How to watch Houston vs. UCF on TV or online, plus 3 things to know

Take two different Houston and UCF teams, and this could have been a really good game. Houston has been good in the past, and the Cougars are similarly great this year under new coach Tom Herman, as they’re undefeated and have burst into the top 25. Herman was billed as an offensive genius for turning Ohio State into a a national champion with three different quarterbacks in 2014, and this year, he’s turned Houston from an abysmal offensive team to one of the best offenses in the country.

UCF has been a huge disappointment this season. The Knights might not have been national contenders, but they’re just two years away from winning a Fiesta Bowl. They haven’t won a single game this season, and they’ve been mostly embarrassed by their opponents. After losing one-point games to Florida International and FCS Furman, UCF has had big losses to Tulane (?) and UConn (???). It’s truly incredible how far UCF has fallen.

This might be the best team the Knights have played all season, and it’s probably going to be the easiest game for Houston. But both of these teams have surprised us so far this season. Will there be another surprise this week?

TV: Noon ET, ESPNews

Radio: UCF, Houston

Online streaming: WatchESPN

Spread: Houston is favored by 21.5 points.

Make friends: Get to SB Nation’s team blog chat for this game at Underdog Dynasty.

1. Things really ramp up for Houston after this. The Cougars play at Vanderbilt, then get Cincinnati, Memphis and Navy in three of their last four. With the toughest part of the schedule ahead, it’s important that Houston gets through this game without too many injuries and without drama.

2. A bar is giving away free beer until UCF wins. It will probably have to keep giving out free beer.

3. What on earth is happening at UCF and how can the Knights get out of their rut? This slide has truly been amazing, and it doesn’t look like it’s going to stop anytime soon.