2012-13 Football Previews – (CUSA) – Houston Cougars
The Houston Cougars went 13-1 last season, but big changes are coming in the 2012 season. Case Keenum is now in the NFL, and Kevin Sumlin now coaches for the Texas A&M Aggies. Tony Levine will take over a team that suffered major losses from last year’s team.
Conference USA 2012-2013 College Football Previews: Houston Cougars
Head Coach: Tony Levine
2011 Record: 13-1
Houston Gambling Odds from JustBet to win BCS Championship: (Part of Field) +1,800
Houston Gambling Odds from 5Dimes to win Conference USA: +450
Houston Team Page – Players Stats – Roster – 2012 Schedule –>
The top four receivers are gone to go along with the huge loss of Keenum. Only 11 starters return when combining both sides of the ball.
Conference USA doesn’t have any dominant team, and Houston’s path probably got a little easier last week when UCF was banned from postseason action due to recruiting violations. Houston has built up some nice traditions over the last few years, and you have to think this team will have a chance. Still, it is going to be very hard to replace all the stars from last year’s team.
Team Strengths:
The Cougars have a strong offensive front, with four of five starters returning from a year ago. Jacolby Ashworth is the veteran leader at left tackle (he has 29 career starts), but everyone on this line should be very solid in all aspects of the game.
A backfield with David Piland at quarterback and Charles Sims at running back is still going to be one of the best in the conference. Piland put up some impressive numbers in 2010 as a freshman, and he should have a good handle on this offensive system. Sims ranked fourth nationally by gaining 7.5 yards per carry in 2011. He also caught 51 passes out of the backfield.
Houston’s defense has struggled quite a bit the last few years, but they have lots of play makers in the secondary. The team ranked third in the nation in interceptions last year, and you can expect this group to be aggressive again in 2012. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Team Weaknesses:
Houston has had serious trouble stopping the run over the past few years. Opposing offenses can simply line up and shove it right down Houston’s throat. There is no dominating defensive lineman to clog the gaps. The team lost its leading tackler from last year from the linebacking group, so this could be a huge problem in 2012.
Losing five of their top six receivers could really hurt Houston’s offensive efficiency. The offensive line is great, and Piland should be very good at quarterback; but he needs someone to throw the ball to on the outside. Can someone step up from this group?
2012-2013 Houston Cougars Football Prediction: 9-4
Conference USA looks very weak this year, which should help Houston avoid a huge drop off in 2012. The Cougars have some very talented players in the backfield, but there are many questions surrounding the depth of the team. A major test will come September 15 when they travel to UCLA.
Look for Piland to put up big numbers in this pass happy system, and Sims should get more carries this year as well. The defense has to take a step up if this team is going to win Conference USA this year. Expect a solid season, but don’t expect anything great.
2012 Houston Schedule
9/1/12 8:00 PM ET TEXST
9/8/12 TBD LTECH
9/15/12 TBD @UCLA
9/29/12 TBD @RICE
10/6/12 TBD NOTEX
10/13/12 TBD UAB
10/20/12 TBD @SMU
10/27/12 TBD UTEP
11/3/12 TBD @ECAR
11/10/12 TBD TULSA
11/17/12 TBD @MARSH
11/24/12 TBD TULNE
