However, diving a little deeper, the two units weren’t all that different. Army surrendered 5.73 yards per play, which ranked 69th in the country, while Houston allowed 5.74 yards on average (74th). Also, the Cougars were actually significantly better as a unit in terms of pass efficiency defense, ranking 60th (128.8) — a full 20 spots higher than the Black Knights (135.7, 80th). Bateman’s unit had the benefit of Army’s methodical, ground-based offense eating up the clock as well as the number of possessions for each opponent (Army leads the nation in time of possession at 38:51 per game), while the Cougars operate in a fast-paced and prolific offense that ranked 129th nationally in time of possession (25:04). Houston also dealt with several key injuries, including to All-American Ed Oliver, who missed several games and will sit out the bowl to concentrate on the NFL draft.
OH look, a writer talking about how our defense isn’t as bad as everyone thinks and is actually better than Army’s… hmmmmmm.
Wish we actually had our DL for this game. We would crush them.
Houston couldn’t quite hold on for the cover as a nine-point dog against Memphis but is still an amazing 14-1-1 ATS its last 16 times out as an underdog on the betting line. The Cougars also scored at least 31 points every game this season and hit the 40-point mark 10 times.
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl: Houston vs. Army While TCU waits to play in the Cheez-It Bowl in Phoenix next Wednesday, you can get one final local taste of college football for the year courtesy of the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl at Amon G. Carter Stadium. The Houston Cougars, making their fifth appearance in the bowl game, will face off against the Army West Point Golden Knights, the defending champions who are making their third appearance.
Other than perhaps King, no player benefited more from an offensive coordinator change than Stevenson. The Shreveport sophomore went from 36 yards receiving to an inch away from the 1,000-yard mark. Stevenson accumulated 100 receiving yards in five games, and posted 11 all-purpose touchdowns.
After reading previews of this game, listening to the Scott and Holman Pawdcast Preview, and considering my own thoughts, I would be very surprised if we win this game.
A look at this game from our perspective…
We are still out our entire starting defensive line and a slew of other defensive positions against a run-it-up-the-middle football team
We are starting a true freshman quarterback
We have severely struggled in recent games with the injuries
From the Army perspective…
They have won eight games in a row and haven’t lost since Oklahoma
Their best player is their fullback, kryptonite against a depleted defensive line
Their QB can pass efffectively, so if you sell out against the run, they can legitimately burn you over the top
They have the chance to be the first Army team to win 11 games in their long, illustrious history, so you better believe they are motivated (I am not saying we aren’t motivated, just that they have extra motivation to make this season ender special)
They thrive on time of possession, we don’t have the defensive depth to deal with that
This Army team will be very motivated; a chance at 11 wins and a third straight bowl win. Having saying that, their eight wins in a row were against very poor competition, their best win included one of the worst Navy teams in recent history, so… I believe even Houston would have gone undefeated against those same teams Army played. It is a really bad schedule, but even acknowledging that, Army presents a difficult match up.
If we can’t stop their run up the middle, this will be a very painful game to watch. Who here wants to watch 7-10 minute drives where Army will just pound the ball between the tackles, where our defense is completely unable to stop them? As much as I hate to say it and as much as I want to see us win a bowl game after two straight bowl losses and as much as I want CMA to get his first bowl win as a HC, I see us significantly struggling with this Army team.
Why would there be a meltdown on Coogfans when most seem to agree that this game is a meaningless exhibition not worth risking injury for future NFL players? I know there will be a meltdown if they lose but I hope those complaining about Major going 0-3 in bowl games are not those onboard with players missing a “meaningless” game.
I don’t like the Coogs’ chances in this one. Injuries, absences, interim DC and up-in-the-air OC / OL coaches for the Coogs and playing against a very disciplined, motivated Army squad – will be a tough battle much like the SDSU game.
We also have the option to put some guys that play Guard at DT. We don’t want to set 230 pound Willie Smith up to fail. Just tell them to hold the point of attack like they do on offense.
