Houston Football: Preseason game-by-game predictions for 2017 season
By Zach Bigalke
After falling out of contention for the AAC West for the second straight year, Houston is going to take their frustrations out on Tulane. The Green Wave host the Cougars in the penultimate game of both teams’ regular seasons. While Houston will already be bowl eligible, Tulane will likely already be out of the running.
Last year’s contest between these two teams was closer than the final score. While the Cougars won 30-18, Tulane actually outgained their opponents by more than 50 yards and had fewer penalties and turnovers. This year the Green Wave return plenty of skill players, but their offensive line is inexperienced.
The defense has many of its players back from a unit that was among the best at getting turnovers. Last year the unit ranked second nationally in fumble recoveries and 10th in total turnovers. They will probably find a way to kill Houston’s momentum at least once.
But the offense is going to have a hard time scoring against a Houston defense keyed up to prove it is better than their defeats to Memphis and South Florida. Applewhite’s offense is going to wreak havoc on the Green Wave, and the visitors will head back to Texas for the final game of the regular season with a ninth victory on their record.