Houston Cougars vs Cincinnati Bearcats Prediction, 9/21/2024 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Houston Cougars vs Cincinnati Bearcats

Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024

Location: Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati, OH

TV: ESPN+

Odds/Point Spread: Bearcats (-5.0)

Total/Over-Under: 48.5

The Houston Cougars (1-2) are en route to Nippert Stadium on Saturday, September 21, 2024 where they will try to beat the Cincinnati Bearcats (2-1). Houston opens this contest as 5.0-point dogs. The total is 48.5.

The Houston Cougars step onto the field holding a record of 1-2 for this season. In their last matchup, the Cougars played the Rice Owls and notched a win by a score of 33-7. The Houston Cougars ran the ball a total of 42 different times and compiled 237 yds, which is an average of 5.6 yards per carry. In all, they had 63 plays which totaled 379 yds. Houston allowed 16 pass completions on 27 tries for 84 yds, and a completion rate of 59.3%. In the running game, the Cougars gave up 75 yards on 24 attempts, which is an average of 3.1 yards per rush surrendered.

When it comes to scoring, the Houston Cougars have an average of 17.3 PPG. As a team they're averaging 111.0 yards rushing ranking this team at 107th in the country. The Cougars have racked up 944 total yards this season. In terms of distribution of touchdowns, Houston has totaled 3 passing touchdowns and 3 rushing touchdowns. Houston has tallied 48 1st downs offensively, and they have been called for 23 penalties for 208 yards. They have turned the football over 4 different times.

Concerning passing yards, the Cougars have conceded 371 yards which puts them in 22nd in college football. They are allowing 123.7 yards per game via the pass and conceding a completion percentage of 57.6%. In total, they are giving up 238.7 yards per outing ranking them 14th in college football. They have granted 4 touchdowns via the pass as well as 1 touchdown on the ground. They are giving up an average of 3.4 yards per running attempt and 115.0 rushing yards per game on the season. During the season, they have allowed 345 rushing yards through 3 contests. The Cougars are sitting in 47th in the country when it comes to the opposition scoring, giving up 16.7 points per contest.

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The Bearcats come into this matchup with a record of 2-1 this season. The last time they took the field, the Bearcats got the victory with a final of 27-16 when they played the Miami RedHawks. The Bearcats finished the game with a total of 401 yds and they ran 68 plays (5.9 yards per play). Cincinnati ran for 6.3 yards per attempt, totaling 215 yds on 34 carries. Cincinnati surrendered 21 rushing attempts for 24 yds (1.1 yards per carry). The Bearcats pass defense gave up a completion percentage of 64.1%, relinquishing 356 yards on 25 for 39 through the air.

The Cincinnati Bearcats maintain an average of 502.7 yards per contest, which ranks them 14th in the nation. The Cincinnati offense has accrued 134 yards of penalties on 14 infractions, ranking them 96th in the country in terms of making mistakes. They maintain an average of 213.7 yards per game via the rush and have run for 641 yards for the season. They have thrown no picks while conceding 5 fumbles and they have recorded 67 1st downs. In relation to how much they score, the Bearcats are ranking 66th in Division 1 scoring 30.7 points per game. For the year so far, the Bearcats have racked up 867 yards via the pass along with holding an average of 289.0 passing yards per game, ranking them 31st in Division 1.

The Bearcats are conceding 21.3 PPG, which puts them 71st in Division 1. Cincinnati has allowed a total of 414 yards via the ground game (138.0 yards/game) as well as 0 touchdown via the rush so far this season. This year, they have allowed 64 points in total. They have allowed 7 touchdowns through the air as well as 300.7 yards per outing, which has them sitting 127th in college football. The Bearcats defense has taken the field for 202 plays, which has them sitting 97th in the country. They have 2 fumbles and 2 picks over the course of the season.

Who will win tonight's Cougars/Bearcats college football game against the spread?

Josh's Pick: Take the Cougars +5.0

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