College Football Betting - Houston Cougars at Central Florida Knights

Saturday, November 14: 12:00 p.m.

College Football Betting Odds: Houston -5 ½

An intriguing Conference USA matchup will take place Saturday in Orlando, when the No. 15 ranked Houston Cougars visit the Central Florida Knights.

Here are some College Football Betting Trends Which May Impact This Game:

• Houston: 5-0 SU in their last 5 games
• Houston: 4-1 SU in their last 5 road games
• UCF: 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games
• UCF: 4-1 SU in their last 5 home games
• UCF: The total has gone UNDER in 6 of their last 8 games
  
  

  Coming into this season, many expected Houston to be one of the top teams in Conference USA, however, much to the surprise of everyone, they are actually one of the top teams nationally. And much like the great Houston teams of the 1980’s and early 1990’s, they’re led by their offense. Unbelievably, the Cougars are ranked first in all of college football in three of the four major offensive categories, scoring offense (42 points per game), total offense (577 yards per game) and passing offense (433 yards per game).

  Senior quarterback Case Keenum leads this fast break attack, as unbelievably his 3800 yards, are close to 1000 yards better than his closest competition, Tyler Sheehan of Bowling Green. Keenum has also thrown for an NCAA leading 28 touchdown passes, while being intercepted just five times in a staggering 458 passing attempts.

  As well as Houston’s offense has played however, their defense has been just as abysmal. On the year, they are giving up over 30 points a game, and their 469 yards allowed is ranked 116th out of 120 teams in college football.

  Central Florida comes into this one, having won two out of their last three, the loss, a valiant effort in a 35-3 defeat against Texas last weekend. Offensively, the Knights are led by quarterback Brett Hodges. On the year, Hodges has thrown for 1558 yards, but has thrown just 10 touchdowns to 11 interceptions.

  On defense, the Knights have been good overall, but have struggled defending the pass, which could be a huge issue against the Cougars. Currently, Central Florida allows just 21 points per game, which is ranked No. 33 in college football, however they also allow 267 yards a game through the air, ranked 114th. That will need to improve significantly if they are to beat Houston.

  Last weekend Houston struggled on the road at Tulsa, while Central Florida put up a great effort against Texas. And while it’d be easy to take Central Florida in this one, don’t be fooled. For one, Texas was due for a let down game, and two, even though Houston struggled, Tulsa is still a vastly superior offensive team to the Knights.

  While this one might stay close for a half, Houston will pull away by the end of the third quarter. Take the Cougars giving 5 ½ points on the road, in this week’s BetUS college football betting odds.

  Aaron’s Pick: Houston -5 ½