The Coogs will be looking for Quarterback Kyle Allen to continue his hot start to his season. Allen went 31/33 for 309 yards and 2 touchdowns. The key stat for Allen and this Houston Passing Attack is that Allen had 0 turnovers. Houston should be able to exploit Tech’s soft Passing defense that has allowed 273 yards per game to start this season. The Rushing Attack for Houston will be looking to improve its play. Running Backs Duke Catalon and Dillon Birden will most likely be splitting carries for a backfield that has averaged 144 yards a game to start the season. This Cougars offense has gotten off to a Red hot start this season and Tech Coach Kliff Kingsbury has never been known for the play of his defense, so I don’t see a decline coming this week for this Cougars offense.
Texas Tech is coming in off of a tight win against Arizona State 52-45. Quarterback Nic Shimonek threw 6 touchdowns while throwing for a mind-blowing 543 yards. Wide Receivers Keke Coutee (the country’s leading Wide Receiver) and Dylan Cantrell will be Shimonek’s main targets in the passing game if the Coogs allow this offense to get in a good rhythm. This weekend could be a different story for the Red Raiders though, as Houston has limited their opponent’s Quarterbacks to an average of 166 yards through the air. Though this will be the toughest test so far for this Coogs defense, I don’t expect to see anything different from this defense. Mainly because of the Houston Pass Rush. Guys like Ed Oliver Jr., Khalil Williams, and Matthew Adams will put a lot of pressure on that Offensive Line and force Shimonek to have to get the ball out early.
At Head Coach Major Applewhite’s weekly press conference this week, Major acknowledged the passing attack saying, “The tradition continues. They can put a lot of points on the board. They also have very explosive Receivers”. Another thing that Applewhite mentioned that caught my attention was when asked about the Wide Receivers of Tech Major said, “They play great in space. Very confident football players. Great change in direction. Hard to tackle in space”.
This week will for sure be the Coogs toughest contest so far to start the season, but I don’t see Tech having another 52-point outburst. If this game echoes the stats, Houston should hold this offense down and continue their Red Hot start to the season leading into their first American Conference game next week against Temple. Coogs roll 45-24.
