Houston Cougars

Houston-UConn Preview Capsule

Published Nov. 19, 2015 1:54 p.m. ET

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No. 13 Houston (10-0, 6-0 American, CFP No. 19) at UConn (5-5, 3-3), 3:30 p.m. (ESPNU)

Line: No line.

Series Record: First meeting.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Houston hopes to remain undefeated an on track for a berth in the conference championship game. UConn is looking to become bowl eligible for the first time since the 2010 season.

KEY MATCHUP

Houston offense vs. UConn defense. UConn's defense has been giving up just over 19 points a game, and scored the team's only points in UConn's 7-3 win over Tulane. Houston has been averaging 43.5 points a game and over 511 yards of offense.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Houston: QB Greg Ward, Jr. It's not clear whether or how much the Cougars star quarterback will play after leaving last week's win over Memphis with a left ankle injury. Ward has thrown for 2,176 yards and 13 touchdowns with just four interceptions and has rushed for 810 yards and 16 touchdowns.

UConn: RB Arkeel Newsome. Newsome has been averaging 140 all-purpose yards per game, including 24.4 yards per kickoff return.

FACTS & FIGURES

Houston comes into the game as one of just five teams in the nation to beat at least six opponents by three touchdowns or more....UConn defensive back Jamar Summers has six interceptions, including the one he returned 67-yards for the Huskies only score in the win over Tulane...Houston leads the nation with a plus-18 turnover margin, UConn is at plus-.70, good enough for 18th in the nation...UConn has just two wins in 25 previous games against ranked opponents. The Huskies lost earlier this season to then-No.22 Missouri, 9-3.

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AP college football website: collegefootball.ap.org