Previews for Houston, North Texas, Memphis, Arkansas State, Tulsa, Tulane, Idaho and UNLV

Five more game previews up for viewing:

• Houston versus North Texas—Houston was able to exact revenge on UCLA in their 2011 opener winning over the Bruins 38-34. Case Keenum led the way for the Cougars with 310 yards passing and 2 touchdowns out of 469 yards of total offense. Defensively, Houston gave up 554 yards including 322 in the air highlighting the defensive problems of 2010 are here to stay in 2011. North Texas would like to forget that the season has even started after getting blown out in the season and conference opener to Florida International 41-16. The potent rushing attack was stifled with all-conference running back Lance Dunbar only getting 43 yards on 18 carries. The defense gave up 401 yards with 208 coming on the ground. Houston will give up points and big plays but should have enough offensive firepower to control North Texas and win with relative ease. Houston 45-21.
• Memphis versus Arkansas State—Memphis is still reeling from the beat down administered by SEC program Mississippi State 59-14 in the opener. The offense was better than in 2010 actually getting over 300 yards of total offense in the matchup. The defense was just as bad giving up 645 yards with over 300 on the ground and in the air. This is still a very bad Memphis squad. Arkansas State’s passing game was impressive in a 33-15 loss to Illinois in the opener but the rushing game need a lot of work. The running game only got 60 yards on 32 carries for a paltry 1.9 yards per rush. The defense had trouble stopping the run or the pass in giving up over 200 yards to both offensive categories. This is a game that Arkansas State needs after playing a very physical Big 10 program. Memphis is inept and should not pose a challenge of any for kind the Red Wolves. Arkansas State 45-10.
• Tulsa versus Tulane—Tulsa comes off a complete demolition via the #1 team in the nation in a 47-14 loss to Oklahoma. Without their star wide receiver (probably for the season) the Golden Hurricanes could not mount a serious challenge on offense or defense. Tulsa allowed over 600 yards of total offense including over 400 in the air in route to giving up 47. Tulane struggled more than expected in a 47-33 win over I-AA team Southeastern Louisiana.  The offense looked good in getting nearly 400 yards total with a strong passing performance from junior quarterback Ryan Griffin. The defense actually found a way to give up more yards to the Lions but did just enough to win the game. Tulsa will not be the team everyone thought they had the chance to be but should be able to handle conference foe Tulane relatively easily. Tulsa 42-24.
• North Dakota versus Idaho—North Dakota opened their 2011 season with a 16-0 shutout over fellow I-AA counterpart Drake. UND looked somewhat inept offensively with only 280 yards of offense but their defense came through with 2 forced turnovers. Idaho did not show up in their home opener versus MAC team BGSU. The Vandals gave up 478 yards of offense while only producing 280 offensively. Idaho needs the chance to lick their wounds versus a I-AA opponent that didn’t set the world on fire in week one. The Vandals get that in a North Dakota squad that did not look impressive. Idaho 35-13.
• UNLV versus Washington State—UNLV looked bad in their season opener versus a very talented Wisconsin team losing 51-17. The offense was only able to generate 292 yards of total offense while the defense gave up 499 in a very balanced effort from the Badgers. The Rebels must rebound to show the world they are worth taking a look at and not the bottom dweller of 2010. Washington State showed a lot of offense promise in a 64-21 win over I-AA Idaho State. The Cougars dominated and were up 40-0 at halftime giving reserves a chance to play. Washington State 31-17.