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2009 Houston College Football Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd on June 24, 2009

houston 62409 Houston head coach Kevin Sumlin has stated very simply that his goal is to win the Conference USA West Division. He has the offense to do it, but will a defense that ranked 100th in the country in yards allowed keep the Cougars from achieving their goal? Get the answer in this 2009 college football betting preview. Our readers are eligible for a special $500 match bonus at BetUS!

Offense – The Houston Cougars boasted one of the most prolific offenses in all of college football in 2008, scoring 40.6 points per game (10th nationally) and gaining 562.8 yards per game (2nd nationally). With the nation’s 2008 total offense leader, Case Keenum, back under center, there’s no reason to suspect the Cougars won’t terrorize opposing defenses again. As I already mentioned, Keenum led the nation with a 403.2 total yards per game average last season. He passed for a ridiculous 5,020 yards and 44 touchdowns against only 11 interceptions. Keenum’s numbers should continue to wow with a talented receiving corps returning, led by sophomore Tyron Carrier. Carrier caught 80 passes for 1,026 yards and nine touchdowns last season. The running game is in good hands as well with sophomore Bryce Beall. He set Houston freshman running back records for both yards (1,247) and touchdowns (13). And the questions there were concerning the offensive line were likely answered when head coach Kevin Sumlin landed juco transfers Roy Watts and Jarve Dean.

Defense – Caoch Sumlin has stated that his goal is to win the West and he knows that his defense is going to have to perform much better if he hopes to accomplish it. The Cougars ranked 91st or worse in the country in scoring, rushing, passing, and total defense, including 100th in total defense (413.5 yards per game). While a strong recruiting class is sure to improve most areas of the defense, the Cougars still figure to be weak in the trenches. The defensive line lacks experience and depth. Defensive end Tyrell Graham and tackle David Hunter are the players to watch for up front.

The linebacker unit is led by sophomore Marcus McGraw. He played every down as a true freshman and led the team with 103 tackles. This unit can catch a major boost if senior Matt Nicholson can fully recover from a knee injury to crack the starting lineup.

Sumlin has gone the junior college route to bring in quality players in his secondary. He looks for juco transfer Devin Mays to emerge as one of the best cover corners in the league and for fellow juco transfer Jacky Candy to provide depth at safety. Getting Jackie Hinton back healthy from a shoulder injury should bolster this unit as well.

Prediction: 1st Conference USA West – I believe the Houston Cougars will surpass Tulsa as the most prolific offense in Conference USA and in the country this season behind QB Case Keenum. The defense still has issues up front, but it should be improved enough to bring home a West Division Championship. Bet Conference USA football at BetUS and get up to 145% in sign up bonuses!

Beat the football odds in 2009 with the help of Jimmy Boyd’s NCAA football picks.

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