OFFENSE: The Cougars' offense not only ranked 19th in the nation last season, but it also led C-USA in total yards with an average of 438.8 ypg. For the fourth straight year, Kevin Kolb returns as the starting quarterback for Houston's pass-happy offense.
Kolb has made 36 straight starts and is already the Cougars' all-time offense leader. In fact, Kolb is the NCAA's active leader in total offense (9,752 yards), passing yards (9,155) and completions (672). Last season, Kolb completed 60.5 percent of his tosses for 3,258 yards with 19 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. All three of last year's starting wide receivers are back, including Vincent Marshall.
The 2005 First Team All- CUSA selection put forth another solid campaign, finishing with 71 catches for 939 yards and six touchdowns. In the backfield, the Cougars must replace 1,000-yard rusher Ryan Gilbert, but that shouldn't be too much of a problem. Jackie Battle, who dropped over 20 pounds in order to handle the increased workload, rushed for 408 yards and five touchdowns last season and is the perfect fit for the UH offense. He should also benefit from an offensive line that welcomes back three starters.
DEFENSE: On the defensive side of the ball is where the Cougars have had their problems the last few seasons, although they did show improvement in '05. The unit allowed 27.0 ppg and 397.4 total ypg, but with 10 starters back in the fold Houston could finally have the pieces in place for a top-level defense. Up front, the Cougars will rely on Cody Pree, who recorded 42 tackles and a team-high four sacks a freshman last year.
While the line should be solid, the strength of the UH defense lies in the middle of the field thanks to the return of all four starting linebackers. The group is extremely versatile and talented, and that is evident when you note the 328 tackles the foursome amassed last season.
Brendan Pahulu highlights the group as he finished second on the team in both tackles (94) and TFLs (nine). In the secondary is where the Cougars will receive a big boost with the return of free safety Will Gulley, who missed all of last season with a knee injury. Gulley posted 71 stops and four interceptions in '04, and his return allows Kenneth Fontenette to move back to corner. While filling in for Gulley last season, Fontenette led the Cougars in interceptions with four.
SPECIAL TEAMS: The biggest weakness Houston has is its special teams, which was an absolute disaster last season. The Cougars finished next-to-last in the nation in net punting and went just 13-of-22 on field goals. Ben Bell and T.J. Lawrence split the kicking duties last season and, although they struggled, they will once again be sharing time. Justin Laird is expected to handle the punting duties after averaging 39.5 yards per boot in '05.
OUTLOOK: Art Briles has taken the Cougars to two bowls in his first three seasons as head coach, but this may be the year that Houston challenges for the C-USA crown. The Cougars have always had a dynamic offense under Briles, but now with 10 returning starters on defense, they should have the success on both sides of the ball. A favorable schedule that includes seven home games will only add to the excitement as Houston should have little trouble reaching another bowl game.
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