Marshall vs. Houston: Spread Info, Line, BCS Impact and Predictions

No. 19 Houston (6-0, 2-0) looks to continue their surge up the BCS standings as they travel to Conference USA foe Marshall (3-4, 2-1). The Cougars come into this game on a six-game winning streak. A win here will keep Houston at the top of the Conference USA standings.

Where: Robertson Stadium; Houston, Texas

When: Saturday, Oct. 22 at 4:30 p.m. EDT

Watch: Check local listings

Betting Line: Houston -22.5 

Who Might Not Play For Houston: CB D.J. Hayden missed the Oct. 8th game with a leg injury, but may be back for the game against Marshall.

Who Might Not Play for Marshall: OL C.J. Wood missed practice this week with an ankle sprain. He looks to be questionable for the game on Saturday.

Key Storyline

Can Houston continue to rise in the BCS standings as a second non-BCS conference team to crash the BCS bowls?

BCS Implications

For Houston, a loss here ends any chance the Cougars have at making a BCS bowl game. However, a close win hurts their chances at moving up the BCS standings as well. Houston needs to blow out Marshall by 40 or more points. 

Houston Player to Watch: QB Case Keenum

Case is closing in on three major NCAA passing titles. He has a great chance at breaking the NCAA all-time total yard marker of 16,190, set by Hawaii’s Timmy Chang.

Marshall Player to Watch: DE Vinny Curry

Curry was the Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the week after having nine tackles including four for losses, 3.5 sacks and a fumble recovery after forcing the ball loose last week.

He’ll have a lot of work to do this week against Keenum, trying to slow this Houston offense.

Key Matchup: QB Case Keenum vs. the Marshall defense 

As we mentioned above, Case has a chance of breaking the all-time total offense mark. Not only does Case need to have a huge game to break the record, but Case needs to have a big game for his Houston team to continue to move towards a BCS bowl.

Prediction: Houston 62, Marshall 20

Twitter: @tjmcaloon