Houston Football: Dana Holgorsen faces high expectations in 2019

HOUSTON, TX - NOVEMBER 15: D'Eriq King #4 of the Houston Cougars throws a pass in the first half against the Tulane Green Wave at TDECU Stadium on November 15, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - NOVEMBER 15: D'Eriq King #4 of the Houston Cougars throws a pass in the first half against the Tulane Green Wave at TDECU Stadium on November 15, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 03: (L-R) Tilman J. Fertitta,Chairman UH System Board of Regents, Renu Khatur, Chancellor/President University of Houston, Dana Holgorson, head coach University of Houston and Chris Pezman, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics University of Houston during a press conference to name Dana Holgorsen the new head coach of the University of Houston football team on January 03, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 03: (L-R) Tilman J. Fertitta,Chairman UH System Board of Regents, Renu Khatur, Chancellor/President University of Houston, Dana Holgorson, head coach University of Houston and Chris Pezman, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics University of Houston during a press conference to name Dana Holgorsen the new head coach of the University of Houston football team on January 03, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

How will the Cougars fare in 2019?

All these predictions are made under the impression that there will be no major injuries, suspensions or anything affecting whether a player can play or not.

Obviously this can all change before or during the season, but let’s break it down like everything is normal for each team and at the end of the season we can see how right or wrong we were.

  • Game 1: at Oklahoma (L) — As much as I wanted to pick Houston, I think Oklahoma’s offense will be too much, but it better bring it, cause D’Eriq King has a chance to light it up.
  • Game 2: Prairie View A&M (W) — Cougars win easily.
  • Game 3: Washington State (W) — Houston wins in a shootout. Though I never like picking against Mike Leach.
  • Game 4: at Tulane (W) — Tulane is improved but the Cougars win.
  • Game 5: at North Texas (W) — The Cougars win, but they better not take UNT lightly. The Mean Green can put up some points.
  • Game 6: Cincinnati (W) — Huge game here that will come down to the wire.
  • Game 7: at Connecticut (W) — Cougars take care of business.
  • Game 8: SMU (W) — Cougars win on a Thursday night.
  • Game 9: at UCF (L) — I don’t think UCF goes undefeated in AAC play again, but could be a spot the Cougars slip up.
  • Game 10: Memphis (W) — Cougars have lost three straight in this matchup, but the losing streak ends at home this year.
  • Game 11: at Tulsa (W) — Cougars take care of business.
  • Game 12: Navy (W) — Navy is always dangerous, but the Cougars win here.

Prediction: 10-2, 7-1 AAC

Maybe I am buying into the Dana Holgorsen hype, but the main reason I’m picking the Cougars to go 10-2 in the regular season and make the AAC title game is because of D’Eriq King. He can do it all and has all the weapons around him that he needs.

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If the defense can make a few stops a game and is improved from last year, the Cougars will be in the AAC title game. Their big game comes against Memphis, if they win that game they are in the title game. Cincinnati and Washington State are both very losable games so while I have them going 10-2, it is also realistic they end up in the 8-4 range.

But for now, I will ride with King and The Cougars to have a big year in the AAC.