Houston @ UConn preview
Pratt and Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field
No. 14 Houston knows its trip to Connecticut on Saturday is the definition of a trap game. The Cougars are coming off an emotional come-from-behind victory while the rested Huskies are looking to become bowl eligible.
Saturday's game won't impact the American Athletic Conference's West Division race but the undefeated Cougars want to keep pace in the College Football Playoff rankings, where they sit at No. 19. Houston quarterback Greg Ward Jr. (ankle) is a game-time decision after being limited in practice this week. UConn won back-to-back games before its bye week and needs one win to become bowl eligible for the first time in five years. The Huskies have been inconsistent offensively and will rely on a strong defense to keep the game close.
TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPNU. LINE: None.
ABOUT HOUSTON (10-0, 6-0 AAC): Kyle Postma went 21-of-33 for 236 yards and a touchdown and ran for 49 yards and another score in the 35-34 comeback win against Memphis, and will start if Ward (2,176 yards, 13 passing TDs, 810 rushing yards, 16 rushing TDs) is not healthy enough to play. Kenneth Farrow has a team-high 903 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns for an offense that has scored at least 30 points in 14 straight games. Linebacker Elandon Roberts, who had 18 tackles and an interception against Memphis, leads the AAC with 117 stops while Houston leads the country with a plus-18 turnover margin and 27 forced turnovers.
ABOUT CONNECTICUT (5-5, 3-3): Bryant Shirreffs has thrown for 1,988 yards, eight touchdowns and seven interceptions while running back Arkeel Newsome has 645 rushing yards and six scores, 36 catches for 417 yards and two scores while averaging 24.4 yards on kickoff returns. The Huskies, who have allowed 32 sacks, are ranked 114th in scoring (19 points) and 113th in total offense (336.8 yards). Jamar Summer leads the AAC with six interceptions and the Huskies, who allow 19.3 points, are tied for seventh nationally with 15 interceptions.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Ward and Oklahoma State QB J.W. Walsh (10 passing scores, 10 rushing scores) are the only FBS players with double-digit passing and rushing touchdowns.
2. The AAC West Division will be decided by the Navy-Houston game on Nov. 27 with the victor to face the winner of the East on Dec. 5 with a New Year's Six bowl berth likely on the line.
3. Houston coach Tom Herman is the fifth coach in NCAA history to start a career with 10 straight wins, joining Boise State's Chris Petersen (2006), Miami's Larry Coker (2001), Penn's George Woodruff (1892) and Yale's Walter Camp (1888).
PREDICTION: Houston 34, Connecticut 20