Tulane @ Houston preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 17, 2009 ) Houston 44, Tulane 16

Saturday's Conference USA matchup between Tulane and Houston was supposed to be a relatively easy bump in the road for the Cougars, who were riding high on a Top 25 ranking heading into last Saturday's matchup with UCLA. Instead, two devastating injuries to Houston's quarterbacks could make their game with the Green Wave (1-1) much more competitive.

Houston (2-1) enters Saturday's home game reeling from two major injuries at the quarterback position. Senior starting quarterback Case Keenum will miss the rest of the season after suffering a torn ACL against UCLA in a 31-13 loss. Junior backup Cotton Turner suffered a fractured clavicle and will also miss the season.

Keenum is a huge loss. He had already posted 636 yards on a 66 percent completion rate with five touchdowns, building on his record-setting numbers from last year. Turner also saw time in all three games, completing 74 percent of his passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns.

In the UCLA game, freshman quarterback Terrance Broadway finished the game for Houston, going 5-of-8 for 84 yards and one touchdown. With the quality performance, Broadway is the likely starter against Tulane on Saturday, although Houston coach Kevin Sumlin is also practicing fellow freshman David Piland and expects him to see minutes eventually this season. Houston had to burn a redshirt for both players.

Expect running back Bryce Beall, who has 295 yards and five touchdowns, to be a factor.

Tulane is coming off a bye week after losing a tough game to Mississippi 27-13 at home at the Superdome.

Though it was a loss, Tulane coach Bob Toledo said in his Monday news conference that he was impressed with his team's physicality against an SEC opponent.

Tulane's defensive unit has played particularly strong, and is ranked 13th in the nation. Tulane linebacker Trent Mackey is leading the nation in total tackles, averaging 13.5. He suffered a sprained ankle against Ole Miss but he's expected to play against Houston.

The offense continues to be a sticking point though, with starting quarterback Ryan Griffin yet to throw for a touchdown this season. Freshman running back Orleans Darkwa has been a bright spot, scoring four touchdowns in two games.

The Green Wave also expect three players to return to the lineup from suspension, including defensive end Dezman Moses, a transfer from Iowa. Guard Emmanuel Aluko and wide receiver Devin Figaro will also be available.

This will be Tulane's first road game.