Houston at SMU

It was destined to be a choppy year for Houston, as do-everything QB Case Keenum has departed along with the coach. This season got off to a rough start with three losses, including a 30-13 setback vs. Texas State. While they have won their last three, the wins have come vs. North Texas, Rice, and UAB, which are three teams that fall below average in the rank-and-file of CFB teams this season. Two of those Houston wins were at home, and one at a neutral site. The Cougars have not won on the road all season where they have played just one time. The Mustangs are 2-4, but three of the losses were to Texas A&M, Baylor, and TCU. Certainly this version of Houston is not nearly on that level. They have done a brilliant job defending in their other three games with a pair of shutouts. Defense has been their calling card as they are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 after allowing less than 100 rushing yards. The Cougars’ offense has looked good vs. the very weak teams, but has struggled otherwise. SMU has shown the capacity to defend all but the elite. Play on SMU.