Marshall @ Houston preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 28, 2008 ) Houston 23, Marshall 37

THE STORY: No. 20 Houston looks to maintain its undefeated status when it hosts Marshall in a matchup of Conference USA division leaders.

TV: CSS. LINE: Houston -22.5

ABOUT HOUSTON (6-0, 2-0 C-USA West): The Cougars, who lead the Western Division, boast the nation’s top offense and are led by senior quarterback Case Keenum, who stands 139 yards behind Hawaii’s Timmy Chang (2000-04) for the NCAA career total yardage lead. The Heisman candidate is also second to Chang in career passing yardage (17,072-15,895 yards). The Cougars lead the country in average passing yardage (435) and total yards (603) and are averaging 47 points. But Houston is vulnerable on defense, giving up an average of 22.6 points and 391 yards in total offense. The Cougars whipped East Carolina 56-3 last week.

ABOUT MARSHALL (3-4, 2-1 C-USA East): The Thundering Herd, who lead the Eastern Division, are coming off a 24-20 victory last week over Rice, with quarterback A.J. Graham making his first start and leading the Thundering Herd in rushing with 129 yards. Graham finished 12 of 23 for 110 yards and an interception. Marshall averages 14.7 points, 175 passing yards, 104 yards rushing and 279 total yards. Running back Tron Martinez leads the team in rushing with 394 yards and 4.3 yards per carry. While they are giving up an average of 25 points, the Thundering Herd ranks first in the country in tackles for loss (67) and are tied for third in fumbles recovered (10). The defense is led by defensive lineman Vinny Curry, who was named the national defensive player of the week following a nine-tackle, 3.5-sack performance against Rice.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Houston enters the game as one of only 10 undefeated teams in the FBS.

2. Marshall won the most recent meeting against Houston, 37-23 at home in 2008.

3. Marshall has been outscored 82-30 in the second quarter this season.

PREDICTION: Houston 51, Marshall 24 - Not even a Herd can stop Keenum.