Texas Week 8 Opponent Preview: Houston Cougars
It's the rivalry that could have been "big" in the Big 12. The old Southwest Conference showdown that brought bitterness out in fans and created tension not even the swelting Texas sun could have cut makes its re-debut in 2023.
It also marks the end of a chapter since Texas won't be staying in the Big 12 opposite Houston for longer than a season.
The Longhorns return following a bye in Week 7 after a close-but-no-cigar loss to No. 5 Oklahoma in the Red River Showdown. The Cougars, one of four newcomers to join the Big 12 in 2023, added a few extra days of rest after a last-second hail-mary victory win over West Virginia Thursday night.
Despite being closed off over nearly three decades, the Cougars have a long-standing history with the Longhorns, dating back to their days as old conference foes from 1972-96.
There's also a bit of disdain from Houston's side toward Lone Star State teams that left the program for dead. Texas, Texas Tech, Texas A&M and Baylor, along with Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, joined forces with the Big Eight conference to form the Big 12. Meanwhile, TCU and Houston were left to fend for themselves and join different conferences outside the Power 5 level.
The Horned Frogs eventually got a call from the Big 12 to join from the Mountain West in 2012 following A&M and Missouri's departure to the SEC, but instead of inviting the Cougars, the conference went for eastward expansion by tagging West Virginia as the 10th member. Houston would bounce from Conference USA (1996-2012) to the American Conference (2013-22) in order to gain prominence as one of the nation's better Group of Five schools.
And therein has been Houston's argument for relevancy: prominence. The Cougars dominated their level of competition, producing five 10-plus win seasons since the Southwest Conference's disbandment. They've been consistent in the polls, finishing the year ranked inside the AP's Top 25 three times since 2011.
Dana Holgorsen knows what it takes to win in "The Loop," albeit his seat continues to heat up in Year 1 of a new era. He served as offensive coordinator during the early days of the Case Keenum era. After seven seasons in Morgantown, Holgorsen returned to the 713-area code, leading the Coogs to a 12-2 record and a Birmingham Bowl win over Auburn in 2021.
After their loss in Dallas, a shot at Arlington is no longer promised for the Longhorns. And while plenty of teams would love to see the Longhorns miss out on making the Big 12 title game in their final year as members, Houston is salivating at the chance to be "that program" to do it.
Follow along with LonghornsCountry.com as we preview every aspect of Texas' matchup with the Cougars throughout the week. First, here's a quick overview of the essential things to know before kickoff at TDECU Stadium on Oct. 21.
2023 Record: 3-3 (1-2 vs. Big 12 opponents)
Head coach: Dana Holgorsen
Holgorsen is in his fifth season with the Cougars and currently owns a 30-23 record.
Offensive Leaders
QB Donovan Smith
While many contemplated if Smith was the right option at the start of the season, he's proven to be the go-to name through six games. Smith, a transfer from Texas Tech, has completed 66.2 percent of his throws for 1,600 yards and 13 touchdowns against three interceptions.
What's really helped elevate Smith's game is his mobility. He's averaging 2.9 yards per run, but has scored four times in the red zone with his legs. In his past two games, the Las Vegas native has also totaled nine touchdowns against zero interceptions.
RB Parker Jenkins
As a whole, the run game has been anemic at the Bayou City. Still, the 5-11 freshman who elected to stay home for school has been serviceable when given lead reps. Jenkins is averaging 5.1 yards per carry, though most of his success came in a 38-7 win over Sam Houston.
RB Stacy Sneed
Much like Jenkins, Sneed's reps are limited in Holgorsen's more Air Raid offense, but he's been effective when given the chance. His 5.6 yards per attempt lead Houston, and his 206 rushing yards are a nice add, but he's been hit-or-miss most of the year.
WR Samuel Brown
College football's most productive receiver resided in Houston last season and will remain there in 2023. The difference? Tank Dell now be catching passes from C.J. Stroud as a member of the Texans just up Interstate 610.
Brown, a transfer from West Virginia, is putting together a similar story to that of Dell. He's averaging 14.8 yards per reception and leads the Cougars with 37 catches.
Defensive Leaders
DL Nelson Ceaser
The top three pass rushers are off to the NFL, meaning Ceaser was expected to be one of the top returning players in the trenches. He's lived up to the billing, totaling a team-high 4.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss.
LB Malik Robinson
Robinson's rebounded after a torn pectoral that sidelined him for the remainder of last season. So far through six games, he leads Houston in tackles (44) and has totaled two double-digit stop outings against both TCU and Texas Tech.
CB Isaiah Hamilton
While new to the Cougars this season, Hamilton was well known for his top-notch coverage skills in Houston while down the road at Texas Southern. Hamilton was regarded as one of the purest cover corners in the SWAC last season, and he's carried that over to the Power 5 level, totaling three interceptions and a pass breakup.
