Dana Holgorsen’s Cougars seek to turn the corner in third season.
Though Holgorsen is just 7-13 after 2 seasons, a veteran QB and strong defense return
Can the Cougars take a step forward this season?
UH has reached an important crossroad under coach Dana Holgorsen, who has gone 7-13 in two seasons. After spending time dealing with depth issues and COVID-19, Holgorsen enters 2021 with his deepest and most experienced roster. Quarterback Clayton Tune is poised for a breakout season and the biggest surprise could be on defense, which has a chance to shine under first-year coordinator Doug Belk.
By design, the nonconference schedule is favorable with Boise State and Vanderbilt replaced by FCS Grambling State and independent Connecticut. A win over Texas Tech in the opener could launch the season. The Cougars avoid playing heavyweights Cincinnati and Central Florida but will need to end a five-game losing streak to Memphis and recent struggles to instate rival SMU to contend in the American Athletic Conference. Simply put, anything short of 8-9 wins would be a disappointment.
How will the defense look?
Asked what type of identity he wants for his defense, Belk quickly responded: “fast and physical.” The unit returns virtually intact and is deepest it has been in years, especially up front, where the Cougars should feature a stout rotation that is 10-12 deep. Getting pressure in the backfield will be a necessity, and the Cougars have options off the edge with David Anenih, Derek Parish, D’Anthony Jones and Nelson Ceaser. The interior features Logan Hall, Iowa State transfer Latrell Bankston and 375-pound run-stopper Olivier Charles-Pierre. The linebacker corps could be a differencemaker with a healthy Donavan Mutin, JoVanni Stewart, Mannie Nunnery and Deontay Anderson, who made the switch from safety in the spring. UH also believes it’s better-equipped to create turnovers in the secondary, led by the cornerback duo of All-American Marcus Jones and Damarion Williams and safety Hasaan Hypolite.
Can the offense put up points?
UH averaged just 30 points last season, the third lowest scoring average in the last 15 years. Holgorsen and his staff spent the offseason upgrading the offensive line — most notably the addition of All-Conference USA center Kody Russey from Louisiana Tech — and surrounding
Tune with weapons in the passing game.
The early part of the season will be needed to sort through a wide receiver group that is young and unknown.
Nathaniel Dell, Jeremy Singleton, KeSean Carter, a transfer from Texas Tech, and star-inthe-making Christian Trahan at tight end are the top options in the passing game. Three offseason additions to watch: Jaylen Erwin (UCLA); Seth Green (Minnesota), a “Swiss Army knife” type player who can line up multiple ways; and Jake Herslow (Old Dominion).
UH is counting on big contributions in the backfield from Ta’Zhawn Henry, Mulbah Car and speedy incoming freshman Alton McCaskill, who could contribute immediately.
Is Logan Hall the next big thing?
If you haven’t bought stock in Hall, it’s not too late. The 6-6, 260-pound defensive tackle turned heads in the spring and
appears to be next in line to follow in the footsteps of Payton Turner, a disruptive defender who was a first-round NFL draft pick. Hall is already receiving attention as part of the preseason Senior Bowl watch list, a solid indicator that he’s officially on NFL draft radars. Big and physical, Hall can line up anywhere on the defensive line. He will start off the season playing inside, but Hall’s talent offers the option of using him off the edge in some situations. “He’s a Sunday player,” UH defensive line coach Brian Early said. “That guy is going to play in the NFL.”
What is the area of concern?
The coaching staff has preached to starting quarterback Tune the importance of
protecting himself, and that takes on significance this season as the Cougars lack a proven backup. Tune has dealt with nagging injuries at times, although none have sidelined him for an extended period. Any lengthy layoff could be devastating to UH’s title chances with the top candidates, Ike Ogbogu and Holman Edwards, lacking Division I experience and the other quarterbacks on the roster (Maddox Kopp and Sofian Massoud) both freshmen. Ogbogu is familiar with Holgorsen’s offense but has made only one career appearance. Edwards threw for 1,613 yards and 12 touchdowns in 14 games at East Central Community College. Moves this offseason, especially upgrades on the offensive line, should help protect Tune.