BYU Football is always unpredictable. Sometimes, this can lead to intense finishes, earning them the nickname "Cardiac Cougs." BYU has had some heart-stopping moments these last few weeks and the Cougars will be hoping to win for their senior class.
BYU can right the ship against a struggling Houston side on Saturday. Houston is 4-7 and recently fired their offensive coordinator because of their struggling offense. Their defense is also struggling, giving up an average of 25 points a game.
BYU has struggled against running quarterbacks. While Houston's Donovan Smith isn't the most dangerous runner, he still can go when pressured. BYU needs to work on containing the run if they want to compete in a game like this. Houston is having a similar performance as BYU running the ball, averaging 167.9 yards a game compared to 156.7. Both sides could have breakout rushing games. It could come down to whatever team controls the line of scrimmage.
BYU's offense has been inconsistent this season. In some games, they move the ball and score consistently; at other times, they turn the ball over and fall apart. Turnovers have plagued the Cougars in both of their losses, but when the Cougars win the turnover battle they have won so far. BYU will need to mitigate their turnovers and force Houston into bad throws.
BYU's Will Ferrin is a reliable kicker who has made 87% of his field goals and is perfect on extra points. He needs to keep kicking it through for BYU to secure a win. The Cougars have a good special teams unit and it will need to show up in full force on Saturday. Keelan Marion has scored a pair of kick return touchdowns, including one against rival Utah. If he can keep the returns coming then BYU could be in for a strong game.
Of course, BYU is expected to win this game easily. However, the worry is always there that it could be a trap game. Houston already shocked Kansas State 24-19, who was ranked #17 at the time. BYU could be in trouble of having a similar defeat, especially after losing two straight. BYU will be vulnerable and will need to be vigilant and stay aggressive.
Overall, BYU has the upper hand in their game against Houston. The offense, when they are hot, can score a lot. LJ Maritn's running and Chase Robert's receiving make BYU a hard team to stop. The Cougars can get hot and they have spells where they move the ball efficiently. If the offensive line can protect Retzlaff and give him enough time, the Cougars will have a high-scoring game with a big lead. Also, if the BYU "double pass" trick play works, that could be an easy touchdown or at least a big gain.
BYU has their work cut out for them, and there is a possibility of going to the Big 12 Championship Game. The Cougars cannot let their guard down and must stay aggressive for the whole game.
Final Score: BYU 38, Houston 14