College Football Top 25: Predicting every undefeated team’s first loss

Oct 8, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; University of Houston Cougars quarterback Greg Ward, Jr. (1) runs on a keeper against the Southern Methodist University Mustangs in the second half at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports

No. 24 Houston Cougars

First game they will lose: Vanderbilt Commodores, Oct. 31

It won’t be a very fun trick-or-treat for the Cougars when Vandy comes ringing the bell at TDECU Stadium in Houston. The Cougars have been a scoring machine this season, putting up an average of 46.4 points per game, good for sixth in the nation.

But Vanderbilt has a very talented defense that will match up well against the Cougars just as they did against Georgia, and will probably hold close to their 18.4 points given up per game average against Houston. The Commodores have been getting better each week, and Houston has yet to face a big challenge this season.

This will be a huge road game for the Commodores, and possibly a job-saving win for Derek Mason, as it will be his first victory over a ranked opponent. Look for a close game, possibly overtime, with the Commodores coming out on top by no more than three points.

Next: Toledo