GoPokes83
09-04-2008, 07:16 PM
Why to watch: That seemed easy. The Kevin Sumlin era kicked off with a destructive blowout over Southern with a 55-3 win cranking out 615 yards of total offense in a nearly-flawless performance. Now the real work kicks in with a great battle against an Oklahoma State team that went up to Seattle and blasted Washington State 39-13. The Cowboy offense was balanced, opportunistic, and explosive, and with a four-game homestand kicking off this week, and winnable games against Missouri State, Troy and Texas A&M ahead, a win over the Cougars should mean a 5-0 start before a trip to Missouri. This is Houston's statement game. It's the only game against a BCS team on the schedule, and with Air Force and Colorado State ahead, this is the toughest non-conference test. It's not a stretch to say that a win over the Cowboys would put the spotlight on a road trip to East Carolina that could be a BCS-buster battle. But that's looking way ahead. For this week, the two teams should put on an offensive show with close to 1,000 yards combined.
Why Houston might win: The passing game is working. There were some big personnel losses from last year's offensive juggernaut, but with the improvement at quarterback, thanks to the emergence of Case Keenum, the Cougars should be able to keep up with anyone in a firefight. The Oklahoma State secondary did a great job against Washington State last week, but it's not nearly as good as the numbers might show. Houston should be able to come up with a few home runs.
]Why Oklahoma State might win:[/COLOR] Houston held Southern to 35 rushing yards. Oklahoma State isn't Southern. The Cowboy offensive line is among the best in the country, and while the Cougars will be aggressive and attacking against the run, OSU should be able to pound away and spring a few huge running plays. As long as OSU doesn't lose the turnover battle, and long as Keenum doesn't outplay OSU QB Zac Robinson, the Cowboys should be able to survive.
Who to watch: Just how good is Keenum? The Conference USA Freshman of the Year won the starting battle this off-season and came through with a big opening day performance with 392 yards and five touchdown passes against Southern. He came on over the second half of last season and only threw two interceptions over the last seven games, and has thrown for 717 in his last two outings. He has to be flawless for the Cougars to pull off the upset.
What will happen: Expect plenty of momentum swings, lots of offense, and plenty of points and excitement. The Oklahoma State offensive balance will overcome a huge day from Keenum.
CFN Prediction: Oklahoma State 41 ... Houston 34
Line: Oklahoma State -15.5
Must See Rating: (5 Entourage premiere - 1 One Tree Hill premiere) … 3.5
Why Houston might win: The passing game is working. There were some big personnel losses from last year's offensive juggernaut, but with the improvement at quarterback, thanks to the emergence of Case Keenum, the Cougars should be able to keep up with anyone in a firefight. The Oklahoma State secondary did a great job against Washington State last week, but it's not nearly as good as the numbers might show. Houston should be able to come up with a few home runs.
]Why Oklahoma State might win:[/COLOR] Houston held Southern to 35 rushing yards. Oklahoma State isn't Southern. The Cowboy offensive line is among the best in the country, and while the Cougars will be aggressive and attacking against the run, OSU should be able to pound away and spring a few huge running plays. As long as OSU doesn't lose the turnover battle, and long as Keenum doesn't outplay OSU QB Zac Robinson, the Cowboys should be able to survive.
Who to watch: Just how good is Keenum? The Conference USA Freshman of the Year won the starting battle this off-season and came through with a big opening day performance with 392 yards and five touchdown passes against Southern. He came on over the second half of last season and only threw two interceptions over the last seven games, and has thrown for 717 in his last two outings. He has to be flawless for the Cougars to pull off the upset.
What will happen: Expect plenty of momentum swings, lots of offense, and plenty of points and excitement. The Oklahoma State offensive balance will overcome a huge day from Keenum.
CFN Prediction: Oklahoma State 41 ... Houston 34
Line: Oklahoma State -15.5
Must See Rating: (5 Entourage premiere - 1 One Tree Hill premiere) … 3.5