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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 /
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Dec 24, 2020; Frisco, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars quarterback Clayton Tune (3) passes the ball against Hawaii Warriors during the second half at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Flores-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2020; Frisco, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars quarterback Clayton Tune (3) passes the ball against Hawaii Warriors during the second half at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Flores-USA TODAY Sports /

Houston looks to be in the top 25 of scoring, total offense

Most of the Cougars’ historical success has been filled with high-powered, explosive offenses. It’s noticeable that the average or below-average seasons are because their offense is not up to par with the rest of the high-powered offenses in the nation. This was the case again this past season as the Cougars were average or below average in most major categories.

Last season, the Cougars ranked 53rd in the nation in points per game (30) and 56th in total yards per game (408.9). They also converted only 40 percent of their third-downs (48-of-120).

Shannon Dawson returns in his third season with the Cougars and his second as offensive coordinator. The Cougars also return Brandon Jones in his third season as their co-offensive coordinator. They have been successful in developing high-caliber offensive talent for the NFL, but they will need to see a vast improvement of productivity on the field. The offense is more pass-orientated, but the team needs to have some success this season in the run game as well.

Last season, the Cougars felt like they had an answer to their recent quarterback struggles for the first time in several seasons. Clayton Tune returns as the starting quarterback after playing in his first full season (eight games) as a starter. Last season, he threw for 2,048 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Tune also rushed for 253 yards and five touchdowns on 72 carries. The dual-threat quarterback feels confident that the Cougars can find a rhythm in the passing game to be more explosive this season. Playing a full 12-game season in 2021 will help in this measure.

The bad news for the Cougars’ offense this season is their lack of experience in the run game. Last year, they offense ranked 84th in the nation in rushing yards per game (167.5). They were not in a great position last year to succeed, but they are going into 2021 with a completely new backfield. The Cougars will have redshirt senior and long-time contributing running back Mulbah Car as the starter who has 1,486 yards and 12 touchdowns on 306 carries in five years with Houston. He has never rushed for over 388 yards and three touchdowns in a season but he will get his chance this season to finish his career strong.

The Cougars are looking to have a more aggressive passing offense this season. They will be without two of their top three receivers from their offense that ranked 34th in the nation in passing yards per game (265.8). They return Nathanial Dell as their No. 1 receiver this season. Dell caught 29 passes for 428 yards and three touchdowns this past season. They feel comfortable with junior Bryson Smith stepping up as a starter after catching 16 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns.

Their other two projected top receivers in Jeremy Singleton and Ke’andre Street need solid development in the remaining offseason. The Cougars return junior Christian Trahan as their starting tight end. Last season, he caught 22 passes for 294 yards and three scores.

Last season, health and inconsistencies plagued the offensive line of the Cougars. Overall, the offensive line gave up 18 sacks in eight games. They will have redshirt freshman left tackle Patrick Paul and senior right tackle Dennis Bardwell returning from injuries. At 6-4, 305 pounds, redshirt freshman Cam’Ron Johnson is listed as the starting left guard for the Cougars, beating out Reuben Unije. The offensive line is getting much bigger with 6-3, 335-pound sophomore Tank Jenkins projected to start at the right guard. The Cougars will have a four-year starter from Louisiana Tech in Kody Russey starting at center this 2021 season.

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