In H-town, the Houston Cougars success on the football field over the last year is hard to ignore. With a high-scoring offense and a stingy defense last season, the Cougars look to be even better in 2022 and are favored to win the AAC.
In 2021, the Cougars went 12–2 (including 11 straight wins) and were the runners-up in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), losing to Cincinnati in the AAC title game. They ranked 15th in the FBS in scoring offense as they averaged 35 points per game.
The Cougars Offense
This is an offensive unit that gained over 400 yards of total offense seven times. In a 54–42 win over South Florida, Houston gained 646 total yards. The Cougars averaged almost a first down per play (9.94 average) against the Bulls.
Houston scored 40 more points in a game seven times last season. The offensive juggernaut was led on the field by QB Clayton Tune.
Tune thrived in head coach Dana Holgersen’s offense, throwing for 3546 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 INTs. He completed 68% of his passes.
On two different occasions, Tune passed for over 300 yards. He recorded two games with 3 passing TDs and two games with 4 passing touchdowns.
And over a 5-week stretch, Tune did not throw an INT.
Tune’s favorite target returns in 2022-WR Nathaniel Dell. Dell caught 90 of Tune’s passes for 1329 yards and 12 touchdowns. He averaged 14 yards per catch.
He gained 100+yards receiving in 6 games and scored multiple TDs three times. Dell was named 1st Team All-AAC.
Tune and Dell are the league’s top returning QB/WR duo.
When it comes to running ball between the tackles, the Cougars suffered a significant blow to their game plan. RB Alton McCaskill, who was named the AAC Rookie of the Year after rushing for 961 yards and 16 touchdowns, suffered a torn ACL in spring practice. A timeframe for his return is unknown.
So, the rushing load will be on the shoulders of RB Ta’Zhawn Henry, who rushed for 513 yards and 7 TDs in 2021.
The Cougars Defense
The Cougars’ defense was equally productive last season, allowing 20 points per game. They ranked #6 in in the FBS in total defense (302 yards allowed/game), #10 in rushing defense (108 yards allowed/game), and 19th in the country in both pass defense and scoring defense.
The Cougars led the nation in opponent’s 3rd down conversion percentage, allowing teams to convert just 25.67% of the time.
In fact, only one team (South Florida) converted 50% or more on 3rd down.
Here is a list of notable games and opponent’s 3rd down conversion percentage:
- vs. Grambling: 0 for 14
- vs. Navy: 3 of 15 (20%)
- vs. East Carolina: 1 of 12 (8%)
- vs. Temple: 2 of 10 (20%)
- vs. Memphis: 2 of 14 (14%)
- vs. Auburn (bowl game): 4 of 15 (26%)
In the AAC Championship Game, the Cougars denied Cincinnati any advancement on 3rd down, holding them 0 for 8 albeit in a losing effort.
Teams also had trouble throwing against Houston. The average completion percentage allowed was 55%. Houston held 6 teams to under 200 yards passing and recorded 3 INTs in three different games.
The Cougars held 5 teams to under 300 yards of total offense and held 7 teams under 100 yards rushing. Opponents averaged a paltry 3.4 yards per rush.
Returning Starters/Key Contributors
Six starters return to this unit, along with others on the depth chart with game experience and production as well.
The defensive line is nicknamed “Sack Avenue” after racking up 34.5 of the over 40 sacks recorded last season.
D’Anthony Jones made 6 sacks, 8.5 TFLs, 17 tackles, and forced 4 fumbles.
Derek Parish racked up 5 sacks, 54 tackles, and 12 tackles for loss.
Another D-lineman that terrorized the opposition was Logan Hall. Hall recorded 6 sacks to go with 13 TFLs, 47 tackles, and a blocked kick.
As a freshman in 2021, DL Nelson Ceaser made 22 tackles, 4 TFLs, and 3.5 sacks. He looks to increase those numbers this season.
At linebacker, Donovan Mutin is back to prowl sideline to sideline. Mutin made 77 tackles, 2 sacks, forced three fumbles, and 6.5 tackles for loss.
In the secondary, the Cougars return experience, but must replace Marcus Jones.
Those that stand out are Gervarrius Owens (52 tackles, 2 INTs, and 4 TFLs), Hasaan Hypolite (44 tackles, 3 TFLs, and 1 INT), Owens and Hypolite have combined for 35 starts.
Alex Hogan also figures to be a fixture in the defensive backfield. Hogan totaled 27 tackles, 2 INTs (he returned 1 for a touchdown) and broke up 6 passes.
The Bottom Line: The Houston Cougars-2022 Champions of the AAC
This is a team that can return to the AAC Championship Game, but this time they’ll end up in the win column. If the injury bug doesn’t raise its ugly head anymore this season, the Cougars could be the highest-ranked G5 team and earn a berth in a New Year’s Six bowl game.
The Move to the Big 12 is Big for the Houston Cougars
It’s also the last year in the AAC. The Cougars will join the Big 12 Conference in 2023, along with UCF, Cincinnati, and BYU, after agreeing to pay the AAC an $18 million “exit” fee.
The timing of the exit is significant.
In 2023, U of H could receive $16 million as part of the Big 12 revenue sharing. That’s double what they received last season from the AAC. In 2024, they could receive as much as $24 million.
And, Houston will briefly renew a rivalry from the old Southwest Conference with Texas before the Longhorns stampede off into the SEC.
It’s an exciting time to be a Cougar’s fan in H-town.
Thanks for reading.
