This week’s matchup between the University of Houston Cougars (2-0) and the Texas State University-San Marcos Bobcats (1-2) will give the Cougars a chance to extend their three-game winning streak that dates back to last season. The nation’s fifth-leading passer, Greg Ward Jr. (511 yards, 4 TDs) is a player to watch in this matchup. It starts at 3:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sep 26 and will air on the ESP3.
Houston won a close one against Louisville 34-31 in their last game. Greg Ward Jr. had a big game passing the ball in the win, completing 23 of 33 passes for 236 yards, three TDs and one interception. He did some damage on the ground, running for 98 yards on 21 attempts. Demarcus Ayers finished with 53 yards and a TD on eight receptions. Texas State didn’t have the same success as Houston, falling to Southern Miss 56-50 in its matchup. Tyler Jones had an outstanding performance throwing the ball for the Bobcats, completing 31 of 46 passes for 310 yards and three TDs. He added 160 yards and two TDs on 18 attempts. Robert Lowe also had a big day, contributing 90 yards and a TD on 12 attempts.
Houston is a 16-point favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment.
Heading into Week 4 of the college football season, the Cougars are 2-0 Straight Up (SU) and 1-1 Against The Spread (ATS). The Cougars have America’s 16th-ranked running attack with 249 yards per game. Turning to the Cougars defense, a few key spots could be deciding factors this week. One of the keys to the game will be if the Bobcats can protect the ball against Houston’s aggressive defense. They’re 22nd in the nation in fumbles recovered with one per game. Texas State might put Houston away early because the Cougars are the top team in scoring offense during the fourth quarter. So far this year, they’ve averaged 19 fourth-quarter points. On special teams, Houston has some playmakers. They average 172 return yards per game, second in Division I.
On the other side, the Bobcats have 1-2 SU and ATS records this season. If Houston’s earlier games are any indication, the Bobcats might throw the ball more on offense. The Cougars allow 318.5 passing yards per game, 120th in Division I. Shifting to the other side of the ball, the Texas State defense can dominate if they take advantage of some favorable matchups. The Cougars need to secure the ball against the fumble-minded Bobcats. They’re seventh in the country in fumbles recovered with 1.3 per game. There is no feeling-out process to start a game for the Bobcats, who average 12.7 points in the first quarter. With an average of 128.7 return yards per game (24th-most in the country), Texas State has had a great deal of success with its special teams.
Predictions: SU Winner – Hou, ATS Winner – Hou
Notes
Houston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Houston’s last 7 games.
Houston is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston’s last 5 games at home.
Texas State is 1-1 SU when leading at the half this season. Houston is 1-0 SU when taking a lead into halftime.
Nationally, the Houston passing attack is ranked 32nd, while the Texas State pass defense is only ranked 123rd. The Bobcats passing game is ranked 41st, compared to the 120th-ranked pass defense of the Cougars.
Houston has allowed 27.5 points per contest this year, which is ranked only 72nd in the nation. Texas State has scored 43.0 points per game this year and is ranked 15th in all of FBS.
