Houston Cougars, BCS Bowl Bound?

Kevin Sumlin, the hottest coach in the nation right now has UH ready for their best run since Heisman winner Andre Ware led the Coogs. Sumlin is looking to lead the Coogs to a Conference USA title and a possible BCS bowl game. Case Keenum is 4,123 passing yards away from passing Timmy Chang as NCAA’s all time leading passer. Did I mention he is 1 of only 2 QBs to ever throw 5000 yards in a season twice? Not just the all-time yards record but Keenum is on pace to break the total offense record and completions. Keenum has been a terrific successor to Philadelphia Eagles starting QB, Kevin Kolb. And to those that think Keenum is just a system quarterback, Mel Kiper Jr. has Keenum as a top 5 QB going in the 2011 draft.

Houston had the #1 offense in the nation last year as well as one of the fastest skilled position sets. This track team of James Cleveland, Tyron Carrier, and Patrick Edwards each had 1000 yards receiving last year. 1st Team C-USA Kick Returner Tyron Carrier is 2 touchdowns from CJ Spiller’s record of 7 kickoff return touchdowns. Tyron Carrier qualified for the 200M NCAA Track Championships. Cleveland was named Pre-Season All-Conference 1st team along with Keenum and defensively LB Marcus McGraw and DB Jamal Robinson also were named. Junior Bryce Beall will be the lead tailback again after scoring 17 touchdowns in his Conference USA Freshman of the Year award winning season.

Houston’s defense struggled last year and was ranked as one of the nation’s worst. Brian Stewart has taken over as Defensive Coordinator and moved to a 3-4 so the Coogs blitzing schemes will be harder to read. Keenum has noticed the improved defense during practice. The offense is going to score, no question about it, the defense now just has to step it up.

Last year the Coogs beat Texas Tech at home and then ranked #5 Oklahoma State on the road. They went 3-0 against BCS teams last year and should do it again this year. This year they will play at Texas Tech and at UCLA and host Mississippi St. A BCS Bowl is a long shot, but with a favorable schedule, a more experienced team, an improved defense and Case Keenum leading the Cougars, 2010 could be the year.