Houston Football: Preseason game-by-game predictions for 2017 season
By Zach Bigalke
The trip to Dallas proved Houston’s dagger last year. SMU missed out on a bowl game after going 5-7, but this conference battle was their high-water mark. Greg Ward Jr. was able to throw against the Mustangs secondary, but Chance Allen and Linell Bonner each fumbled to thwart drives. Ward gained just three yards on 17 rushes, part of a total effort on the ground that couldn’t crack 100 yards.
This year’s SMU team returns the bulk of an offense that rolled up over 400 yards and scored five touchdowns against the Cougars. A veteran line and most of the key skill players are all back to take on Houston once again. The defense needs retooling, but by this point of the year they should be up to speed.
The Mustangs are going to be good this year. But Houston isn’t bound to make as many mistakes or leave points on the table like last year’s team did on occasion. On its home turf, the Cougars are going to do everything necessary to get revenge for last year’s defeat.
SMU is going to put in a major fight. But Houston’s defense will make enough stops this season, and the Cougars offense is going to hit enough big plays to pull out a closer-than expected victory. In both 2013 and 2016, the sixth game was the stumbling block for the Cougars. This year, though, the Cougars will reach the midway point with an unbeaten record.