SMU @ Houston preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 22, 2016 ) Houston 16, Southern Methodist 38

SMU will take its high-scoring offense to in-state rival Houston on Saturday in a key American Athletic Conference matchup. The Mustangs have won back-to-back games by a combined 44 points and rank third nationally with a scoring average of 48.2 points per game.

Quarterback Ben Hicks - who is fourth nationally with 14 passing touchdowns - and the Mustangs will get a test from a Houston defense that is allowing 14.8 points. Houston may be without star tackle Ed Oliver (sprained left MCL), who is listed as day-to-day after leaving in the first half of the win at Temple. "Once he gets the brace on and starts getting more active with it, we'll have to evaluate it throughout the week," coach Major Applewhite told the media Monday. The SMU defense, meanwhile, leads the nation with 21 sacks while the Cougars have allowed four.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network. LINE: Houston -9.5.

ABOUT SMU (4-1, 1-0 AAC): Hicks (89-of-164, 1,275 yards, three INT) is coming off his best game of the year after a 27-of-37 performance for 280 yards and four TDs against Connecticut. Trey Quinn (37 catches for 431 yards, four TDs) and Courtland Sutton (20 catches, 329 yards, FBS-best seven TDs) give the Mustangs a pair of explosive targets. Defensive end Justin Lawler (30 tackles, eight tackles for loss, team-high six sacks) was named the AAC defensive player of the week after recording four sacks and a blocked field goal last week.

ABOUT HOUSTON (3-1, 1-0): Kyle Postma (36-of-54, 371 yards, one INT, two TDs) started in place of Kyle Allen (80-of-104, 771 yards, four INTs, four TDs) last week and is listed atop this week's depth chart, although Applewhite won't name a starter until closer to the game-time. Linell Bonner (32 catches, 300 yards, three TDs) and Steven Dunbar (24 catches, 290 yards) lead a talented receiver corps while D'Eriq King has 12 catches for 101 yards and a touchdown to go with a rushing touchdown in two games. Linebacker Matthew Adams leads the conference with 10.8 tackles while safety Khalil Williams has a team-best seven tackles for loss.

EXTRA POINTS

1. SMU is one of two FBS schools -- joining AAC foe Central Florida -- to score at least 36 points in every game this season.

2. SMU's Kyran Mitchell (3), Tyeson Neals (3) and Mason Gentry (2) also have multiple sacks.

3. Sophomore DT Aymiel Fleming (three tackles this season) got the most playing time of his career in place of Oliver last week.

PREDICTION: Houston 38, SMU 31