2010 NCAA Football Preview: Houston
It does not seem to matter what year or even what decade it is; if the Cougars of the University of Houston are doing well it must be because of their amazing passing game.
Over 20 years it ago it was the ‘Air Pardee’ offense led by eventual Heisman trophy winner Andre Ware. So good were the Cougars then that Ware was able to win the Heisman without the benefit of any nationally televised games (due to recruiting violations).
Return back to the present and the Cougars are poised to not only be one of the toughest teams in football thanks to their incredible passing game, but are ready to break back into the top 25 in the nation. Last season saw them beat their first top 10 opponent with their victory over then #5 Oklahoma State. Houston was ranked #21 following the game, the first time since September 17, 1991.
Kevin Sumlin has crafted together a talented team with a very talented quarterback at the helm in Case Keenum. For two seasons in a row the Cougars have had one of, if not the best offence in the nation. With most of the pieces from those seasons coming back in 2010 there is no reason to think that the Cougars will not do it again as well as finish inside of the top 25.
Offence
For the Houston Cougars offensive coordinators, Kliff Kingsbury and Jason Phillips, the 2010 season is an absolute dream. With nine players back including Heisman contender Keenum (almost all of the skill positions, and four of five starting linemen), the top offence in the nation should not skip a beat going into the coming season.
Keenum will have a chance to do something that no other quarterback has done in NCAA history—have a third consecutive 5000+ yard season. The Cougars are definitely a pass first team and could easily throw the ball 75 times a game. Patrick Edwards, Tyron Carrier, and James Cleveland will be more than happy to be on the receiving end of those passes for another year. All three went for over 1000 yards in 2009 and will likely do so again.
With as pass happy as the Cougars are, they have a trio of talented backs ready to run the ball as well. Charles Sims and Bryce Beall saw almost equal time in 2009 with Sims getting 132 carries to Bryce’s 139, with Sims gaining the edge in yards going for 718 (next to Beall’s 679). Sims was the more valuable of the two in the passing game catching 70 passes for 759 yards; Beall caught 32 balls for an additional 311 yards.
Defense
For Houston to end the season in the top 25 they will need to improve off of their 111th ranked defense from 2009.
All-conference selection linebacker Marcus McGraw will have to find a way to inspire this unit into better play and slow opponents down from the 450 yards a game they averaged in 2009. With 156 total tackles it’s easy to see why McGraw was an all-conference player. He and the other returning starter, Phillip Steward (4th on the team in tackles with 89), will miss not having C.J. Cavness and his 143 tackles lining up with them. Jeremy Smith will need to step up his production (19 tackles last season) to help make up the difference.
Three starters return on the front line, a line that will need to step it up in regards to halting opponents’ rushing games. Last season they were among the worst at stopping the run, 112th.
One of the most exciting games in college football next season will be the Cougars and the SMU Mustangs facing off. With the passing attack that both teams look to bring to the table that game could very well end up being a shoot-out for the ages.
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