CFB Week 3 (Thursday night)/ Hou @ BYU

YTD 6-6.

One game so far this week, BYU -18 (-120).

At first glance this may seem like a flat spot for BYU, coming off of the TX game. However, first home game for the Cougs, who get great support at home (What else is there to do in Provo?), so the home crowd will be very loud. Also, BYU may see itself as a very viable playoff contender, and with its schedule an undefeated season is very possible. (Toughest remaining games are with UCF, Boise and Cal, and while all are on the road that is not exactly an SEC or Pac12 caliber slate.) So with a national audience on Thursday night, BYU will want to have a great showing.

Houston opened being humiliated at home 27-7 by TXSA, with Hou QB O'Korn throwing four picks and the team having -27 yards rushing. LW defeated Grambling 47-0, but nearly impossible to give Hou much credit for that since Gramb is mediocre at best,  and had six turnovers and 15 penalties for 147 yards. With that type of performance, some Big Ten teams possibly could even have won that game. (Sorry, I am a Big Ten fan, but just could not help it.)  

So, while it is difficult since I finished my undergrad at the Univ. of Utah and thus naturally detest BYU, I am laying the 18.

Also, considering going with Iowa State +10. Iowa is one of the least impressive 2-0 teams out there, getting by Northern Iowa by eight in the opener and LW trailing Ball State almost the entire game before prevailing 17-13 with two late TDs. Also, believe Hawkeyes All-American offensive lineman Sherf is out. Anyway, seems like to many points in this rivalry game. 

Podsox, I agree with you, it's a situation where I generally would look to fade the favorite, but think the potential flat spot for BYU is strongly offset by the factors I mentioned. Also, BYU has Virginia at home next, so no look ahead effect.

Mega, same to you!