So, what's the Over/Under for the game tomorrow? 120? 130? I doubt we're going to see a lot of defense played...
Yeah man, I wouldn't be surprised to see both teams scoring over 40. Also, why the hell is CSTV not carrying the game? It's a matchup between the top two teams in C-USA West, yet it's not going to be televised. That's two weeks in a row for the Cougars, but at least we get SMU on ESPN next Sunday.
Total is set at 74...should be quite the slug fest. Sun Bowl is a tough place to get a win, we'll need all our horses and some breaks.
From Collegefootballnews.com.... Conference USA Game of the Week Houston (4-3) at UTEP (4-3) 9:05 EST Why to watch: If you can catch just one game between unranked teams this weekend, consider this probable shootout between two of Conference USA’s most explosive offenses. The lead in the West division will be at stake when UTEP hosts Houston at the Sun Bowl for the fifth meeting between the schools. The Miners are a dramatic finish waiting to happen, playing in three consecutive high-scoring nail-biters, two of which needed overtime. In a season that was supposed to be marked by painful transition and inconsistency, UTEP has rebuilt on the fly to become the surprise of the league through seven games. Houston, too, was expected to dip this year, but has parlayed an abundance of offensive speed into another run for a league championship. The Cougars are coming off their most complete effort of the year, a 49-10 thumping of UAB that educed rare contributions from the defensive side of the ball. If the D plays half as good as it did a week ago, they may not lose another game in 2007. Why Houston might win: With the non-conference portion of the schedule in the rear view mirror, the Cougars are purring on offense, scoring 105 points and amassing a ridiculous 1,288 total yards over the last two weeks. UTEP’s 114th-ranked defense, which has allowed at least 45 points in each of the last three games, couldn’t stop these guys with a man advantage. Art Briles has used a two-quarterback system masterfully this year, inserting Case Keenum and Blake Joseph at the right times while somehow keeping both motivated. The quarterbacks will distribute the ball to RB Anthony Alridge, and WRs Donnie Avery and Jeron Harvey, who’ll blow past the Miner defenders in the open field. UTEP has allowed 12 touchdown passes over the last four games, a scary trend with a Briles-led team coming to town. Why UTEP might win: Sure, the Miners defense is awful, but the hard-charging offense is prolific enough to compensate, averaging almost 50 points a game over the last month. Freshman QB Trevor Vittatoe has grown up quickly as Jordan Palmer’s successor, tossing 10 touchdown passes in the last four games, while helping turn Jeff Moturi into one of the league’s most dangerous receivers. Add in the tough running of Marcus Thomas and the versatility of UTEP’s own slash, Lorne Sam, and Mike Price has the ingredients of his best offense since he was in the Pac-10. The Miners will remain hot against a Houston defense that doesn’t create many sacks or turnovers, and was questionable before last week’s game with 2-5 UAB. Who to watch: If Houston is going to take control of the West, it’s imperative that Keenum and Joseph protect the football, an issue for both this season, especially Keenum. Although the UTEP defense has been soft all year, it has been hawkish of late, picking off 11 balls over the last four games. Keenum and Joseph must pay particular attention to Quintin Demps, who has more career interceptions than any current player, and is as skilled a defensive back playing in Conference USA. What will happen: Both teams’ punters might as well stay at the hotel on Saturday night. Neither will be used very much. The scoring will come fast, furious, and from every spot on the field. Houston, which is starting to gel as a team, will outlast UTEP in one of the more entertaining games of the weekend. CFN Prediction: Houston 44 … UTEP 36... Line: Houston -3.5
Nothing personal Jeeber, but I think UTEP is all smoke and mirrors. Cougars have slugged it out with top 25 teams and held their own, but the only thing that has ever stopped them, is them. If we don't turn the ball over 5-6 times, we roll by 2+ touchdowns.
Go ahead and think that. I hope the Coogs are thinking the same thing as well. The offensive line of ours that was so horrible last year has matured and has been opening up huge holes for Marcus Thomas, who is one of the nation's leaders in TDs, and Lorne Sam, who has thrown, ran, and caught for over 100 yards in a game this year. RS freshman Trevor Vittatoe has been incredibly consistent, and has only thrown three interceptions...and only one of those was his fault (one bounced out of the receiver's hands, the other went right through his hands). Our defense might be porous, but we can create turnovers....we're like eighth in the nation in turnover differential. Should be an exciting, high scoring game. And by the end hopefully we'll be alone on top of CUSA West.
If we could combine the Coogs offense with a Virgina Tech or LSUesque defense we would be a National Championship caliber team. We put 10 more on Oregon than USC managed..and scored more on Bama than Tennessee or Florida State. Sadly the defense doesn't allow the offense much margin for error...cause if we punt 5 times in a game we probably lose.
If only we had kicked that FG instead of going for it on fourth just before the end of the half. Alas...
4 votes in the USA Today poll http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/usatpoll.htm SHOCK THE WORLD
