The Houston Cougars are entering their first season in the Big 12. For head coach Dana Holgorsen, it is his second stint in the Big 12. Houston is entering a new era in a power five conference with teams that like to score points. Can Holgorsen get this team right before the first game as a member of the Big 12? Here is the preview for the 2023 Houston Cougars.
Offense
As this team enters life in the Big 12, they have to replace a ton of production from a season ago. With Clayton Tune and Tank Dell heading to the NFL, Holgorsen is in need of a gun slinger that can help this offense thrive. In comes Texas Tech transfer Donovan Smith to take over for Clayton Tune. Smith has Big 12 experience as he threw for 2,686 passing yards and 19 touchdowns in 21 career games at Texas Tech. Donovan Smith’s number one option is none other than Matthew Golden. Golden last season had 38 receptions for 584 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns. Other receivers to look out for are Samuel Brown, Joseph Manjack IV, Joshua Cobbs, a transfer from Wyoming, and Stephon Johnson, a transfer from Oklahoma State.
The additions on offense didn’t stop with a transfer quarterback, as they brought in running back Tony Mathis Jr (West Virginia) in the transfer portal. Mathis Jr was brought in to help create some competition between Stacy Sneed and him on who will get the carries for the Cougars. Houston’s not been known for their rushing attack, but if Mathis Jr and company can help create a balanced offense the Cougars will be tough to stop. On the offensive line, the Cougars have one really talented lineman in left tackle Patrick Paul. This offensive line has played a lot together, and this group can create some time and help Donovan Smith and this offense flourish to Holgorsen’s liking.
Defense
Houston’s defense took a big step back in 2022 as they allowed opponents to score on average 32.2 points per game. Houston this year needs to replace their top five tacklers from last season and their top two pass rushers as well. Their defensive line is anchored by the talent at nose tackle and defensive tackle with Chidozie Nwankwo and Sedrick Williams leading the charge up front. They brought in David Ugwoegbu to try and help add some pressure off the edge. Ugwoegbu shifts from linebacker to defensive end and last season he was All-Big 12 honorable mention. At the linebacker position, they are led by seniors Malik Robinson and Trimarcus Cheeks. These two are going to be the voice of the front six of their defense and will need to be key in tackling out in the open space.
In the secondary, this Cougars team is led by safety Antonio Brooks. They also brought in a trio of transfers to help the secondary and that will start for them this season. Houston added Adari Haulcy, who was a freshman All-American at New Mexico, Isaiah Hamilton (Texas Southern), and Latrell McCutchen (USC). Another name they added in the transfer portal that will be vital to their defensive success this season is Brian George. George is a cornerback that they brought in from Texas A&M. This secondary group is good enough to compete in the Big 12.
Win Total Bet
The Cougs’ win total is set at 4.5 on the FanDuel Sportsbook, with the odds on the over set at -134 and the under set at +110. Houston has some turnover offensively that needs to get going early to get the tides rolling. Defensively, the Cougars need to get a lot better than they were a season ago. If the offense is rolling and the defense steps up, the Cougars can make some noise in the Big 12. I think they go over their win total easily and Houston will be in a bowl game this season.
Schedule Predictions
Win vs UTSA (1-0)
Win at Rice (2-0)
Loss vs TCU (2-1)
Win vs Sam Houston State (3-1)
Loss at Texas Tech (3-2)
Win vs West Virginia (4-2)
Loss vs Texas (4-3)
Loss at Kansas State (4-4)
Win vs Baylor (5-4)
Win vs Cincinnati (6-4)
Loss vs Oklahoma State (6-5)
Loss at UCF (6-6)