the Cougars defeated TCU on Oct. 4.

Here’s more about this week’s game:

KU football at Houston: Game details

Kickoff: 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19

Where: Kansas City, Missouri; GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium

TV: ESPN+

Radio: Jayhawk Radio Network; WHB (810) in Kansas City; Wichita 92.3

Early betting line: KU is a 6.5-point favorite

Five Things to Know

1. The game will mark the fifth meeting between both sides, but first as conference foes. The Jayhawks lead the all-time series 4-0. Most recently, KU earned a 48-30 victory over the Cougars in Houston in the 2022 season. Jalon Daniels accounted for five touchdowns in that game.

2. Expectations for the Cougars were low coming into the season. Big 12 media members picked them to finish No. 15 in the Big 12 — out of 16 teams. Currently, Houston (2-4, 1-2 Big 12) is tied for ninth in the conference alongside UCF, Arizona, Utah and TCU. Kansas is tied for last at 0-3.

3. Cougars quarterback Donovan Smith has had an up-and-down season ... so transfer QB Zeon Chriss started vs. TCU. Chriss finished 15-for-18 passing for 141 yards and one touchdown. He also had 11 carries for 97 yards. Smith has completed 72 of 105 passes (66.1%) for 694 yards and two touchdowns through five games. He’s also thrown five interceptions.

4. Houston’s offense has struggled this season. The Cougars are averaging 13.7 points per game and 297.7 yards of offense. The bright spot for UH is its run game, as the team is averaging 142.8 rushing yards per game. The Cougars have been shut out twice in Big 12 play.

5 . UH linebacker Michael Batton leads the Cougars with 42 total tackles. He has 19 solo tackles and three sacks. He also has 4.5 tackles for loss.