Preview: Revenge Would Be Sweet for Houston Against UConn

Indeed, revenge would be sweet if sixth ranked Houston (4-0) could redeem themselves after losing to UConn  (2-2) in last year’s match-up. The Huskies pulled out a 20-17 win over the Cougars, handing them their only lost of the season. The Cougars are coming off a 64-3 road win over the Texas State Bobcats (1-2). The Bobcats were out gained 563-142 in total yards gained. Houston has scored at least 40 points in three of their four games this season and the Cougars offense isn’t the only factor in the team’s success. The Cougars ability to stop opposing teams from scoring, plays a major role. Houston’s defense allows 10.5 points per game, allowing just under 200 passing yards and 37 rushing yards per game.

Despite another short week, No. 6 @UHCougarFB preparing to avenge last year’s loss to UConn: https://t.co/GFZSj8NyU9 pic.twitter.com/r1GzvmOEpf

— Anthony Oppermann (@ahoppermann) September 27, 2016

The Huskies are coming into this week’s game after falling to Syracuse 31-24 (2-2) in their Week 4 matchup. The Huskies offense isn’t explosive as the Cougars and their defense isn’t as strong, but they still have an advantage of their own. The Huskies are at their best when they are controlling the flow of the game, even though they didn’t get the win against Syracuse. The Huskies owned a significant part of time of possession (38:29-21:31), total plays (91-66) and rushing yards (144-62) in their loss. UConn’s key to winning in Week 5 is to keep Houston’s offense off the field. The ground game may not be as effective against Houston as it was against Syracuse, so the Huskies will look to their main receiver, Noel Thomas.

WR @NoelThomas05 is fourth in the country in receptions in @NCAAStats with 10.0 per game #UConnNation

— UConn Football (@UConnFootball) September 25, 2016

Houston’s Head Coach Tom Herman says the team doesn’t speak much about last year’s loss to UConn and if they don’t make the same mistakes they should leave with a victory.

Kickoff will begin at 8 p.m. Thursday.