Houston at BYU: Mo's Prediction

BYU should win this game easily, by 3 TD's +.  However, every time I start believing in BYU, they lose the very next game.  So I am making a conscious effort to not buy-in 100% until next week, when I can have full confidence that BYU will emerge victorious.  Compounding that issue is the fact that BYU has the nation's attention right now, the home environment should be absolutely electric, and it is a big-time game.  People around the country have become enamored with Taysom Hill this past week, this is the only college game on tonight, on ESPN in prime time, so people who wouldn't normally watch BYU may tune in.  Utah County residents, and other casual BYU fans, who may not normally attend a game may make an effort to head to LaVell Edwards Stadium.  It's the perfect opportunity for BYU to make a statement, or to lay an egg.

Here are the more realistic reasons why I worry about BYU tonight: Houston has speed all over the field, Houston forces a lot of turnovers, Houston can score quickly (off of turnovers especially), and Houston has a high octane, quick passing game where BYU's large cushions and bend but don't break philosophy could hurt them.  After watching a lot of the Houston game again from last year, Taysom had a great and awful game all at the same time.  Houston really got after him.  Because they constantly sent so much pressure after him, he was able to get the ball up the field through the air and had a career day.  He also threw three interceptions and got hit a lot.

If BYU gets off to a slow start, turns the ball over, or doesn't stay aggressive on special teams, Houston could go up 14-0 in a heart beat.  That would be the perfect way to lose the East Coast audience.  BYU will then fight back make it close until just before half when they give up 10 quick points and lose the Midwest.  The BYU I grew up with would certainly play like this in this situation.  Is this the same BYU team I grew up watching and loving (and always getting frustrated with)?  We'll find out tonight.

And now the prediction: but I think BYU is different.  I think BYU has more size, speed, athleticism, and depth, and they have a QB whose drive to win is only exceeded by his ability to deliver wins.  Forget about what I said about not buying in.  This is the best team BYU has had since 2006, maybe 1996.  BYU takes care of the ball early, forces a turnover or two in the first quarter, and plays sound on their coverage teams: BYU 42, Houston 17.