The Houston Cougars are currently playing the role of "spoiler" for the BCS standings. It's made Case Keenum a quarterback to watch for pro potential and head coach Kevin Sumlin a hot commodity. Yet if the Houston loses to Southern Miss today in the Conference USA championship game, not only will that hot temperature simmer just a bit but it will also allow some other schools to breathe just a bit.
Oklahoma State will be one of those schools thankful for a Cougar loss if it happens. That's because the Cowboys are currently in control of their own destiny for a major BCS bowl game and payout of millions. Yet if they lose today -- a definite possibility -- to the Oklahoma Sooners, that could knock them off at the wrong time and out of a major BCS bowl in favor of other schools. That makes the Houston-Southern Miss game very interesting for all parties involved.
If the Cougars lose, then Oklahoma State should feel good about their chances for a BCS bowl no matter what happens in the Conference USA game. In fact, Kansas State might have a chance at a major bowl if the right pieces fall their way today as well. A lot is at stake on this college football weekend, and it starts with a possible upset in the making between Southern Miss and Houston.