SMU at Houston

A pair of one-loss teams clash in a conference game, so expect more defensive intensity than the oddsmakers are expecting. Southern Methodist leads the nation with 21 sacks. Justin Lawler was named the conference Defensive Player of the Week after registering 4.0 sacks to tie the AAC and SMU single-game records. The Mustangs registered a season-high eight sacks against UConn last week and added 13 tackles for loss. SMU held UConn to minus-8 rushing yards! Houston doesn't have the same dynamic QB play they had last season, with a pair of QBs totaling six TDs, five picks. They are playing strong defense, holding three of four opponents to 16, 3 and 13 points. Houston ranks #14 in the nation in scoring defense (14.8 points per game), #12 in red zone defense and #15 in pass efficiency defense, going five straight games UNDER the total. The UNDER has cashed four of the last five meetings in Houston and this total is too high. Play UNDER the total.