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Texas Tech football: What to know about the Houston Cougars

By Matthew Conner

Oct 12, 2019; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Dana Holgorsen reacts to the call after tape review during the second quarter of the game between Houston Cougars and Cincinnati Bearcats at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2019; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Dana Holgorsen reacts to the call after tape review during the second quarter of the game between Houston Cougars and Cincinnati Bearcats at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports /
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Houston Cougars quarterback Clayton Tune (3) drops back to throw a pass in the first quarter of the American Athletic Conference football game between the University of Houston Cougars and the University of Cincinnati Bearcats at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020.Houston Cougars At Cincinnati Bearcats Football
Houston Cougars quarterback Clayton Tune (3) drops back to throw a pass in the first quarter of the American Athletic Conference football game between the University of Houston Cougars and the University of Cincinnati Bearcats at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020.Houston Cougars At Cincinnati Bearcats Football /

They have a questionable offensive line

There are some similarities between the Cougars and Red Raiders and one is that both teams have rebuilt offensive lines.  And if either team falters in that regard on Saturday, it could tip the scales significantly.

Last year, the line was the weakness of the Houston offense.  They surrendered 18 sacks in just eight games played, which was 2.25 per game, good for only 69th nationally.

What’s more, this year, the Cougars will have to replace last year’s top offensive lineman, tackle Braylon Jones.  Also, they will be breaking in two new faces along the interior of the line.

But one thing to consider when talking about the 2020 U of H o-line is that it was slowed by injuries.  Last year, the Cougs lost two starters along the offensive front and their lack of depth came back to bite them in the rear.

This year, they feel that they are deeper and stronger up-front.   That’s because one grad transfer and one traditional transfer have been added to their starting mix. And how they match up with a questionable Tech pass rush will be one of the keys to the game.

That’s because, if Tech can put pressure on the QB, it could be a great night for the defense; especially given how the Cougar’s starting QB likes to give the ball away.

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