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Through 3 Quarters
The Houston Cougars were expected to win this one, and so far that's exactly how it's playing out. They have emerged as the frontrunner after three quarters and are ahead of the Memphis Tigers 21-13. Houston's offense has come from several players so far, with QB Clayton Tune leading the way by passing for one TD and 254 yards on 28 attempts in addition to punching in one rushing touchdown.
Who's Playing
Memphis @ No. 24 Houston
Current Records: Memphis 5-5; Houston 9-1
What to Know
The Houston Cougars are 1-5 against the Memphis Tigers since November of 2015, but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Friday. Houston and Memphis will face off in an American Athletic battle at 9 p.m. ET at TDECU Stadium. The Cougars should still be riding high after a big win, while the Tigers will be looking to get back in the win column.
A well-balanced attack led Houston over the Temple Owls every single quarter on their way to victory last week. Houston was the clear victor by a 37-8 margin over Temple. The contest was all but wrapped up at the end of the third, by which point Houston had established a 24 to nothing advantage. RB Alton McCaskill continued his habit of dropping crazy stat lines, rushing for two TDs and 129 yards on 21 carries.
The Cougars' defense was a presence as well, as it collected three interceptions and one fumble. Those interceptions were spread across their defensive unit.
Meanwhile, the Tigers missed a PAT kick in the second quarter against the East Carolina Pirates last week, and it came back to haunt them. Memphis lost to East Carolina in overtime 30-29. QB Seth Henigan put forth a good effort for the losing side as he passed for three TDs and 233 yards on 26 attempts in addition to picking up 61 yards on the ground. Near the top of the highlight reel was Henigan's 75-yard TD bomb to WR Eddie Lewis in the second quarter.
Memphis' defense was a presence as well, as it embarrassed the Pirates' offensive line to sack QB Holton Ahlers six times for a total loss of 30 yards. The heavy lifting was done by DL Wardalis Ducksworth and DE Jaylon Allen, who each racked up 2.5 sacks.
Houston is the favorite in this one, with an expected 9.5-point margin of victory. Those playing the odds have seen things go back and forth with the Cougars, who are 5-4 against the spread.
Houston is now 9-1 while Memphis sits at 5-5. Two defensive stats to keep in the back of your head while watching: Houston is 156th worst in the nation in touchdowns allowed, with 23 on the season. The Tigers have experienced some struggles of their own as they are stumbling into the matchup with the 218th most passing touchdowns allowed in the nation, having given up 20 on the season. It's possible one of these Achilles' heels will wind up tripping the losing team up.
How To Watch
- When: Friday at 9 p.m. ET
- Where: TDECU Stadium -- Houston, Texas
- TV: ESPN2
- Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
- Follow: CBS Sports App
- Ticket Cost: $24.00
Odds
The Cougars are a big 9.5-point favorite against the Tigers, according to the latest college football odds.
The oddsmakers had a good feel for the line for this one, as the game opened with the Cougars as a 10-point favorite.
Over/Under: -107
See college football picks for every single game, including this one, from SportsLine's advanced computer model. Get picks now.
Series History
Memphis have won five out of their last six games against Houston.
- Dec 12, 2020 - Memphis 30 vs. Houston 27
- Nov 16, 2019 - Memphis 45 vs. Houston 27
- Nov 23, 2018 - Memphis 52 vs. Houston 31
- Oct 19, 2017 - Memphis 42 vs. Houston 38
- Nov 25, 2016 - Memphis 48 vs. Houston 44
- Nov 14, 2015 - Houston 35 vs. Memphis 34
