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

One of the most exciting, high-scoring teams in the country will take the field on Saturday when the Houston Cougars (8-0, 4-0) travel to Alabama to take on the UAB Blazers (1-7, 1-4).

The Cougars are heavily favored and ranked No. 13 in the BCS. They are led by Case Keenum, who has 3,219 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, three interceptions and a QB rating of 194.1

Where: Legion Field. Birmingham, Alabama.

When: Saturday, November 5 at 7 p.m. EDT

Watch: CBSSN

Spread

Houston (-27.5), according to Sportsbook.

The Cougars have been a machine this year on offense. The same can't be said about the Blazers. 

Normally, 27.5 seems like a massive spread. But in this case, I don't see much of a problem with it. Look for Houston to cover this one relatively easily.

Over/Under

74.5, according to Sportsbook.

Houston will get most of this on their own in this one, and I don't see them pitching a shutout. Whatever the Cougars fail to pick up, UAB will pick up in the over/under.

Key Injuries

Per USA Today

Houston RB Bryce Beall (undisclosed) is doubtful

UAB QB Bryan Ellis (hand) is out for the season.

UAB RB Pat Shed (knee) is doubtful.

BCS/Top 25 Implications

UAB is nothing more than a spoiler at this point. Houston is a different story. They are undefeated and tied for the lead with the Conference USA's Western division. 

If the Cougars can run the table, they will not only win Conference USA, they will also have an outside shot at making a BCS game, playing a similar role to what Boise State, Utah and TCU have played in recent years.

Key to Houston Win

I can't imagine how bad of a game Case Keenum would need to have for the Cougars to not win this game. The records of these two teams tell you all that you need to do. If Houston shows up, they will cruise.

Key to UAB Win

The Blazers' only chance here is to get Houston off of their game. Maybe an early lead that gets the crowd into the game. Other than that, this will get ugly.

Prediction: Houston 67, UAB 17

Case Keenum and the Houston offense will just be too much. This will be a blowout. Houston will win and cover the spread easily.