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If anyone needs a good pick-me-up, it’s the Houston Cougars. After losing a shootout to Oklahoma, the Cougars need some positives. Not saying they’ll dominate against Prairie View A&M, but they will experience more success than last week. With a tough four game stretch following this one, the Coogs need something to build on going forward.
How to watch: ESPN 3
Start time: 7:00pm CT
Line: N/A
Location: TDECU Stadium (Houston, TX)
Houston keys to the game
- Get King in rhythm
- Build confidence
- Focus on the fundamentals
- Tackle
Houston Outlook
We saw what the offense can do against the fourth best team in the country, so expect a flurry of points in this game. No one’s picking against the Cougars in this game, so the focus becomes on fundamentals. The offensive line struggled to gel early against the Sooners, so they’ll get experience working together. We should see more of a rushing attack this week as well, but the question becomes who will separate themselves in a three way race.
The defense’s performance will tell us a lot going forward. I said in my film analysis that there are positives on this side of the ball. It didn’t help that the Cougars faced arguably the best offense in college football, but it prepared them for what they’ll face next week. If they come out strong in this game, I like their potential against Washington State.
Houston players/positions to watch
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D’Eriq King: King should have a big game even if he only plays a half. Houston’s defense may need to experience some success, but King and the offense do too.
Running backs: Kyle Porter and Mulbah Car looked solid last week, but Patrick Carr returns and adds to the mix. This competition most likely won’t be settled until late in the season, but it will be a battle that’s fun to watch.
Defensive line: This group needs a better performance more than anyone. Houston’s future success depends on their linemen’s ability to win the line of scrimmage. Last week, they struggled mightily.
Prediction
We’ll still see plenty of mistakes in this game given that it’s only Week 2, but it should be a better performance overall. It’s another game for the players and coaches to figure each other out, but the pressure is lessened against the Panthers. HOUSTON 63 PRAIRIE VIEW A&M 14