The Cougars find themselves playing a top-five team for the second time this season when they host the University of Louisville Cardinals Thursday.
Houston upset then-No. 3 University of Oklahoma in the first top-five matchup and looks to do it again inside TDECU Stadium.
Here are the keys to the game:
Start fast
The Cougars have been plagued by slow starts in the first half of their games for the past two seasons. A slow offensive and defensive start would all but guarantee a loss.
Louisville is a team that can quickly and easily jump out to a big lead early if you let them.