Coming off a nationally-televised rout of SMU that put them one step closer to a BCS bowl game, the No. 8 Houston Cougars face their tough test of the season, as they are only -3 point favorites in a road game against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane.
Not only would a loss end the Cougars undefeated season, as well as any chance of Case Keenum making a trip to New York City for the Heisman Trophy presentation, it would also keep them out of the C-USA title game, as they are tied with Tulsa atop the C-USA West with a 7-0 conference record.
The Hurricane's three losses this year came in non-conference play, all against top 10 teams: Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Boise State.
Like Houston, Tulsa likes to spread the ball around behind a prolific senior QB, averaging 35.7 points a game, 19th in the nation. Senior QB G.J. Kinne, a transfer from Texas, has completed 65.8% of his passes for 2,683 yards, 24 TD's and 10 INT's.
The Golden Hurricane defense, meanwhile, was shredded by aerial attacks led by Landry Jones, Brandon Weeden and Kellen Moore, giving up an average of 49 points in their three losses. That could mean another big day for QB Case Keenum, especially as Heisman voters turn their eyes toward him in a wide-open field.
The Cougars come into Friday's game averaging 53.1 points a game, first in the nation. Expecting a shoot-out, odds makers set the over/under at 74.5.
The game will be televised regionally at 11:00 AM on Fox Sports Net.