Memphis Tigers vs. Houston Cougars Betting Odds, College Football Pick

Houston owns five straight wins over Memphis and four straight covers, including victories in each of the last two seasons. In a big game in the AAC West Division, the first-place Cougars host the third-place Tigers Saturday night.

Point spread: Cougars opened as five-point favorites, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark. (Line updates and matchup report)

College football pick, via Odds Shark computer: 37.2-34.3 Cougars

Why the Memphis Tigers can cover the spread

Memphis just had a 15-game winning streak snapped by a somewhat shocking 45-20 defeat at the hands of Navy last week. That game was tied at 17 midway through the third quarter, but the Tigers were outscored from there 28-3 in suffering their first loss since October of last season—to Houston.

On the night, Memphis was only outgained by the Midshipmen by 21 yards but gave up a couple of big plays in the third quarter and lost the turnover battle 3-0.

Prior to that, though, the Tigers had won their first eight games of the season, averaging 48 points per game. Memphis has also outrushed seven of nine opponents on the season. If they can win the ground battle Saturday, the Tigers stand an excellent chance of covering.

Why the Houston Cougars can cover the spread

Houston stayed perfect on the season with a 33-30 victory over Cincinnati last week, moving to 9-0 overall and 5-0 in AAC play. The Cougars snatched a 7-0 lead midway through the first quarter and never trailed, leading by 16 late into the third quarter, and by 11 well into the fourth. However, the Cougars gave up the cover as seven-point favorites when they allowed a Bearcats touchdown with five minutes to go.

On the night, Houston was outgained by Cincinnati by 160 yards but outrushed the Bearcats 266-66, as both quarterback Greg Ward Jr. and running back Kenneth Farrow hit the century mark and won time of possession by more than 15 minutes.

Two weeks ago, the Cougars beat Vanderbilt 34-0, covering 11 points; three weeks ago, they smashed Central Florida 59-10, covering 21 points; and just before that they trumped Tulane 42-7, also covering 21 points. On the season, Houston is 6-3 against the spread despite being favored in eight of nine games, six times by double digits.

Smart pick

Memphis owns an edge on offense, while Houston owns the better defense. Typically, the better defense is the better bet. However, the Tigers are coming off a down effort against Navy and might be primed for a rebound. Also, while Memphis has lost five in a row in this series, the last two meetings (over the last two seasons) have been close. Take the Tigers here, plus the points.

Betting trends

The home team is 3-8 SU in the last 11 games in this matchup.

Memphis is 0-4 ATS in its last four games against Houston.

Houston is 6-2 ATS in its last eight games.

All point spread and lines data courtesy of Odds Shark, all quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line movement updates and get the free odds tracker app.