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The Houston Cougars (7-5) will attempt to win their first bowl game since 2011 when they face the Pittsburgh Panthers (6-6) in the Armed Forces Bowl on Friday night. Houston ended up in fifth place in the American standings this year, while the Panthers were fourth in the ACC Coastal.

On December 6, Houston lost their final regular season game 38-31 to Cincinnati on the road. Their offense did pretty well in that game, but their defense was unable to force any turnovers and ended up allowing Cincinnati to gain 500 yards against them.

The Cougars haven't had a very good offense this season, but their defense has done a great job of holding their opponents to just 19.5 points per game. Running back Kenneth Farrow has been their key offensive player by rushing for 934 yards and a team-high 12 touchdowns.

Pittsburgh earned a bowl game by winning their final two regular season games, including a 35-23 victory over Miami in their final game. They had 226 rushing yards in that last game and didn't commit any turnovers.

Through 12 games, the Panthers are 15th in the country in rushing with just over 250 yards per game on the ground. Sophomore James Conner has been one of the top running backs in the nation this season by averaging six yards per carry and rushing for 1,675 yards with 24 touchdowns.

Houston Cougars Betting Trends

Houston Cougars are 6-5-1 Against the Spread

Houston Cougars are 4-7-0 against the Over/Under

Pittsburgh Panthers Betting Trends

Pittsburgh Panthers are 6-6-0 Against the Spread

Pittsburgh Panthers are 6-5-0 against the Over/Under

Injuries to Watch

Houston Cougars

12/07/14 DE Eric Braswell Knee out for season
10/17/14 WR Shane Ros Undisclosed out for season
10/14/14 LB Derrick Mathews Knee out for season
10/14/14 CB Lee Hightower Leg out for season
10/11/14 WR Daniel Spencer Knee out for season
09/30/14 OT Zach Johnson Knee out for season
08/29/14 WR John Leday Leg out indefinitely

Pittsburgh Panthers

11/13/14 DL Luke Maclean Ankle out for season
11/10/14 S Terrish Webb Ankle out for season
10/23/14 LB Zach Poker Upper Body out for season
09/07/14 OL Artie Rowell ACL out for season
08/20/14 DB Trenton Coles Personal has left team
08/02/14 LB Ejuan Price Pectoral out for season
08/02/14 DB Titus Howard Suspension out for season

Guy's Pick: Take Pittsburgh

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