GRAMBLING AT UH
The Cougars’ third game in Houston this season but their first at TDECU Stadium.
6 p.m., ESPN+
After playing the first two games on the road without even having to leave the city, the University of Houston plays its home opener Saturday against Grambling at TDECU Stadium.
UH opened the season with a loss to Texas Tech on Sept. 4 at NRG Stadium and last week beat crosstown rival Rice to claim the Bayou Bucket.
Grambling (1-1), which plays in Football Championship Subdivision, is coming off a 37-0 loss to Southern Miss.
In the last meeting between the two schools, UH beat Grambling 47-0 in 2014. It remains the largest margin of victory in TDECU Stadium history.
Avoiding any serious injuries is the top priority for the Cougars as American Athletic Conference play begins next week.
FIVE THINGS TO WATCH A winning streak … finally?
1 Hard to believe, or maybe not depending on whom you ask, but it’s been a span of 27 games since UH has won consecutive games. The last win streak for the Cougars was five in a row in 2018, Major Applewhite’s last season as coach. Unless something goes terribly wrong, the drought should end Saturday. UH is 7-0 all-time against Southwestern Athletic Conference schools, winning by an average of 42 points.
Can Cougars continue fast starts?
2 The first quarter could not have gone any better for the Cougars in the first two games. They have scored on all five first-quarter drives (four touchdowns) and outscored Texas Tech and Rice 31-0. Of course, it’s hard to score when you don’t have the ball. UH has controlled the clock to begin each game, chewing 22 minutes, 21 seconds out of a possible 30 minutes.
How long does Dana Holgorsen keep starters in game?
3 Holgorsen promises that the Cougars will not take Grambling lightly. (See: Jacksonville State shocker over Florida State). “We are going to respect our opponent, no matter who we play,” Holgorsen said. Holgorsen must balance getting meaningful snaps and a competitive game for his regulars while not risking any injuries with a physical game against Navy next week in the AAC opener. In a perfect scenario, UH’s first-team units play the first half — or perhaps the first possession of the third quarter - and then Holgorsen begins to insert substitutions. The “buy game” is often a time to get some younger players some playing time and, in UH’s case, a chance for extra reps for backup quarterback Ike Ogbogu. It would also be a chance for the Cougars to evaluate at key positions, notably on the offensive line.
More Alton McCaskill, please
4 The true freshman from Oak Ridge took advantage of increased playing time — and a fully healed knee — and scored on a pair of short runs and a big pass play in the 44-7 victory over Rice. UH’s backfield continues to be a work-in-progress, but McCaskill has shown that he is a big part of the Cougars’ plans. That future is now. “There’s nothing he can’t do,” Holgorsen said. “He did not look like a freshman at all.” Whether in pass protection, shortyardage situations or as a go-to options in the pass game, McCaskill did not look overwhelmed, according to Holgorsen, and should continue to see an increased role. Getting the run game going is a top priority for UH, which averages 72 yards per game. Ta’Zhawn Henry is expected back this week after missing the Rice game.
Celebrating 75 years
5 As part of a season-long celebration, the Cougars will pay tribute to its athletic history at every home football game this season. Along with recognition of this year’s Hall of Honor class, the TDECU Stadium turf will feature the 75th-year logo and players will wear throwback jerseys with the popular skinny UH helmet decal and “Cougars” on the back instead of players’ nameplate. Get in your seat early: Red Bull Jump Team is scheduled to parachute onto the field at 5:35 p.m. No word if Holgorsen (an unofficial pitch man for the energy drink) will be part of the group.