This has the makings of a high-scoring affair as the Houston Cougars (3-0) play the Tulsa Golden Hurricane (2-1). This game will feature the nation’s top passer, Dane Evans (1,172 yards, 8 TDs), and top rusher, Zack Langer (389 yards, 5 TDs). Players will take the field Saturday, Oct 3 at 12:00 p.m. ET and it will air on CBSS.
Tulsa fell to Oklahoma 52-38 in their last game. Keyarris Garrett had an outstanding performance in the loss, totaling 14 receptions for 189 yards and one TD. Dane Evans also had a big day, contributing 427 yards and four TDs through the air. Houston is hoping for another victory like last week’s performance when the team won easily over Texas State 59-14 in its matchup. Demarcus Ayers had a big game for the Cougars, totaling eight receptions for 126 yards and two TDs. He added 126 yards and two TDs on one attempt. Greg Ward Jr. also had a big game with 274 yards and four TDs through the air.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable.
The Golden Hurricane enter the game with a record of 2-1 Straight Up (SU) and Against The Spread (ATS) this season. The Tulsa offenses features a strong pass attack, currently ranking sixth in the nation with 390.7 passing yards per game. Houston might put Tulsa away early because the Golden Hurricane are one of the top teams in scoring offense during the fourth quarter. So far this year, they’ve averaged 12 fourth-quarter points.
Across the field, the Cougars have 3-0 SU and 2-1 ATS records this season. If earlier games are any indication, the Cougars will run the ball aggressively. They average 288 rushing yards per game, good enough for 10th in Division I. Switching gears to the Houston defense, there are certain areas where it measures up well against the Golden Hurricane. The Cougars rush defense makes opponents earn every yard, allowing just 2.2 yards per rush. The Golden Hurricane need to hold onto the ball if they want a shot against the turnover-minded Cougars. The Houston defense generates three turnovers per game, fourth in the country. There is no feeling-out process to start a game for the Cougars, who average 11.7 points in the first quarter. With an average of 128.3 return yards per game (17th-most in the country), Houston has had a great deal of success with its special teams.
Predictions: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – Houston
Notes
Tulsa is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games.
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Tulsa’s last 16 games.
Tulsa is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games at home.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tulsa’s last 5 games at home.
Tulsa is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games at home.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Tulsa’s last 9 games when playing Houston.
Tulsa is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Houston.
Both teams are 2-0 SU when leading after two quarters this season.
Dating back to last year, Tulsa is only 2-4 SU against CUSA opponents, while Houston is 3-2 SU against in-conference foes.
According to overall FBS team rankings, Houston is rated higher in the ground game on both sides of the ball. Its 10th-ranked rushing attack will face the 123rd-ranked run defense of Tulsa, while its fifth-ranked run defense will look to contain the 33rd-ranked rushing game of the Golden Hurricane.
Tulsa has allowed 39.0 points per game this year, which is ranked 52nd in the country. Houston has put up 48.3 points per contest this year and is ranked 29th in FBS.
