With Case Keenum back for a sixth year, a light schedule and a (hopefully) improved defense, what is your forecast for the Houston Cougars?
-- Jeff, Houston
I think the stage is set for a potentially epic Conference USA title game come December between Keenum's Cougars and Jeff Godfrey's UCF Knights. Unless Southern Miss and SMU get there instead.
As for Houston, I remember talking to Kevin Sumlin two years ago after Houston's back-to-back upsets of Oklahoma State and Texas Tech. He was almost in disbelief, not over the fact that Keenum and the offense (under then-coordinator Dana Holgorsen) were putting up big numbers but because his defense had been able to hang against two high-powered Big 12 offenses while relying heavily on true freshmen on the defensive line and youth throughout the unit. Sure enough, a week later, they imploded and gave up 58 points to UTEP.
The defense again got off to a good start last season, but Houston's offense wasn't nearly as prolific after Keenum got hurt and the defense -- which switched from a 4-3 to a 3-4 under new coordinator Brian Stewart -- eventually gave out. But now all those talented freshmen from two years ago are into their third seasons. The starting lineup will be predominately juniors and seniors, including two juco transfers, Chevy Bennett and D.J. Hayden, potentially starting at cornerback. The Cougars have so much skill talent on offense with Keenum (provided he's healthy), running back Bryce Beall and receivers Patrick Edwards and Tyrone Carrier that if the defense can just become average (last year it was downright terrible), Houston should be able to replicate its 10-win 2009 season.
Read more:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/w ... z1Sg5A6m6d
Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2011 3:02 pm