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Houston Cougars 2016 College Football Preview

By Erik Lambert

Dec 31, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Houston Cougars cornerback William Jackson III (3) and quarterback Greg Ward Jr. (1) hold MVP trophies after a victory against the Florida State Seminoles in the 2015 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Houston defeated Florida State 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Houston Cougars cornerback William Jackson III (3) and quarterback Greg Ward Jr. (1) hold MVP trophies after a victory against the Florida State Seminoles in the 2015 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Houston defeated Florida State 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Houston Cougars football team was one of the big surprises in 2015. Are they prepared for an encore? Their 2016 college football preview might have some thoughts.

It doubtless that fans are expecting big things. This program has been steadily on the rise for the past 10 seasons, regularly competing in bowl games and exporting solid talent to the NFL. It’s a matter of figuring out what their ceiling might be. Are they ready to take that next step, is it too soon or have they peaked? Only the coming season can answer that but here are some key details to factor in.

Key Losses:

  • William Jackson III
  • Elandon Roberts
  • Demarcus Ayers
  • Kenneth Farrow

There is no doubt the key loss of the group is William Jackson. He was their biggest playmaker on defense and one of the best cornerbacks in the country. Roberts was all over the field on defense with 19 tackles for loss and six sacks. Farrow provided a steady presence on the ground with 958 yards and 12 touchdowns and Ayers was the leading receiver with 1,221 yards on 97 catches. Replacing that level of productivity is never easy, but if Houston really thinks it’s ready to join the CFB elite, they’ll have to.

Key Returns:

  • Greg Ward Jr.
  • Chance Allen
  • Steven Taylor
  • Tyus Bowser

The man fans are likely happiest to see back is quarterback Greg Ward Jr. He was the maestro of the offensive attack that led the team to a 13-1 record in 2015, scoring 33 or more points in 12 games and 50 or more points in four games. He finished with over 4,000 yards from scrimmage and accounted for 38 touchdowns (21 rushing). One name he’ll be relying on to keep the training on the tracks is Allen. The transfer from Oregon was finished second on the team with 752 yards and six touchdowns last season.

Defensively the retention of linebackers Steven Taylor and Tyus Bowser is welcome news. Combined the two had 16 sacks and 25.5 tackles for loss. Not to mention three interceptions. With Jackson gone, somebody must fill the playmaking void on defense and they’re the most accomplished.

Biggest Story Line:

The Cougars believe they announced themselves to the college landscape last season when they finished ranked 8th in the country and won the Peach Bowl over perennial power Florida State. Expectations are sky high going into this season, especially with their leader and top playmaker back at quarterback. The question is can head coach Tom Herman overcome a sophomore slump that can prove so deadly to up-and-coming programs.

Most Important 2016 Games:

  • September 3rd vs. Oklahoma
  • September 15th at Cincinnati
  • September 29th vs. UConn
  • November 25th at Memphis

There is no doubt the 2016 season for Houston will be defined by how fast a start they can get off to. With traditional power Oklahoma being their first matchup, it either be a coming-of-age moment or a bitter reminder that they still might be second class. Then there is Cincinnati who will feature top quarterback prospect Gunner Kiel. To round out the month is an eagerly anticipated rematch with Connecticut, the only team to beat them last year. It should be smooth sailing after that, but they can’t afford to overlook Memphis who lost to them by just one point (35-34) in their last meeting.

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