Houston Cougars vs. UConn Huskies Game Preview

If you predicted that Houston and UConn would have a combined three wins through the first half of the season, you’re probably rich. Granted, that has more to do with Houston than anything. UConn continues to struggle on its way out of the conference, but the Cougars are experiencing their own troubles. The Coogs season has been filled with drama, and they’re just trying to focus on football. A blowout win appears to be in the forecast, but that also could be wishful thinking.

Date: Saturday, October 19th
Start time: 11:00am CT
How to watch: ESPNU
Line: Houston -22
Location: Pratt & Whitney Stadium (East Hartford, CT)

Houston Cougars players to watch

RB Kyle Porter
WR Marquez Stevenson
QB Clayton Tune
S Deontay Anderson
CB Damarion Williams

UConn Huskies players to watch

RB Kevin Mensah
RB Art Thompkins
WR Cameron Ross
S Tyler Coyle
LB D.J. Morgan

Houston keys to the game

• Limit turnovers
• Defensive line pressure
• Get a quarterback in rhythm

UConn keys to the game

• Keep it close
• Pressure up the middle
• Limit turnovers

Why Houston wins

If anyone needs a game to unleash some frustration, it’s the Houston Cougars. A roller coaster season continues, and the Coogs could use a game to dominate. Clayton Tune, assuming he’s healthy, should find himself comfortable. He has the receivers to produce a monster game, and we saw what they could do against a good offense in Cincinnati. Now they face one of the worst defenses in the country. Success on the other side of the ball won’t be as easy, but the Cougars can thrive. They shouldn’t view this as an opportunity to slack off on their technique, but rather a chance to get better and experience more consistent success.

Why UConn wins

With the uncertainty surrounding Houston’s team, the Huskies technically could win. We’ve yet to see much consistency from the Cougars, and UConn can jump on them early. Kevin Mensah’s talents continue to be wasted on a bad team, but he’ll give the Cougars a tough back to tackle. Toledo transfer Art Thompkins is dynamic running and catching the ball. Like always, it comes down to how their defense performs.

Prediction

Houston needs a great performance to start the second half of their season. UConn’s the perfect team to do that against, and we should see an explosive performance. Make a note to temper expectations after this game, as it is UConn. The Huskies are better than last year, but still the worst team in the conference. HOUSTON 42 UCONN 14