Big 12’s scheduling tactics put the Houston Cougars on shaky ground—are repeated early kickoff times and unpredictable TV slots undermining the program’s rise? With bowl projections featuring marquee matchups against Miami, Georgia Tech, USC, and LSU, high stakes and regional pride come into play as Houston eyes a 10-win season. Can the Cougars turn the tide and make a statement under the conference spotlight?

Parker Ainsworth breaks down how Big 12 scheduling has affected fan turnout, game day experiences, and potential postseason momentum for Houston football. Critical analysis covers Houston’s challenges with prime time opportunities, chances to flood the stands in closing games at home against TCU and on the road at Baylor, and what it all means for bowl selection. With Amare Thomas and Tanner Koziol earning Biletnikoff and Mackey Award nominations, prospects for national recognition grow brighter. As Houston faces pivotal matchups and potential SEC opposition at NRG Stadium, questions loom: Will the Cougars convert opportunity into lasting success, and can standout performances propel the program into college football’s elite?

Segment Timestamps

0:00 — Big 12 Scheduling Issues
9:50 — Bowl Game Projections
20:53 — Award Semifinalists & Recruiting
26:28 — Basketball and Show Wrap-up

Be sure to follow and subscribe to Locked On Coogs to hear the latest on all things Houston Cougars, wherever you get your podcasts!

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
DoorDash
With DoorDash Streaks, you save every Saturday you order — stack it up all season and you could save up to $250. Order this Saturday. Keep the streak alive. Fuel your gameday — only with DoorDash. Terms apply. Promo period through 11/18.

SupplyHouse
Join the free TradeMaster program today and score serious perks like priority shipping, lower prices, and a dedicated support line. Visit SupplyHouse.com to sign up for free and use promo code SHCOLLEGE5 for 5% off your first order.

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.