It's always difficult to pick against the troops, but this is a good spot for a Houston team with rising defensive coordinator Doug Belk coming off a bye week. Belk should have his unit -- yes, one that has struggled at times this season -- ready for Navy's triple option attack. The Cougars have won consecutive games over the Midshipmen by an average of 12 points with Belk's defense holding them to 21 points or less in each meeting. Navy, meanwhile, struggles to stop anyone who can throw the ball effectively.

Two weeks ago, Houston had one of the more improbable comebacks, pulling out the 33-32 victory against Memphis in a late thriller. Look for the Cougars to build off that after their bye week and have road success against Navy. The Midshipmen are 2-4 and trending downward, They don't have the defense to keep up with the Cougars for four quarters. Take Houston.

I thought Houston would be the best team in the AAC this season and that has been incorrect thus far (although it could still win it). But Navy is not good and the Cougars had a bye week to prepare for that option offense, and that's always a huge advantage.