UNIVERSITY PARK -- SMU's defense is the trial horse of college football this season. It steps in week after week against top-flight offenses.
On Saturday, the defense takes on another big puncher in quick-strike Houston at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. The Cougars lead the FBS level in total offense with 571.1 yards per game and rank second in points at 49.8.
Houston's offense, directed by dual-threat quarterback D'Eriq King, works at a rapid pace. The Cougars (7-1, 4-0 AAC) have nine scoring plays of 50-plus yards and are last nationally for time of possession at 24:22 per game.