THE LOWE DOWN

Thursday Night Lowe Down: Houston gets payback

Matt Lowe

September 29, 2016 at 3:29 pm.

Sep 10, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars wide receiver Steven Dunbar (88) returns a punt upfield against the Lamar Cardinals during the first quarter at TDECU Stadium. Photo Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 10, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars wide receiver Steven Dunbar (88) returns a punt upfield against the Lamar Cardinals during the first quarter at TDECU Stadium. Photo Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

Last week’s record was 13-6, bringing the yearly record to 57-23. To the Thursday night  games (threw in NFL pick) we go…

Thursday, September 29

UConn (2-2) at No.6 Houston (4-0, 1-0 AAC) 7:00 p.m. CT

Houston has been destroying the opposition ever since the opening kickoff, but the Cougars need to be on their toes when UConn comes to town. Last year the Huskies, which posses a veteran quarterback in Bryant Shirreffs, a capable bunch of skill players and a scrappy defense, knocked off Houston 20-17 in Storrs behind a terrific all-around effort. The win not only kept the Cougars from an undefeated season, but it cost Tom Herman’s team a shot at a potential berth in the College Football Playoff. But this year will be different. And here’s why: Last year, UH quarterback Greg Ward Jr. played sparingly in the loss to UConn, but he is healthy now and UH has payback on its mind. The Huskies have also had a hard time stopping the pass and Ward’s receiving corps, led by Linell Bonner and Steven Dunbar, is fantastic. Cougars roll here.

The Lowe Down: UConn 17, Houston 42

NFL Action

Miami (1-2) at Cincinnati (1-2) 7:25 p.m. CT

Both teams are in desperate need of a win, but Cincinnati is healthier and is playing at home. The Dolphins would be 0-3 if not for Cleveland’s shoddy field goal kicking a week ago, but the Fins, behind quarterback Ryan Tannehill and a capable offense, should be able to keep it semi-close. Miami starting center Mike Pouncey is out for this game and wide out Jarvis Landry is questionable, which doesn’t help matters.

The Lowe Down: Miami 20, Cincinnati 30