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Where: TDECU Stadium, 3rd Ward, Houston, Texas
When: 8 pm CST
TV: ESPNU, WatchESPN
Vegas says: Houston -11, O/U 56 points
Two promising Texas teams meet to open up Houston's new on-campus stadium. Both teams should compete for their conference's championship but someone has to lose this game. The Cougars capitalized off Roadrunner turnovers last season to crush UTSA in the fourth quarter en route to a 59-28 final score. Both teams return the vast majority of their rosters including Houston's star receiver Deontay Greenberry.
What to Watch:
UTSA QB Position: UTSA loses starting QB Eric Soza but he'll still be around. The Roadrunner legend is now on the coaching staff at UH. Redshirt senior and JUCO transfer Tucker Carter will get the first crack under center but Larry Coker has publicly toyed with the notion of playing up to three quarterbacks today. Expect redshirt sophomore Austin Robinson to get to execute a package of plays at minimum.
UH Offensive Line: Probably the only question mark on the team's depth chart, Houston will trot out a rebuilt offensive line that returns just two starters. Rowdy Harper will anchor a unit that saw a lot of personnel changes and shifts throughout the spring and fall. This could be a tough match up against UTSA's deep and salty defensive front.
Prediction:
A senior-laden UTSA will give Houston fans their money's worth in the inaugural affair at TDECU Stadium. I expect UTSA's offense to struggle to finish drives but the Roadrunners will do enough on defense to keep the game close for four quarters. Houston's superior talent at the skill positions should manifest itself later in the game, providing the Cougar's with an electric start to what should be a very special season. 28-25 Coogs.