Texas Southern @ Houston preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 24, 2007 ) Texas Southern 6, Houston 59

Houston's preparation for Saturday's home game against cross-town foe Texas Southern may be a turning point for the Cougars. This week's game is followed by an off week before American Athletic Conference play starts and the Cougars want to sure up their defense before then.

"This is when you see teams turn and be great or see teams fall apart," junior defensive tackle Ed Oliver told the Houston Chronicle after a 63-49 setback at Texas Tech. The lopsided loss left the Cougars' pass defense (426 yards) and total defense (558 yards) ranked near the bottom nationally. Houston's offense continues to rack up big numbers, recording three straight games of at least 45 points and at least 500 total yards. The Tigers, who have used two quarterbacks, come in off back-to-back losses by a combined 28 points.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN3. LINE: None

ABOUT TEXAS SOUTHERN (1-2): Senior Jay Christophe has thrown for 315 yards and three touchdowns while Tulane transfer Glen Cuiellette has passed for another 529 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions. Sophomore receiver Tren'Davian Dickson, a Baylor transfer, leads the Tigers with 16 catches for 264 yards and three touchdowns. Defensive back Sean Jones and linebacker Patrick Howell (24 tackles each) lead a Tigers defense that has allowed 433 yards per game.

ABOUT HOUSTON (2-1): Junior quarterback D'Eriq King (997 passing yards, 111 rushing yards) has 12 passing touchdowns along with four rushing scores and leads the nation in points responsible for. The Cougars had 18 missed tackles against Texas Tech - allowing the Red Raiders to tally 704 total yards of offense - while recording one sack and forcing one turnover. The Cougars will be without senior safety Garrett Davis (broken foot) and senior running back Terence Williams (knee) this weekend.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Houston and Missouri are the only teams with three straight games of at least 550 total yards of offense.

2. The Cougars rank third nationally with six plays of 50-plus yards, including five by sophomore WR Marquez Stevenson (team-high 16 catches for 324 yards, four TDs).

3. Saturday's game is part of the agreement that allowed the Houston basketball teams to use Texas Southern's H&PE Arena last season while the Cougars' new Fertitta Center - set to open in December - was under construction.

PREDICTION: Houston 48, Texas Southern 13