Houston vs. Tulane: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Radio, Game Time and More

Houston and Tulane couldn't be on bigger opposite sides of the field here.

The Green Wave are operating under the direction of a interim head coach.

The Cougars, meanwhile, are 9-0 and the No. 1 offense in the country.

The Conference-USA race doesn't guarantee a BCS berth, but the Cougars continue to make a strong case for possibly getting in the mix.

This game will be one-sided, but it will also feature a lot of excitement from the Cougars' offense.

Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome; New Orleans, Louisiana

When: Thursday, November 10th at 8 p.m. EST 

Watch: CBS Sports Network (CBSSN)

Listen: Houston - 790 AM. Tulane - WIST AM 690.

Betting Line: Houston -34.5

Key Storyline: Short Week

This is the third short week this season for the Houston Cougars.

So far this year their Thursday night matchups have been a bit too close for comfort.

The last time they took the field on a Thursday, two weeks ago against Rice, they were down throughout the first half before quarterback Case Keenum erupted for nine touchdown passes.

It will be interesting to see how the Cougars handle yet another short week.

Who Might Not Play for Houston

Bryce Beall, RB - Questionable

Who Might Not Play for Tulane

Ryan Grant, WR - Out for season

BCS/Top 25 Implications

Tulane has no bearing on the BCS or Top 25, nor do they boost Houston at all should the Cougars win, but they can damage them by playing tough.

Houston doesn't need to just win, but they need to win in style and by a large margin.

Another dominant showing on a Thursday will help, even if it is against a team with two wins.

What They're Saying

Houston continues their impressive run through the 2011 season. The locals are taking notice as the Cougars ascend into rare rankings. The Houston Chronicle writes:

"

The Cougars’ AP poll ranking is their highest since September 1991, when they ranked 10th nationally. They’re off to their best start in school history, edging the 8-0 starts by the 1990 and 1979 UH squads. UH is also off to its best C-USA start since joining the league in 1996.

Houston is the second-highest team from a non-automatic qualifying conference in the BCS rankings. Boise State is the highest at No. 5. The Broncos also rank fifth in both human polls.

“All we can do is win,” UH coach Kevin Sumlin said after Saturday’s win over UAB. “Obviously, other people have to lose for us to move up. As a non-AQ school, just winning is not going to do it. Other people have to lose. If we continue to win, things are going to happen for us."

"

The only thing the Cougars can do is play the games on their schedule; Tulane just happens to be that next team. 

Houston Player to Watch: Case Keenum, QB

Now the NCAA record holder for passing touchdowns and passing yards, sixth-year senior Case Keenum is one of the most intriguing players in the nation.

He was granted an extra year of eligibility due to an injury and has come back with a vengeance this season.

His 34 touchdown passes are top in the nation.

Tulane Player to Watch: Orleans Darkwa, RB

There isn't much to like about the Tulane offense, but Orleans Darkwa is their go-to guy.

The sophomore running back not only has nine touchdowns rushing on the season, but also has 29 catches out of the backfield.

If Tulane is going to make anything happen it will start with Darkwa.

Key Matchup: Case Keenum vs. Tulane Secondary

Any chance the Green Wave has of winning this game rests with stopping Case Keenum.

The Cougars, who actually still average 160 yards per game rushing, throw for nearly 460 yards every game.

Stopping Keenum is the only way to make things happen against this offense.

If their secondary cannot hold up, Keenum will make quick work of them.

Prediction: Houston 56, 10 Tulane