Houston is the favorite in the minds of many to dethrone Cincinnati atop the American Athletic Conference and earn a spot in the New Year's Six, if not the College Football Playoff. Do not be fooled by their overtime win at UTSA last week. The Roadrunners are the reigning C-USA champ and favored to repeat. Texas Tech will be on their backup QB this week after an injury to Tyler Shough. I like the Cougars to win outright.

Texas Tech QB Tyler Shough is out, leaving backup Donovan Smith in charge. Smith threw four TDs last week against Murray State, but he’ll be facing stiffer competition this week. Houston QB Clayton Tune will lead the way as he did in overtime last week at UTSA and he’s also got revenge on his mind after losing to Texas Tech last season. There are too many new guys on offense for Texas Tech. Spread should be flipped. Take the points with Houston.