The Cougars’ preseason ranking, per Bill Connelly’s S&P+, was 49. Bill’s preseason preview does a great job of showing exactly why Houston is going to be dangerous. Houston quarterback Kyle Allen is a former five-star recruit. Senior wider receiver Linell Bonner is on the 2017 Biletnikoff Award Watch List after finishing fifth in the nation in receptions last season. And sophomore (?!?!) defensive lineman Ed Oliver is arguably the best college football player in the country.
For reference, the Wildcats’ preseason S&P+ ranking was 68. Houston is simply more talented than Arizona. This is a problem.