Game Primer: SMU

GAME 9 - SMU

Houston at SMU
Saturday, Nov. 5 | 6 p.m. CT
Ford Stadium | Dallas, Texas
Broadcast: NFL Network
Radio: KPRC 950 AM

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

With a win on Saturday, Houston would become bowl-eligible for the 15th time in the last 18 seasons (2005-present). The Cougars' 14 bowl appearances since 2005 ranks tied with Texas A&M for the most among programs in Texas.
With an assortment of players out or having missed time due to injury, Houston has showcased its "next man up" mentality. Running back Stacy Sneed rushed for 100 yards at Navy and notched his first two career touchdowns last week against South Florida. Wide receiver Peyton Sawyer registered his first touchdown reception against South Florida. Tight end Matt Byrnes made his first career reception and caught his first career touchdown at Navy.
The Cougars have won six straight conference road games, tied for the second longest streak in program history (Oct. 20, 1956-Oct. 4, 1958). It is the program's longest streak since winning seven straight between its final two Missouri Valley Conference road matchups and first five Southwest Conference road matchups (Oct. 31, 1959-Nov. 27, 1976).
Houston is 24-10 against in-state programs since the start of the 2011 season. The Cougars have won 95 games since the start of the 2011 season, a mark that ranks tied for 21st nationally and tied with Baylor and Texas A&M for the most among Texas FBS programs. The Cougars have won two more games than TCU (93) and 12 more games than Texas (83).
Houston's offensive line has seen marked improvement as the season has progressed. Last time out against South Florida, the Cougars did not allow a sack. It marked the first time accomplishing the feat since Nov. 27, 2021, at UConn. It was the 11th time since joining The American (2013-present) that the Cougars had not permitted a sack in a league game.

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW

The Cougars have won five straight matchups in the month of November (Nov. 14, 2020-present), their longest stretch since winning five straight from Nov. 17, 2007-Nov. 22, 2008. Houston is 150-119-5 all-time in November including a 35-24 mark since 2006.
Saturday's game is the first between American Athletic Conference opponents on the NFL Network. The Cougars have appeared on the NFL Network once previously, coming against TCU in the Texas Bowl on Dec. 28, 2007.
Houston quarterback Clayton Tune, who became the third quarterback in program history to reach 10,000 career passing yards last week at South Florida (Case Keenum - 19,127; Kevin Kolb - 12,964, Tune - 10,130), also made history by becoming the first American quarterback in league history with 30+ completions, 300+ passing yards, 4+ touchdowns and an 80+ % completion rate in a game.
Houston is 3-1 in American Athletic Conference play and is tied for second in the league standings with UCF (3-1) and Cincinnati (3-1). Tulane (4-0) is currently atop the standings. With a win Saturday, Houston would start league play 4-1 or better for the second consecutive season and fifth time in 10 seasons as a member of The American (2022, 2021, 2018, 2015, 2013).
Houston wide receiver Nathaniel Dell has hauled in seven touchdowns over his last four games. Dell's seven multi-touchdown games since 2021 leads the nation while his 2,068 receiving yards in the same span ranks third nationally. This season, the junior ranks second nationally in receiving touchdowns (10).

SCOUTING SMU

Houston and SMU are meeting for the 37th time in the history of the programs. The Cougars have won 11 of the last 15 matchups including knocking off the No. 19/16 Mustangs, 44-37, one season ago at TDECU Stadium thanks to a go-ahead kickoff return touchdown from Marcus Jones inside one minute remaining.
The Mustangs are coming off a 45-34 win at Tulsa. Quarterbacks Preston Stone and Kevin Jennings combined for 310 yards and a pair of touchdown passes, while Tyler Lavine rushed for 72 yards and three TDs and Rashee Rice had 180 receiving yards and two TDs. Defensively, Elijah Chatman had three tackles, a fumble recovery (FF Nick Roberts) for a TD and a PAT.
Rashee Rice leads the nation in receiving yards (982) and receiving ypg (122.8) and is fourth in receptions/game (7.8). DeVere Levelston ranks second nationally with a pair of blocked kicks, Nick Roberts is eighth in fumbles recovered (2) and Tanner Mordecai is ninth in passing yards per game (303.0). Ryan Bujcevski ranks 14th nationally in punting (44.7).

LAST TIME AGAINST SMU

Houston and SMU are meeting for the 37th time in the history of the programs. The Cougars have won 11 of the last 15 matchups including knocking off the No. 19/16 Mustangs, 44-37, one season ago at TDECU Stadium thanks to a go-ahead kickoff return touchdown from Marcus Jones inside one minute remaining.
Clayton Tune led the way for the Cougars as he completed 27 passes for 412 yards and four touchdown passes in a tightly-contested conference matchup.
Tune's single-game high in passing yards at 412 bested his previous high also against SMU with 407 yards in 2019. Tune was the seventh quarterback in program history with multiple 400+ passing yard games.

A HOUSTON WIN WOULD ...

Be Houston's 12th in its last 16 matchups against SMU.
Be Houston's sixth consecutive victory in November, its longest stretch since winning nine straight from Nov. 28,1978-Nov. 3, 1990.
Be Houston's seventh straight conference road win (Oct. 1, 2021-present), matching the program record set between its final two Missouri Valley Conference road matchups and first five Southwest Conference road matchups (Oct. 31, 1959-Nov. 27, 1976).

TICKETS ON SALE
Fans can purchase tickets for the SMU game in Dallas, Texas here. Seats start at $35 but 4-pack ticket specials are also on sale for $13 per ticket.

Houston returns home to face Temple on Saturday, Nov. 12. The Cougars matchup against the Owls will serve as Heroes Night with a special $15 ticket available as a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Merging Vets & Players (MVP). Fans may purchase tickets by clicking here.

SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference. Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win when we start Big 12 competition in July 2023. Click here to rise and be counted.

JOIN The 46ers and The HUDDLE
Fans are invited to join the 46ers and the Huddle to directly support Houston Football. Members provide financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond operating budget. For more information about the 46ers and the Huddle, call Cougar Pride at 713-743-GoUH (4684) or click here.
 
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