A few notes on UH’s conference games:
This will be the 8th-straight year that UH has played Thursday night conference games. Tulsa and Tulane will be the 11th and 12th of those. It will also be the sixth-straight year of playing on Black Friday. USF and Temple are the only home games without starting times already announced.
UH’s first conference game is at home on a Thursday night vs. Tulsa. Tulsa finished with just 2 wins last year – ULL and UH. The Coogs were flat-out embarrassed last year. The second-half drive chart disparity is appalling.
ECU is a program in total disarray but a tough trip. Statistically, ECU finished last season dead-last in the country in most defensive categories. The Pirates gave up 45 points a game last year. They gave up 50 points 6 times and over 60 points 4 times while losing 8 games by 21 or more.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”#C8102E” class=”” size=””]The Coogs have played only 1 regular season game at ECU since 2003.[/perfectpullquote]
Playing the well-disciplined Naval Academy in Annapolis is a challenge. Will be difficult to get out of there with a win. But Coach Ken loses 13 of his starting 22 and 3/4 of his offensive backfield in 2018. The home team has won all 3 games since Navy came into the league.
USF will step back a little after losing QB Quenton Flowers. But no matter the QB, there’s always an excellent chance for a win over a Charlie Strong team. The Bulls have won 29 games over the last 3 years – tied with UH for the most in the conference.
SMU – Sonny Dykes’ debut for SMU in the Frisco Bowl was a stupid idea and a total disaster. The Ponies lost 4 of their last 5 in 2017 (and should have lost Tulane, too). QB Ben Hicks loses 182 receptions, 2300 yards and 25 TDs with the departure of WRs Trey Quinn and Courtland Sutton.
Temple improved as 2017 went on, winning 4 of their last 5. After scoring 7 against USF and 13 at home against the Coogs, Temple scored 24 or more in 7 of their last 8. UH is 4-0 vs. the Owls since 2013 – Houston’s best record against an AAC league opponent.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”#C8102E” class=”” size=””]In the first 5 games of 2017, Temple averaged just 16 ppg. In the final 8 games, the Owls averaged 31.[/perfectpullquote]
UH’s last conference home game is vs. Tulane on a Thursday night. Tulane is an important game for Major Applewhite. He must atone for losing to the Greenies last year. Tulane just added LSU transfer QB Justin McMillan and last year’s starter vs. UH Jonathan Banks kept the ball for over 36 minutes against the Coogs. Willie Fritz might be the best coach in the league.
Memphis – How close have the Houston/Memphis games been the last 4 years? 2 wins apiece & Memphis leads in total points, 148-145, while UH leads in yards, 1924-1914. They play this season on Black Friday.
#GoCoogs