The Houston Cougars are currently ranked No. 6 in the nation in the AP Top 25 poll after starting the season with four straight wins, including a big win over Oklahoma in the season opener. The Cougars come into this Week 5 matchup against the Connecticut Huskies fresh off a 64-3 win over Texas State last week and will look to stay perfect against their fellow American Athletic Conference foe.
UConn is 2-2 coming into this showdown after losing to Syracuse by a touchdown last week. Without question, this will be the biggest test yet for Connecticut and it will be a significant underdog.
This contest in Week 5 of the regular season will go down Thursday, September 29, 2016, at 5 p.m. ET at TDECU Stadium.
NCAA Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
Connecticut +29
Houston -29
Odds Analysis
The Cougars have a big-time spread, and even a team that dwarfs the other in talent can have trouble covering more than four touchdowns. However, Houston is at home and has an explosive offense, so it can certainly happen.
In fact, more than 63 percent of the early money is coming in on the Cougars to stay hot and cover this game despite the large spread.
Player to Watch
Greg Ward, Jr. -- The Houston quarterback has improved over the past two seasons and is on his way to the best year of his career. He has thrown for 936 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions on the season.
Ward’s yards-per-attempt has risen to 9.2 this year and he will be a big challenge for the Connecticut defense. Ward is also a threat on the ground, as he has rushed for three touchdowns on the season.
If Connecticut is able to keep this one reasonably close for awhile, it must be able to keep Ward in check. If he gets going, the Huskies will be forced to play catch up, which will let the Houston defense attack.
Key stat
Zero. That’s the number of penalties and turnovers the Cougars had last week in their blowout win against Texas State. Houston was the clear favorite coming into that matchup, but a near-perfect performance is extremely impressive especially considering the amount of young talent Tom Herman has on the field this year.
True freshman D’Eriq King was responsible for three touchdowns against Texas State, including one passing, one receiving and a 99-yard kickoff return. The offense scored on every single possession of the first half with six touchdowns and a field goal to go up 43-3 at the half in the big win.
Limiting mistakes will be huge for Houston this season as the team looks to continue its ascent up the rankings, so an almost flawless performance is even more cause for optimism among Cougar fans.
Free ATS Pick
There’s no question that Herman and his Houston Cougars have their eyes on the College Football Playoff this year. That’s why every game is so important to this team — not because every opponent is a threat, but because for this non-Power Five squad to have a chance, it can’t afford an off night.
Even one loss will send the Cougars tumbling down the rankings and into oblivion. Staying disciplined and staying focused will be key for Houston and its plan to shakeup the college football postseason.
Connecticut defeated Houston by a field goal last year, but a win this season is much less likely. Dual-threat junior quarterback Bryant Shirreffs is sure to be challenged by this Houston defense which ranks fourth in the nation right now for points against, allowing an average of 10.5 through four games.
Houston should roll in this one and cover even though the spread it high. The over-under should be a healthy total, so check on that when it is released.
NCAA Football Odds: Houston 51, Connecticut 20
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