Houston vs. UConn Prediction, Game Preview
Houston vs. UConn prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the matchup between the Cougars and Huskies.
Houston vs. UConn prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the matchup between the Cougars and Huskies.
Houston vs. UConn Game Preview
When: Thursday, September 29 – 8:00 p.m. ET
Where: TDECU Stadium, Houston, TX
TV Broadcast: ESPN
Houston continued its run toward a spot in the College Football Playoff with a 64-3 route of Texas State. Greg Ward, Jr. was effective, completing 20-of-26 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns while not playing much in the second half.
Syracuse lost a close one to Syracuse in the Carrier Dome, 31-24, to fall to 2-2 on the season. Wide receiver Noel Thomas had a busy day, catching 14 passes for 111 yards but no touchdowns.
What To Know About Houston
With all the talk of head coach Tom Herman possibly discussing the now vacant job at LSU, will the Cougars get distracted? One slip up and Houston’s dreams of crashing the CFP is over. Ward Jr. and company are as explosive on offense as anyone in the nation, and will face a Huskies defense that gave up 407 passing yards last week.
The rushing defense of the Cougars is still strong, and held the Bobcats to just 33 total yards in the victory last week. They didn’t give up much on the passing game either, allowing a mere 109 yards and no touchdowns.
What to Know About UConn
It won’t be lighting up the scoreboard like Houston, so UConn must do what they do best: control time of possession. Quarterback Bryant Shirreffs manages the game well, but the Huskies must run the ball to be successful. Running back Ron Johnson has been the guy to get UConn into the end zone, leading the team with four touchdown runs.
Advantages
Offense: Houston. Ask Oklahoma how fast the Cougars can put up the points.
Defense: Houston. That run defense is stout.
Special Teams: Houston. Kicker Ty Cummings has been a busy man, accounting for 38 points so far this season.
Coaching: Houston. Let the Tom Herman sweepstakes begin!
Intangibles: Houston. This is the one year for them to break through and join the big guys in the playoff.
Matchup To Watch
Houston rushing defense vs. UConn rushing offense
Whoever wins this battle will go a long way in deciding the final outcome. Houston is No. 1 in the nation in rushing defense, allowing only 37 yards per game. UConn likes to pound the rock, averaging just over 42 attempts per game. If the Huskies get bottled up early, this one could get ugly fast.
Houston vs. UConn Betting Odds
Spread: Houston -27.5
Over/Under: N/A
Houston vs. UConn Prediction
The Cougars are a third of a way through their season, and with each week and each victory they can smell that coveted CFP spot. UConn could frustrate Houston for a little bit in this game by keeping the explosive Cougars offense off the field, but Houston is on another level when it comes to talent. The pressure will continue to mount as the season goes on, and an upset could occur, but not this week: Houston wins big.
Houston vs. UConn Score Prediction: Houston 45, UConn 17
