SMU VS TULANE
Tulane is off squandering a 24-7 2nd-Q lead against Houston on Thursday. Green Wave spread option run by true frosh Michael Pratt and emerging 230-lb. bull Cameron Carroll (163 YR vs. So. Miss) gained just 211 total yards vs. Cougs, using a pair off return TDs to building the lead. HC Willie Fritz clearly has reservations about the passing aspect of his attack (although Pratt has 2 TD throws, he’s just 9 of 19 passing), and the injury to Tajae Spears (7.4 ypc) shouldn’t be discounted entirely by Carroll’s presence. Undefeated SMU (4-0) has had the week off since beating Memphis and has won 14 of L17 reg.-season games SU (covered 4 of L5). Mustang HC Sonny Dykes has some major guns in QB Shane Buechele (69%, 1326 YP, 10-2 TD-ints.) and dynamite RS frosh RB Ulysses Bentley IV (103 ypg rushing, 8.4 ypc, 7 TDs). SMU has won 5 straight in the series with a 4-1 spread mark.
BYU VS HOUSTON
BYU held off a tenacious UTSA team Saturday, still stuffing the run, but giving up a season-high 287 YP. BYU QB Zach Wilson is off to an uncannily efficient start, completing 81% of his passes for 310 ypg with 8 TDs and just 1 int. in their 4-0 start. The run game (5.0 ypc; 215 ypg on the ground) has been a bit of a bonus for the LDS bunch, however, as BYU hasn’t averaged 5 ypc since 2013 and its 586 ypg total offense mark would set a school record if it continues through the end of the season. The defense is leading the nation, allowing only 214 ypg in total offense, but this will by far be its toughest test yet. Houston off a 5-TO Thursday night opener vs. Tulane, but shook off the rust and sharpened up to recover from early 17-point deficit, while holding Tulane to 1.6 ypc. Dana Holgorsen’s Cougars had 6 sacks vs. the Green Wave, and should be able to pressure Wilson, who thus far has been sacked just twice in 4 games (both vs. Troy). Houston QB Clayton Tune had 319 YP in opener and Brigham Young has allowed 65% completions.
