Thursday Night College Football

 

 Houston Cougars @ Cincinnati Bearcat

 

Spread Houston -7.5

Total: 65

 

 

Houston is going into Nippert Stadium as the number six ranked team in the land. A big win versus Oklahoma in the opener has Cougar fans dreaming of the playoffs.  But Greg Ward jrs still has soreness in his non throwing shoulder after sitting against Lamar last week. Last year Ward only managed to throw for 162 yards against the Bearcats defense, as they made him beat them with his legs. If the Bearcats come up with a way to stop Ward again you have to wonder will his shoulder hold up to the hits he will take rushing the ball down the field.

 

Cincinnati made one of the more baffling decisions in the offseason when Hayden Moore beat out Gunner Kiel, and it is working. The sophomore has led the Bearcats to a 2-0 start with a very balanced offensive attack. Last week versus Purdue the Cats passed for 250 yards and rushed for 262 yards.

 

Close games is what this series is about. The last three matchups have been decided by a total of 18 points. Nippert Stadium will be rocking at the start of the game and it ill be up to the Bearcat players to keep it that way. Moore will have to make just enough tough throws to keep Cincinnati in the game. Houston has to avoid turnovers. The Cats had 5 ints last week in the Purdue win. Houston needs to treat this as a business trip. If Ward does not throw for over 200 yds this year, Houston is in trouble.

 

Our Pick: Bearcats +8 (buy the hook if possible)

 

Good Luck!!!!!