Houston continues its season-opening run of games against in-state rivals when it plays host to Sam Houston on Saturday. The Cougars (1-2) are coming off a 36-13 home loss to TCU in the program's first Big 12 game. Sam Houston, in its first season in Conference USA as it begins the transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision, has lost its first two games. The Bearkats fell 14-0 at BYU in the season opener and 13-3 last week against Air Force in Houston. The Bearkats rank No. 12 in the nation in total defense (257.5 yards allowed per game) and No. 22 in scoring defense (13.5 points a game). SHSU is also off a bye and have had two weeks to prepare, and they will definitely be up for the Cougars as they know this is an in state rivalry, and we think this is too many points.