Houston Football: 5 reasons why Cougars will struggle in 2017

3 of 6

(Photo by Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images) /

4. A new quarterback means the offense won’t look the same in 2017

In addition to Herman’s departure, three-year starter Greg Ward Jr. has graduated from Houston after completing his course of eligibility. Over the course of his career he was a consistent 67 percent passer who also offered between 500 and 1000 yards on the ground each year. That sort of reliable, durable dual-threat quarterback doesn’t just fall to Group of Five programs.

Sophomore D’Eriq King could ostensibly be that quarterback for the next three years, but he has limited experience. A neophyte head coach like Applewhite might hesitate to throw King to the fire given his other options on the roster.

Those options include Kyle Postma, a redshirt senior who has limited experience over the past two seasons. Both King and Postma also split time at wide receiver, demonstrating an ability to operate in space that would allow the offense to operate similarly to its 2016 form.

But former Texas A&M starter Kyle Allen is also available now after he sat out the 2016 season due to NCAA transfer rules. Allen represents a far different type of quarterback, one that plays far more like Applewhite did in college. Less mobile than the other two options to start, Allen represents a 180 in offensive philosophy. More polished than the other options, though, the transfer will get the call.

Home/American