Houston's 40-16 Win Was Pretty Damn Close

Yes, Cincinnati's Bearcats were indeed leading this game early in the fourth quarter, 16-12.

But Houston's defense was more versatile than theirs.

In a game where both offenses sputtered, the Cougar stoppers blew this one open. The Bearcats may have collected two interceptions and a fumble, but Houston's unit turned their interceptions and a safety directly into points. 14 of them, to be exact.

And that's what turned a ten-point game into a rout.

Yes, Greg Ward Jr showed a tad of flash when it counted, but it was the D that set the stage. Along the way, Ed Oliver & Co stoned the Bearcats on the ground, yielding a mere 30 yards on 25 carries.

No wonder frosh slinger Hayden Moore ultimately became ripe for the picking.

It's an Ohio thing, apparently.

Tom Herman showed his chops as an OC at Ohio State. Dude's bringing his inexperienced o-line along at an impressive pace. True, it helps having an elusive QB, but it's even more beneficial to have that D to clean up mistakes.

Attrition may be the Cougars' biggest foe in their upcoming schedule. They've got four games in 24 days on the horizon, with three on the road. Incidentally, one's at Texas State, an indication of where Houston's program was not so long ago.

That stretch could well soften them up before their highly-anticipated clash with Louisville.

Right now, it's still early days, but Houston's passed its second test in its quest to crash the playoffs. Their margin of victory doesn't really indicate the game's tone for three quarters, but the final score confirms these dudes like their chances in the long run.

And it does confirm why the Cougars have forced themselves into the national conversation.