SMU vs. Houston: Mustangs look to rebound against streaking Cougars

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

SMU rallied from 20-6 down against the 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.

After stumbling to an 0-3 start, Houston has now won three straight games, including its first two conference games. The win streak has come against teams who 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.

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

TV: Fox Sports Network

Odds: Houston by 6 points.