Cougars try to catch a break
Houston coach Dana Holgorsen earlier this week was asked for some keys to beating No. 18 Memphis.
“I’m not going to get into the specifics on turnovers or any of that bull,” Holgorsen said on his weekly radio said. “How about something good happen to us?”
Call it luck or catching a break, there has been little go in the Cougars’ favor during a 3-6 season. To have any shot at extending the school record streak of six consecutive bowl appearances, the Cougars must win the final three games of the regular season, beginning against Memphis on Saturday at TDECU Stadium. If not, the Cougars will miss the postseason for the first time since going 5-7 in 2012.
“How about the ball bouncing our way at some point?” Holgorsen said. “When has the ball bounced our way? I can’t remember the last time the ball bounced our way. I can’t think of breaks.”
The Cougars have been competitive into the second half in every game this season, with three losses by a touchdown or less. A loss to Tulane to begin American Athletic Conference came on a deep pass in the closing seconds. As a result, the team’s confidence has been tested through a season that has included a rash of injuries and key players opting to redshirt.
“I’ve been talking to our guys all week about expecting good things to happen,” Holgorsen said. “I don’t think our team necessarily does. I think our team thinks we’re bit by the bad luck deal and it’s just going to continue to happen. Well get rid of that mindset and expect good things to happen.”
Memphis (8-1), in position for a third straight trip to the AAC championship game, represents the fifth ranked opponent UH has faced this season. With the possibility No. 23 Navy remains ranked — the Midshipmen play No. 16 Notre Dame on Saturday — the Cougars could match the 1977 season for most ranked opponents in a season.
Holgorsen has made his displeasure for the way the schedule set up known
loud and clear. In addition to opening the season with four games in 19 days and having short weeks of preparation, Holgorsen noted a few opponents had perfectly timed open dates prior to facing the Cougars.
“The schedule did not set up very well for us this year,” he said.
Saturday’s game will also put the Cougars in a familiar role — as 10½-point underdogs. Only twice this season (against FCS Prairie View A&M and UConn) has UH been favored in a game.
UH is the underdog in all three of its remaining games against Memphis, Tulsa and Navy, according to ESPN’s Football Power Index.
“We’re underdogs again,” Holgorsen said. “I guess I’m not doing a very god job of playing that up and explaining to the guys how much fun it would be to knock off a Top 20 team.”
Wide receiver Marquez Stevenson said the Cougars are aware of the stakes the rest of the season.
“We know any chance for a bowl game we have to win out,” he said. “The plan is to win out.”
Another expectation for the Cougars: a wild game with the Tigers. Three of the last four meetings have gone down to the wire. Last year’s game at the Liberty Bowl was tied at 31 heading into the fourth quarter; Memphis pulled away for a 52-31 win to clinch a spot in the league title game.
“They’ve got us a few times,” left tackle Josh Jones said. “There’s still a little burning passion in there and I feel like we are going to play like it.”
Holgorsen also hopes that homecoming weekend will draw a crowd to TDECU Stadium.
“We’re going to get this place to what I’m about to say is going to happen … regardless if it’s homecoming or Game 1 or championship game it’s sold out,” he said. “We’re obviously not there right now. I think homecoming is going to give us a boost.”
And maybe be on the receiving end of some luck.
“I’m expecting a close game,” Holgorsen added. “If we catch breaks, we’re going to win.”