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

The Houston Cougars' last Conference USA loss came at the hands of the Southern Miss Golden Eagles.

That was a different team in a different season, though. Houston was without star quarterback Case Keenum for that game, and their defense wasn't what it is today.

But the Golden Eagles know exactly what the Cougars are all about.

This C-USA Championship Game has a lot more to it than just a conference title. Both teams are ranked in the Top 25 and are enjoying some of the best success their respective programs have ever had.

This can't-miss clash will be a high-scoring affair not only worth watching, but likely worth DVRing.

Where: Robertson Stadium; Houston, Texas

When: Saturday, Dec. 3 at 12:00 p.m. EST

Watch: ABC

Listen: Southern Miss. - Radio Affiliates. Houston - 790 AM / XM Radio.

Betting Line: Houston -13

Key Storyline: Conference Title

Houston has gone unbeaten all season while Southern Miss has fallen twice in conference play.

Even so, the Golden Eagles have a shot at the conference title and a chance to knock Houston out of BCS consideration.

As much as we want to make this about the C-USA title, the real storyline is Houston's potential BCS berth.

If the Coogs win, they'll receive an at-large bid.

Who Might Not Play for Southern Miss

Kendrick Hardy, RB - Out (Shoulder)

Who Might Not Play for Houston

None to report

BCS/Top 25 Implications

BCS Bowl. Both teams are in the Top 25, but it is Houston that has everything to gain and everything to lose.

They have already earned their highest BCS ranking and are only four quarters away from a BCS berth.

We came into the season expecting to talk about Boise State going unbeaten and possibly playing for a national championship. Instead, we have Houston ready to crash the BCS party.

A loss would end all hopes.

What They're Saying

The Houston Chronicle talks about the Coogs' focus going into this clash, writing:

"

Whether it's the talk of being undefeated or the circus that came with the on-campus visit of ESPN's College GameDay two weeks ago, the Cougars have kept their focus.

"We just had to focus on each week," senior linebacker Marcus McGraw said. "After each win, every game got bigger. It is at an all-time high right now. We know that each week we have to put out a bigger performance than the week before. With a Conference USA title on the line, we know that we have to put it all out there."

Though (Coach Kevin) Sumlin will likely draw interest from several athletic directors with head coaching vacancies, that won't be an issue either this week. Sumlin has said he hasn't talked to anyone and is focused solely on winning C-USA.

"

It is never as easily done as it is said.

Southern Miss Player to Watch: Austin Davis, QB

A year ago, the senior quarterback led the Golden Eagles to a 59-41 win over the Cougars. He ran for more than 100 yards and watched running back Kendrick Hardy run for 200-plus. 

There is no Hardy this year, as he is out with injury, so it will be on Davis to carry the Golden Eagles offense. He's thrown 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions on the season and rushed for 285 yards and four touchdowns.

The Golden Eagles average nearly 470 yards of total offense per game and score 36.9 points. 

They are going to need all of that and then some to keep up with...

Houston Player to Watch: Case Keenum, QB

Machine. That is the only word to describe Houston's sixth-year senior. He's thrown a ridiculous 43 touchdowns and only three interceptions this season.

The Cougars offense isn't without a running game, either, but Keenum is this team's everything.

Keenum averages 10 yards less per game throwing than the entire Southern Miss offense averages per game.

Houston's 52.7 points per game is the best in the nation.

Key Matchup: Southern Miss. D vs. Case Keenum

Is there any way to stop a guy who is averaging nearly four touchdown passes and 450 yards per game through the air?

No, not really. But Southern Miss has to find a way to contain Keenum or create turnovers. The Golden Eagles give up an average of 20.5 points per game—the lowest output from the Houston offense this year was 35 points.

The Southern Miss offense will be a big part of things. If they can own the football and keep Keenum off the field, they'll have a shot in this one. But that is easier said than done against Houston's D this year.

The Golden Eagles have to take advantage of opportunities to pressure Keenum, or he'll pick them apart.

Prediction: Houston 42, Southern Miss 38