Series Record: OU 2 – Houston 0
Last Meeting: September 11, 2004, OU 63 – Houston 13
Returning Starters: 12; 6 offense, 5 defense, kicker
2015 Offensive Rank
Scoring | 10th (40.4 ppg)
Passing | 44th (248.4 ypg)
Rushing | 13th (235.8 ypg)
2015 Defensive Rank
Scoring | 20th (20.7 ppg)
Rushing | 8th (108.9 ypg)
Passing | 115th (274.7 ypg)
Offensive Players to Watch: QB Greg Ward Jr., RB Duke Catalon, WR Chance Allen
Defensive Players to Watch: DE Cameron Malveaux, DT B.J. Singleton, LB Steven Taylor
What’s greatly overlooked with the Houston Cougars is how good their defense was in 2015. They were Top 20 in points allowed but the explosiveness of their offense and the high-impact of Greg Ward Jr. on the flow of a game overshadowed the accomplishments of the defense.
The Sooners will have their hands full Greg Ward Jr. but Baker Mayfield is bringing his own bag of tricks, along with his supporting cast, and these two quarterbacks are going attempt to put on a display of fast-paced offenses.
Oklahoma’s running backs may be the best duo in the country but with Houston returning four players along the defensive line, along with linebacker Steven Taylor, the best attack to soften their defense will be through the air.
Buckle up. This game could quickly turn into a whole lot of fun!
Is Cougar running back Duke Catalon any relation to former Horned Frog B.J. Catalon?
I wondered the same thing. I’ve got Houston sideline reporter Jeremy Branham lined up for our next podcast and I’ll try to remember to ask him.