The SMU Mustangs host the Houston Cougars on Thursday in Dallas, with an opportunity to move on quickly after a bad loss at Tulane on Saturday.

The Houston team SMU will be facing is on a streak, having won three straight games, including its first two conference games. The win streak has come against teams that are a combined 5-14, however. Despite losing NCAA record-setting quarterback Case Keenum, the Cougars still have the nation's 11th-best offense in yard production. New quarterback David Piland is on pace to throw for more than 4,000 yards this season.

On the other side, SMU is likely feeling less confident. Last week, the Mustangs rallied from 20-6 down against the Tulane Green Wave, one of the statistically-worst teams in FBS, to take a 26-20 lead in the fourth quarter. But Tulane scored with 35 seconds left to steal a 27-26 win. The loss spoiled a 177-yard rushing effort from Zach Line for SMU's otherwise-poor ground game, which ranks 101st nationally. Quarterback Garrett Gilbert is completing less than 50% of his passes for the year, and has thrown 11 interceptions through six games.

Date/Time: Thurs., Oct. 18, 7 p.m. CT

TV: Fox Sports Network

Odds: Houston by 5 points