HOUSTON -- Offense has been the calling card for No. 18 Houston with dynamic quarterback Greg Ward, but it was the defense that was dominant on Saturday as the Cougars shut out Vanderbilt, 34-0, at TDECU Stadium. Here's a breakdown:
What the win means for Houston: The Cougars (8-0) remain undefeated and will likely continue to climb in the national rankings. Where they stand in the season's first College Football Playoff rankings -- to be unveiled on Tuesday night -- will be a true barometer of where they sit among the undefeated Group of 5 teams in the race to get a New Year's Six bowl bid.