Houston Cougars Football 2010 Preview, Predictions, Picks, Odds
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2009 Record: 10-4 C-USA Record: 6-2 2010 Returning Starters: 15: 9 Offense, 5 Defense, Kicker
Coach: Kevin Sumlin (Houston and overall: 18-9, 2 years)
Offensive Coordinators: Jason Phillips Defensive Coordinators: Brian Stewart
2010 Houston Players to Watch: QB Case Keenum, RB Charles Sims, WR James Cleveland, WR Tyron Carrier, G Chris Thompson, LB Marcus McGraw, DE Matangi Tonga, CB Jamal Robinson
2010 Houston Strengths:
The passing game, led by Keenum, will pile up points and yards through the air. Cleveland’s size, and the speed of Carrier and Edwards, should make It easy to move the ball.
2010 Houston Weaknesses:
The offense’s lack of balance allowed defenses to pressure Keenum into more mistakes as last season progressed. With the departure of Carl Barnett, Houston’s offensive line must find another leader. The defensive line is undersized and could struggle mightily against the run, especially if Matangl Tonga doesn’t stay healthy.
2010 Houston Offense:
The Cougars are full of fIrepower again, with senior quarterback Case Keenum leading the potent attack. Keenum, one of only two quarterbacks in NCAA history to throw for more than 5,000 yards in consecutive seasons, has enough talent and intangibles to compete for the Heisman Trophy this season. Keenum will have ample help in that quest. Three 1,000-yard receivers from last season James Cleveland, Tyron Carrier and Patrick Edwards – are at his disposaL So, too, are the past two Conference USA Freshmen of the Year honorees – sophomore Charles Sims and junior Bryce Beall, both running backs. Offensive coordinator Dana Holgorson left to take the same position at Oklahoma State. Coach Kevin Sumlin promoted receivers coach Jason Phillips, who is familiar and comfortable with the schemes Holgorson designed, but wants to develop a stronger running game. Sims, Beall and junior Justin Johnson are quick, athletic tailbacks who can create big plays. But the offensive line lost a three-year starter at center in Carl Barnett. Senior Jordan Shoemaker, last year’s starting left guard by season’s end, will take the reins of an undersized but powerful line.
2010 Houston Defense:
Sumlin brought in former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Brian Stewart to strengthen a unit that fInished ll1th in the nation in total defense. Stewart is implementing a 3-4 scheme that will allow Houston to rely less on its defensive linemen, many of whom missed signifIcant action last season due to injuries. The fIve returning starters on defense have answered his call to bulk up. Meanwhile, two junior college transfers – senior end Matangi Tonga and junior linebacker Sammy Brown – have added a much-needed physical presence to the team. Senior linebacker Matt Nicholson is on the mend from season-ending knee surgery after the NCAA granted him an extra year of eligibility. But if his impact is limited, Houston still has Brown and Marcus McGraw, who led the Cougars with 156 tackles last season. McGraw has moved to an outside position, allowing him to blitz more. Jamal Robinson gives Houston one quality cornerback. The rest of the rotation is up for grabs. If Loyce Means cashes in on his experience and work ethic, he could keep speedy Devin Mays on the bench.
2010 Houston Special Teams:
Chase Turner’s departure leaves the Cougars with a hole at punter. Junior Jordan Mannisto struggled in limited time last season but is in line to start. Sumlin hopes to test freshman Richie Leone’s leg at some point. Sophomore Matt Hogan, the Cougars’ only consistent kicker in 2009, will handle most of the placekicking duties. Tyson Carrier returned four kickoffs for scores last season. His world-class speed may force opponents to kick away from him this time around.
| 2010 Houston Football Schedule | 2010 Conference USA Football Preview Houston Football Sportsbooks |
2010 Houston Predictions:
The Cougars are favored to win the conference title. If the defensive and offensive lines remain intact throughout a difficult non-conference slate (at UCLA, versus Mississippi State) and league play, the Cougars just might crash the BCS party.
2010 Houston Betting Odds:
Houston Current odds to win a National Championship: OFF
Will Houston go to a Bowl Game this season or will their season be lackluster? Either way, you can still enjoy Houston Football Betting at our feature sportsbooks. College Football Betting is serious business; where you can make a ton of loot placing informed, smart Utah bets. Check out these highly reliable, trustworthy, online sportsbooks.
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Bet on Houston
If you are looking for the best Online Sportsbook to bet on the Houston this season, then BookMaker.com “Where the Line Originates” is the place for you. BookMaker has NCAA Football Betting Lines and Odds, along with a tons of futures on the 2010 Season, so get your college football bets in early while the lines are hot!
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