Who are you and what have you done with the Houston Cougars‘ offense?
We broached the topic of the Cougars’ running game after Grambling State, but after what Houston did on the ground against UNLV, it’s worth revisiting because it could signify a big change in philosophy heading into the American Athletic Conference season.
Let’s do a quick review: UH ran the ball a jaw-dropping 52 times Saturday night, and had a lot of success. 399 yards on the ground; that’s 7.7 yards a carry, numbers that would make any “ground-and-pound” team jealous. Four different players had more than 10 carries. Ryan Jackson led the way with 147 yards on 13 carries, earning him a spot on the weekly AAC Honor Roll. Kenneth Farrow busted out 113 yards and a touchdown, one of four rushing touchdowns on the night for Houston.
Yes, four rushing touchdowns. And 399 yards rushing. In his post-game news conference, coach Tony Levine joked quarterback John O’Korn cost them a shot at a 400-yard rushing game with a kneel down to end the first half.
To give this a little perspective, the 52 rushing attempts is more than in any game last season. The 399 yards is more than the Cougars’ last four games combined in 2013. Four games into this season, Farrow is nearly half-way to his rushing total for all of last year. I could go on, but you get the point.
This all comes from a team that was expected to sling the ball around the field and put up gaudy passing numbers. O’Korn was supposed to be the next throwing sensation to wear a Houston uniform.
But when asked about a change in offensively philosophy after the game, Levine didn’t give reporters much, saying, “It’s different every week, because we have weapons all over the field. We have to take what the defense gives us.”
In his next life, Levine could be a politician, but for now maybe the coach should think about a change in offensive attack. When you look at the first four games you see some startling statistics. In Houston’s two wins, the Cougars rushed for 399 against UNLV and 275 against Grambling State. In the two losses? Negative 26 yards against UTSA and 10 against BYU. Ouch.
I’m not suggesting Houston start lining up in the Wishbone or run an old school triple-option, but it is clear so far this season when the running game is a priority good things are happening on offense. It is taking some of the load off of O’Korn’s throwing arm, and it keeps the defense rested and ready to do what they do best—create turnovers.
It will be interesting to see what the Cougars cook up during the bye week, and if they decide to go smashmouth against UCF to begin conference play.
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