The underdog is tempting in this one, but it would be a wild ride to back a Houston team that allowed 39 points to a limited West Virginia offense in its last outing but won on a highlight-reel Hail Mary on the final play. The Longhorns come in off a bye following their upset loss to Oklahoma and, provided they are focused, should score at ease against a defense allowing 31 points per game. The Cougars are potent enough offensively to carry their end of the deal and send this Over the total.

Keep hoping for 24 but guess not. I would think this is one of the biggest home games in Houston's recent history as it finally gets to face Big Brother Texas in a conference game ... only for one year of course. They used to be Southwest Conference co-members. Can you be a bit flat off a bye week? UT might be a bit slow out of the gate after that wild loss to Oklahoma on Oct. 7. UH is on a mini-bye after an incredible win last Thursday over what had been a streaking West Virginia side. I believe this will be relatively close until about the fourth quarter when UT might pull away but not cover.

The Cougars' defense has been a hot mess this season, ranking last in the Big 12 in scoring defense (31.3 points per game), total defense (429.2 yards per game) and pass defense (267.0). Saturday should be a field day for a Texas team that ranks 14th in the FBS in total offense (486.5). Meanwhile the Houston offense has averaged 35.6 points over its last three games and should find some success against a Longhorns defense that showed some warts in its last game, against Oklahoma. Give me the Over.