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The undefeated Houston Cougars (7-0) step out of conference with this week’s visit from the Vanderbilt Commodores (3-4). Check out the Vanderbilt vs. Houston prediction and game preview.

Vanderbilt vs. Houston Prediction & Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 31
Game Time: 7:00 ET
Network: ESPN2

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Why You Need To Care

For the second time this season, Houston gets a shot at a Power Five opponent. The Cougars, now No. 18 nationally, have already defeated Louisville on the road. That Week 2 trip to Papa John’s Stadium was the only time this fall that Tom Herman’s team won by fewer than two touchdowns. Vandy is coming off an emotional win over Mizzou that snapped its 11-game losing streak in SEC games. A second straight win will even their record and keep postseason hopes alive.

Why Vanderbilt Will Win

This is an SEC-caliber defense, which Houston hasn’t had to face much this season. The Commodores are allowing just 16 points per game, which includes dates with Georgia and Ole Miss. A sturdy front seven led by ends Caleb Azubike and Adam Butler and linebackers Stephen Weatherly and Zach Cunningham will be a handful for the Cougar O-line. Vandy really stiffens on third downs, ranking No. 3 nationally at just 22.2%.

Why Houston Will Win

The Cougars won’t reach their usual output of 48 points per game. But it won’t be necessary to outscore Vanderbilt, which averages only 16 points per game. The Commodores have been terribly inefficient, ranking 115th nationally in turnovers and 126th in red-zone scoring. And moving the ball on Houston will be a chore. The Cougs boast speed at every level, like linebackers Steven Taylor and Elandon Roberts, CB William Jackson and S Trevon Stewart, while yielding less than three yards a carry.

Player Who Matters

This figures to be an interesting test for Houston QB Greg Ward Jr., who won’t get his normal support from Kenneth Farrow and the backs. Ward will be more of a solo act against stout Vandy, using his legs and his arm to keep the chains moving. The Cougars have good, not great receivers, and Commodore corners Torren McGaster and Tre Herndon headline a secondary that’s given up just five touchdown passes.

What’s Going To Happen?

Houston is facing its stiffest test since Week 2. It’ll pass, remaining unblemished, because of Ward and a much better collection of playmakers than the Commodores. But it’s going to be interesting to see how these Cougars handle the physical challenge that Vanderbilt presents and a rare competitive game beyond halftime.

Vanderbilt vs. Houston Prediction

Prediction: Houston 30, Vanderbilt 17, Line: Houston -11, o/u: 46
Must See Rating: 5: Jimi Hendrix: Electric Church – 1: The Peanuts Movie … 2.5