Houston has an amazing defense ranked 5th in the nation allowing 38.3% shooting and being number one in field goals allowed at 19.5. They also got a win over BYU January 4th, 86-55. But I think BYU is different from that January 4th team as they won nine straight and covered eight of them including wins over Iowa State twice, Arizona, Kansas State, and West Virginia. BYU has gotten better over the season, credit to their great shooting at 48.7% and making 10.8 3-point field goals a game which ranks 10th. They're going to be tough for Houston, BYU gets the cover.

BYU has become its backers' friend. The team has covered in eight of the last nine, with the only ATS setback by a half-point. Because of Houston's lopsided win in their early-season square-off, vastly improved BYU is getting a generous spot. Houston plays at the fourth-slowest pace in D-1, which accounts for plenty of single-digit wins. Houston stalwart J'wan Roberts (ankle) could sit today, though he pledges to play. Sitting out for a half Thursday suggests he would not be at optimum fitness. Either way, his situation cracks open the door for an underdog cover.