The Houston Cougars are 4-2 straight up and against the spread in their last six bowl game appearances. With a new coach leading the way on the sidelines, the Cougars will try to earn a third straight postseason win in the Las Vegas Bowl facing the San Diego State Aztecs.
Las Vegas Bowl odds: Major Applewhite’s Houston favored over San Diego State
The Houston Cougars will debut their new head coach in the Las Vegas Bowl as small favorites on the betting lines against the San Diego State Aztecs.
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Houston is a 3.5-point favorite in Las Vegas at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com. The Cougars are 4-6 SU and ATS in their last 10 games as a favorite of 3.5 points or less.
With Tom Herman off to coach the Texas Longhorns, former offensive coordinator Major Applewhite has been hired as the new head coach of the Houston Cougars. Having the stability of next season’s coach already being on the sideline should help lessen the blow of Herman’s loss in this bowl game.
It’s possible that rumors swirling around Herman’s departure contributed to Houston’s lackluster 4-3 SU and 1-6 ATS finish to the season after a 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS start.
In their final game of the regular season, the Cougars lost as 5.5-point favorites to Memphis. Houston is 7-0 SU in its last seven games coming off a loss as a favorite per the OddsShark College Football Database.
Betting Line / Total: Houston -3.5 / 54 Points
Trend: San Diego State is 2-6 ATS in its last eight games in December.
Trend: Houston is 1-6 ATS in its last seven games.
Carrying the momentum of a 10-0 SU and 9-1 ATS run to end the 2015 season, the Aztecs ripped off a 9-1 SU and 6-3-1 ATS start to the 2016 season. San Diego State lost some momentum in losses to Wyoming and Colorado State, but went on to avenge the Wyoming loss in the Mountain West Championship Game to win the conference title. The Aztecs are 2-6 SU and 3-5 ATS in their last eight games as an underdog.
Saturday’s total is set at 54 points. The OVER is 5-1 in Houston’s last six games played in December.
Both of these teams have struggled with consistency this season. Houston proved its national prowess with upset wins over Oklahoma and Louisville, but twice lost outright as double-digit favorites. All three of San Diego State’s losses were as double-digit favorites.
If both teams show up to play, this should be a fantastic game. But it could get out of hand early if one of them has one of their off-days.
San Diego State Aztecs vs. Houston Cougars
When: Saturday, December 17, 3:30 p.m. ET
Where: Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada
