College Football Preview: Houston

Houston Cougars

2015 Results: 13-1 (7-1, T-1st West)

AAC Conference Champions

Defeated Florida State in Peach Bowl

Returning Starters: 6 OFF, 5 DEF, 1 SP

2016 Schedule

September

3rd Oklahoma (NRG Stadium, Houston)

10th LAMAR

15th at Cincinnati

24th at Texas State

29th CONNECTICUT

October

8th at Navy

15th TULSA

22nd at SMU

29th CENTRAL FLORIDA

November

12th TULANE

17th LOUISVILLE

25th at Memphis

Last year, the Cougars thrived under first year head coach Tom Herman. Should starting quarterback Greg Ward Jr have not been injured, the Cougs had a very good shot at an undefeated season and a possible playoff berth last year. This year will be tough to repeat the results of last year.

On offense, the Cougars will have just as much fire power this year as they did last year. Greg Ward Jr will be back along with two of his favorite targets from last year, Chance Allen and Steven Dunbar. However, Houston has lost its three top rushing leaders from a team that averaged 235.8 yards per game (13th nationally) from a year ago. Insert Duke Carlton. Carlton is a Texas transfer who was the 10th best rated running back of the 2014 class. It will be his first year starting and he will have a load put on his shoulders. The offensive line has been depleted. Only one starter from last year is returning. Ward should be able to make due with what he has.

Houston's defense was spectacular last year. They forced 35 takeaways and their turnover margin was +21; good enough for second in the nation. Linebacker Steven Taylor returns where a year ago he had 92 tackles and let the team with 10 sacks. Nose tackle B.J. Singleton will clog the middle up front. The defense only gave up 108.9 rushing yards per game last year, good enough for 8th in the nation, and the front seven will definitely keep up with what they did a year ago. The corners are the weak link. They are inexperienced and will be tested early and often.

Player to Watch: Greg Ward Jr

Greg Ward Jr returns for his senior season. Last year, Ward was one of two quarterbacks (along with Deshaun Watson) who threw for at least 2,000 yards and rush for another 1,000. His actual totals were 2,828 yards passing, 17 TDs, and only 6 INTs. He ran for another 1,108 yards and 21 TDs. Ward will be a contender for the Heisman, and one of the more enjoyable players to watch in the upcoming season.

If you only watch them once, watch:

9/3 Oklahoma (at NRG Stadium)

This game will feature two Top 15 programs matching up on a neutral field. It should be a very exciting, high scoring affair. Should Houston steal a win, an undefeated season should not be difficult after their only real out-of-conference test.

What to Expect

The Oklahoma game is big. If Houston wins, barring a slip up, they'll be able to set it to cruise control. The defense should hold up just enough that the offense won't have to heavily rely on them. 

Prediction

10-2 (8-0, AAC)

-Dug

@chansm1th