Houston: Houston’s prospects seemed dimmer after it lost coach Tom Herman to Texas last winter, but a look up and down the roster gives more than a glimmer of hope. Defensive tackle Ed Oliver may be the best defender in the nation, and new quarterback Kyle Allen, a Texas A&M transfer, was once one of the top recruits in the country at his position. Still, Houston’s depth is somewhat suspect, and even Allen isn’t really a known quantity. With a schedule that lacks a big-name nonconference opponent, the Cougars look like they certainly have a chance to rise to the top of their conference, but it seems unlikely they’ll go much further barring every uncertainty on the roster breaking Houston’s way.