Here is a preview of the game between the SMU Mustangs and the Houston Cougars on Saturday, October 24, 2009.
SMU (3-3) at No. 17 Houston (5-1)
6:30 p.m. CDT Saturday (CBS College Sports)
Line: Houston by 16 ½.
Series record: Houston 14-9-1.
Last meeting: 2008, Houston 44-38.
What's at Stake
No. 17 Houston is the only Conference-USA team in the AP poll, but isn’t leading the conference because of a league-opening loss to UTEP. SMU is tied for the C-USA West division lead after a 2-0 start, while Houston has a 1-1 record. To reach its goal of winning the West, Houston needs to knock off the Mustangs. With three wins and six games left, SMU must win at least half of its remaining games to be bowl eligible.
Key Matchup
Houston’s offense, which leads Conference USA and the nation, against SMU’s opportunistic defense. The Cougars are piling up more than 560 yards a game. SMU has forced the fourth most turnovers in the country with 20 and its 13 interceptions are tied for second. The Cougars didn’t have a turnover in last week’s win over Tulane. The four interceptions SMU’s Rock Harris has equals Keenum’s season total.
Players to watch
Houston: Keenum is 216 of 308 for 2,501 yards and 19 touchdowns.
WRs James Cleveland and Tyron Carrier have combined for 957 yards receiving and 10 TDs.
SMU: WR Emmanuel Sanders has 53 receptions for 581 yards and two touchdowns. He leads the nation in punt return average with 22.62 yards a return.
Facts & Figures
Shawnbrey McNeal’s 500 yards rushing are three more than SMU finished with in 2008. ... SMU’s last win over a ranked opponent came in 1986. ... Mustangs LB Chase Kennemer has five games with at least 10 tackles. ... SMU’s last win over Houston came in 2005. ... Keenum has thrown at least one touchdown pass in 22 straight games.
Houston’s Justin Johnson ran for his first two career TDs against Tulane. ... The Cougars have played their last three games on the road. ... Cleveland has score five touchdowns in the last three games.
