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The Texas offense could take off this week against Houston.
It’s Houston week for the Texas Longhorns following a deflating loss to the Oklahoma Sooners. Continue reading “Five bold predictions for Texas against the Houston Cougars”
Houston wants a win over Texas more than anything else.
Texas is Houston’s most important game. Don’t take it from me. Take it from Houston head coach Dana Holgorsen.
Holgorsen said the following of Houston’s big matchup with Texas.
“I’ve got a lot of comments. Just beat Texas. Don’t care if you win any of them but you’ve got to win that one. You can go 1-11 and it’s ok if you beat Texas.”
One would imagine Holgorsen is using hyperbole here, but the game will be a high priority for Houston. It’s still surprising that coaches are still willing to nonchalantly say it out loud.
It’s not the first time we have heard similar statements from opposing coaches. Former TCU head coach Gary Patterson made similar claims several times during his tenure. In Week 4, Baylor head coach Dave Aranda indicated the game’s importance over all other games.
We won’t yet put Texas on upset alert, but in regard to the level of intensity they will face this week Houston is showing its hand. We could see a high scoring track meet if Holgorsen has any say in the result.
Houston coach Dana Holgorsen on what he’s heard from fans about Texas game: “I’ve got a lot of comments. Just beat Texas. Don’t care if you win any of them but you’ve got to win that one. You can go 1-11 and it’s ok if you beat Texas.”
— Joseph Duarte (@Joseph_Duarte) October 16, 2023
Houston played some of its best football in a win over West Virginia.
The No. 8 Texas Longhorns (5-1) return to action this week against the Houston Cougars (3-3). It presents what could be a sneakily tough test for the Texas defense.
The Houston offense came through when needed most last week. The Cougars upset the West Virginia Mountaineers 41-39 in thrilling walk-off fashion to earn the team’s first conference win. The defense may be beatable, but the offense is to be taken seriously.
We have noted Texas’ consistent scoring through six games. The Longhorns have scored at least 30 points in every game this year. They have yet to score more than 40.
How have Houston opponents fared?
While the Cougars limited UTSA to 14 points and Sam Houston to 7, most other teams have put up prolific numbers against the team. Texas Tech scored 49 on Houston, while middling TCU scored 36 and Rice put up 35 in regulation.
It’s time for a 50-point performance for Texas. Forget the yards. Forget the yards per play. The Longhorns have excelled there all year. It’s time for the team to put the ball in the end zone. It’s time for the ‘Horns to finally convert in the red zone.
Texas needs a no-doubter performance against Houston. The game will reveal whether or the not the team will have prepared adequately this week.
