Houston Football: Preseason game-by-game predictions for 2017 season
By Zach Bigalke
Houston and Arizona will play one another for the first time in more than three decades when they meet in Tucson on September 9. The Cougars and Wildcats have met just twice on the football field, with Houston winning in 1969 and Arizona taking victory in 1986. This game thus serves as the rubber match of a stunted series.
The Wildcats will also likely be 1-0 after playing FCS Northern Arizona in their season opener. 2017 is a referendum year in Tucson, where Rich Rodriguez is effectively coaching to keep his job. Arizona might be able to score some points against the Cougar defense, but their biggest issue might be keeping Houston out of the endzone.
A veteran but unheralded front three is backed up by a young linebacking corps. The secondary returns most of its parts, for better or worse. But the defense ranked 118th in points allowed last year, and Houston should be able to at least hit right around that average.
Look for Texas A&M transfer Kyle Allen to light up the Arizona defense as Houston romps to a big win. The defense will give up a few touchdowns to the Wildcats, but that will come after Applewhite starts cycling his defense in and out to keep them fresh. In the end, the Cougars will make the requisite statement against a Pac-12 opponent to stay in the Group of Five hunt for a New Year’s Six game.