Upcoming Opponents Review: Houston avoids defeat while Temple falls on the road

Houston - W, 35-34 over Memphis

The Cougars rode a 21-point fourth quarter to an incredible come-from-behind win over Memphis at home. Tom Herman has his team at 10-0 heading into this weekend's match-up with UConn on Saturday at 3:30pm on ESPN2.

Star quarterback and Heisman hopeful Greg Ward Jr. suffered an ankle injury right before halftime, with backup Kyle Potsma, a converted receiver, stepping up in his stead. Potsma finished with 236 passing yards and a touchdown on 21-of-33 attempts, adding 49 yards and a touchdown on six carries.

The Cougars trailed 34-14 after giving up a touchdown early in the fourth quarter. They mounted a quick touchdown drive to get to 21, and then two plays later Memphis fumbled. Houston drove down to the Memphis 5-yard line before failing a 4th-and-goal attempt, but would get the ball back after intercepting Paxton Lynch and would score a touchdown to pull within one score.

Running back Kenneth Farrow has had bigger games, but still scored two touchdowns in the victory effort. He has 903 yards, 121 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns on the season.

Houston would get the ball back after Memphis' ensuing possession ended with a three-and-out. The Potsma capped off a 77-yard drive with a 7-yard touchdown run, putting the Cougars ahead by one with 1:27 remaining. Memphis drove down the field but missed a 48-yard field goal as time expired.

Ward Jr. is currently questionable for this weekend against UConn, though Potsma appears to be a solid replacement. The Cougars are ranked 13th in the AP Poll this week.

Temple - L, 44-23 at South Florida

The Owls were ranked No. 22 going into this one, but have now fallen out of the top 25 after being stomped by USF.

The first quarter of this one was fairly uneventful, with both teams scoreless until Temple put together a nice touchdown drive to go up 7-0. It looked like the game was going to be the low-scoring grinder that Temple head coach Matt Rhule's was probably hoping for. Unfortunately, USF answered right back with a 68-yard touchdown pass and then sprinted away in the second quarter, taking a 31-10 lead into halftime.

Temple scored a bit more in the second half but was never within two scores the rest of the game. USF finished with 326 rushing yards, including 230 from Marlon Mack, who also had two touchdowns. Quarterback Quinton Flowers ran for 90 yards and a touchdown, adding 230 yards through the air on an efficient 15-of-22 passing with two touchdowns.

So there you have it. All you need to do to beat Temple is rush for over 300 yards. Got it, Bob?