Week 2 – Louisiana Tech at Houston

Week 2 CFN Fearless Prediction – Louisiana Tech at Houston

Louisiana Tech (0-0) at Houston (0-1) Sept. 8, 8:00, CBS Sports Network

Here’s The Deal: Saying that Week 1 didn’t go as planned for Louisiana Tech and Houston would be a gross understatement. The Bulldogs, one of the WAC favorites when the season began, never even put their pads on as Hurricane Isaac forced the opener with Texas A&M to be rescheduled on Oct. 13. The Cougars, still glowing from last year’s 13-1 campaign, were shocked by Texas State at home in their first game. So bad was the loss that offensive coordinator Mike Nesbitt was forced to resign just a couple of days later. Running backs coach Travis Bush assumes play-calling duties beginning on Saturday night.

Why Louisiana Tech Might Win: The Houston offense wasn’t the only problem last Saturday. The D was pretty shoddy, giving up 248 rushing yards to the ground-based Bobcats, and missing too many tackles. Who pays the price for that disaster? The Bulldogs feature a dangerous offense built around an O-line returning four starters. QB Colby Cameron finished 2011 on a tear, and figures to start quickly as well with the help of all-star WR Quinton Patton and Tulane transfer D.J. Banks.

Why Houston Might Win: The Cougars were brutal on offense a week ago, but the talent is there for a quick turnaround for Bush. QB David Piland is a good fit for the system, but needs to do a better job of getting the ball in the hands of his playmakers, specifically versatile RB Charles Sims. The junior ought to double his number of touches in Week 2, putting Houston in more third-and-short situations. Four all-stars graduated from a Louisiana Tech defense that’s going to be soft in the front seven.

What To Watch Out For: Patton is a top-flight, next-level receiver who hauled in 79 balls for 1,202 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2011. However, he’ll be drawing the attention of Houston’s D.J. Hayden, one of the few lockdown corners in Conference USA. The two will grapple for all 60 minutes in a matchup that’s going to impact the outcome, but also capture the interest of NFL scouts in attendance.

What Will Happen: Last September, Louisiana Tech blew a 34-7 second-half lead to Houston, falling to Case Keenum & Co., 35-34. This September, it’s payback time. While the Bulldogs might be a little rusty, the Cougars are dealing with a lot of adversity. And their problems on both sides of the ball won’t be solved by a hasty coaching change. Both teams will move the ball liberally, but Cameron has a little something special at the position. He’ll deliver the game-winning drive late in the fourth to seal one of the sneaky-good games of the second weekend.

CFN Prediction: Louisiana Tech 34 … Houston 30
ATS Consultants Line (Click for more lines and picks) Louisiana Tech -3.5 O/U: 61
Must Watch Rating (5 – Phineas & Ferb, 1 – Steve Harvey): 2