College Football Breakdown

Game of the Year in CUSA

Line: Houston -3 at Tulsa

At this time of the year, everyone is worried about the BCS. However, for those fans of the Conference USA, all eyes are on the game of the year. The undefeated, yes the 11-0 Houston Cougars featuring QB Case Keenum travel to play Tulsa who is undefeated inside the CUSA. The winner wins the West division and will be likely be favored against East frontrunner Southern Miss.
Everyone knows about the offensive exploits of the Cougars. They are a team that is counted on to score in the 50s on a consistent basis. QB Keenum leads a passing attack that averages 448 yards per game and over 600 in total. That is pretty sick even with a weak schedule.  Even last week’s opponent, SMU, who was touted early on to be a challenger, had fallen on hard times prior to playing the Cougars. So how do we know how good they are? What we do know is that if their offensive line controls the line of scrimmage, big points go up. Tulsa has the best defense that Houston has seen all year in conference. Tulsa has some big bodies up the middle of their defense which is the reason why they stop the run well. They are not known as a team who can really get after the QB but their secondary has been solid recording 12 interceptions while giving up only 5 touchdown passes in conference play. If they can stop Houston’s run and play coverage, they should limit the points of Houston. However, without putting pressure on Keenum, total shutting the Cougars down is not a possibility.
The Houston defense who has gone overlooked ranks high in many defensive catagories in the CUSA. That is impressive considering they are often playing with big leads. Tulsa scores by running the football and with play action passing. This is the most physical offense that Houston has faced all year.

Bottom Line:
Tulsa will try to control the ball and clock by running the ball against a Houston team that could be a little vulnerable to such power at the line. On defense, Tulsa will allow their defensive tackles to try to control the run on early downs while keeping safeties back. On must throw downs they may try to bring pressure because they don’t possess a strong defensive line pass rush. On both sides of the ball, the game seems like it will play to being an under although I have not seen the number yet. Good luck with your selection.

JJBeatz
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