Key Matchup
Tye Gunn, QB vs. Hanik Milligan, FS

Matchup: Redshirt freshman Tye Gunn will make his first career start in relief of the injured Sean Stilley. His receivers will be pressured by senior free safety Hanik Milligan, a 6-3 physical specimen who should own every Houston career defensive record by the end of this season. Milligan made 22 tackles and added an interception for good measure when Houston played TCU in 2001.

Effect on the game: Gunn must keep his poise in the pocket when Milligan is blanketing either LaTarence Dunbar or Adrian Madise in pass coverage. Since Milligan will not give up a deep ball unless he decides to take a nap in the warm October Texas sun, Gunn must spread the ball out to players out of the backfield and his second and third receiving options.

— Jay Zuckerman