Houston (3-3 SU, 2-4 ATS, 1-1 AAC) travels to Annapolis to take on Navy (2-4 SU, 4-2 ATS, 2-2 AAC) on Saturday at 12pmET.
Last season, Houston beat Navy 28-20 at home, but didn't cover the 20 points.
The Cougars edged Memphis on Oct. 7, 33-32 as a one-point dog, while Navy fell at SMU 40-34 last Friday as a 12.5-point dog.
Houston has played three overtime games this season, beating UTSA 37-35 to start the season, but they also lost to Texas Tech (33-30) on Sept. 10 and fell to Tulane at home (27-24) on Sept. 30. They had to come back to beat Memphis on Oct. 7, as they were down 29-13 with eight minutes left to go in the game and 26-7 to start the fourth quarter. They outscored the Tigers 21-7 the rest of the way. Clayton Tune (3 passing TDs) helped lead the Cougars to their fifth-largest comeback ever. They were also helped by a 100-yard kickoff return for a TD from Jayce Rogers and a recovery of an onside kick.
Instant classic.
Highlights from last nights crazy 33-32 win over Memphis.#GoCoogs pic.twitter.com/Ty1NnnUOTQ
— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) October 8, 2022
Houston's problem has been their pass defense, which allows 275.2 yards per game. The good news is that they are facing an option team in Navy, who rarely throws the ball. They are a solid 59th in the nation against the run (139ypg). On offense, they are strong in the passing game (261.2ypg), but have struggled running the football (142.2ypg).
Tune is having a solid season with 1,567 passing yards, 12 TDs and four picks (64.7%). he also has 214 yards rushing and three scores. His favorite target is WR Nathaniel Dell, who has 43 catches for 534 yards and six TDs. Defensively, DL Derek Parish leads the way with five sacks, 19 tackles and a forced fumble.