Saturday Blitz
Fansided

Houston Football: Will the Cougars be “back” in 2021?

By Michael Hanich

Sep 13, 2019; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Dana Holgorsen reacts on the sideline during the second quarter against the Washington State Cougars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2019; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Dana Holgorsen reacts on the sideline during the second quarter against the Washington State Cougars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 4
Next

Two seasons into the Dana Holgorsen era of Houston football, fans are worried that the Cougars are taking steps backward. Last season was difficult enough with the impact of COVID-19 as the Cougars couldn’t prepare properly in the offseason. They finished with an overall record of 3-5 that included four losses in the final five games.

Houston didn’t earn its bowl appearance in the New Mexico Bowl with a 28-14 loss to Hawaii. Most teams like Houston were given a bowl berth because there were better teams that opted out of the postseason. Of the five losses by the Cougars, four of them were by two or more possessions.

Major Applewhite was fired after an 8-5 season in 2018, but the Cougars have not won more than four games in a season since.

The Cougars entered into the 2021 offseason with questions of efficiency on both sides of the ball. They do have some key starters returning on both sides of the ball. The recruiting for the Cougars under Holgorsen has not been highly efficient in three years as head coach. He will need to utilize the talent and the potential that the team currently possesses.

There is potential for the Cougars to compete for the AAC title or clinch a spot in the conference championship. A more realistic goal for the Cougars is to see any signs of improvement in production on the field and in wins.

The job security of Holgorsen will depend on this season.

Home/American