NCAAF Analysis: The BYU Cougars are looking primed for a breakout season after winning their first two games in dominating fashion as QB Taysom Hill is emerging as a serious Heisman Trophy candidate. The Houston Cougars were touted as a potential contender in the American Athletic Conference with a high octane offense but their season opening loss to Texas – San Antonio put all of that into question as their offense ranks near the bottom nationally.
The BYU Cougars will host the Houston Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Thursday night with coverage on ESPN starting at 9 PM ET.
Underwhelming Start for UH
Houston defeated 1-AA Grambling 47-0 at home last week which followed a revealing 27-7 home loss to UTSA. The Cougars rank 105th in the nation for total offense which is alarming because offense was supposed to be their strength.
Cougars Climbing
BYU is 2-0 both straight up and against the spread and coming off a 41-7 blowout win at Texas as one point dogs. Hill has completed 72 percent of his passes with a 3 to 1 TD/INT ratio and leads the team in rushing with 196 yards, 5.4 yards per carry, and 5 TD’s. BYU ranks 6th nationally for scoring defense. Head coach Bronco Mendenhall has the Cougars in top form and looking like they are finally ready to re-emerge on the national stage. Hill is now in the conversation as one of the top QB’s in the country.
Matchup and Pick
Houston has been a good betting value on the road with 10 payouts in their last 14 road games with six out of their last nine away games going over the total. BYU however has been a reliable board value at home with 10 payouts in their last 17 games at LaVell Edwards Stadium with five out of their last nine home games going over the total. Last year BYU scored a thrilling 47-46 shootout win at Houston but failed to get the money as 10 point road favorites as the game soared over the total of 64.5. BYU is the deeper and more complete team in this matchup and the Houston defense cannot compare to BYU’s stop unit. We’ll call for the BYU Cougars in this one.
