GAME INFO:
LOCATION: HOUSTON TX
VENUE: TDECU STADIUM
TIME: 11:00 AM CST
WATCH: ABC/ESPN2, WatchESPN
RECORD: 2-0
LAST RESULT: W 52-45 VS ARIZONA STATE
2017 RECORD: 2-0
2016 RECORD: 9-4
LAST RESULT: W 38-3 VS RICE
SERIES INFO
LAST MEETING: NOVEMBER 27 2010
LAST RESULT: W 35-20
SERIES RECORD: UH LEADS 18-11-1
The Red Raiders travel to Southeast Texas to take on the Houston Cougars on Saturday, September 23rd at TDECU Stadium. This will be the 31st meeting between the former Southwest Conference Foes.
This is the first season for head coach Major Applewhite, who took over for Tom Herman after two seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Cougars.
Houston comes into the matchup 2-0 after a 38-3 shellacking of the Rice Owls. Quarterback Kyle Allen went 31/33 for 309 yards and two touchdowns last week. Senior Linell Bonner was the leading receiver with 10 receptions for 132 yards.
WHAT TO WATCH
OFFENSE:
This will be a good test for Shimonek and company. The Houston defense comes into this matchup with a S&P+ ranking of #20. Last week the Cougars had a defensive efficiency rating of 99.6 against Rice. There's also Ed Oliver, who finished last season with 47 tackles; nearly half of those were tackles for a loss.
The key will be to continue to play smart and efficient football. With the pass rush that we can expect from Oliver, it will be important not only for the offensive line to play well, but also for Shimonek to get the ball away quickly and therefore, there will be less opportunities for long passes down the field. If Tech can be consistent with the run and the short passing game however, they should be able to create opportunities for some big plays.
One thing I did notice when watching Houston vs Arizona a couple weeks ago, was that a lot of players not named Oliver had some issues wrapping up and tackling. If this is the case then this will be a great opportunity for receivers to make plays in the open field.
DEFENSE:
Houston runs an offense that it a little reminiscent of the early Mike Leach offenses at Tech, meaning they run a lot of screens and short crossing routes. The key will be for the defense to make sure tackles on first contact so the short passes don't break out into big plays. Kyle Allen is solid at quarterback and I wouldn't expect him to make many mistakes. If the defense can put pressure on Allen and force him to throw before he's ready, then they should be able to force a couple of turnovers.
Houston has had a subaverage running game so far this year and so it will be another chance for the front seven to prove it can stop the run. Last week the Cougars finished with only 130 yards against Rice. If all goes well, Tech has a chance to hold another opponent below 100 yards rushing on Saturday.
FINAL NOTE
I was impressed with how improved the offensive line was at reducing penalties. Last week I counted two or three penalties against the offense which is a huge improvement from the 10+ against Eastern Washington. Penalties were a big factor in most of the losses last year and if Tech can continue to play smart disciplined football and if the defense can reduce the unnecessary penalties from last week, the Red Raiders should come out with a win on Saturday.
PREDICTION
TEXAS TECH 42 HOUSTON 32
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