The Houston Cougars (4-0) look to ride the momentum from their 38-24 win over Tulsa back into TDECU stadium against the Southern Methodist University Mustangs. UH has not lost to SMU since the 2012 season (5-7) and they hope to continue this dominance. If quarterback Greg Ward Jr. and running back Kenneth Farrow can have a similar game as they did last year against SMU, the Cougars should go 5-0 for the first time since the 2013 season (8-5).
The Cougars routed SMU last year 35-9 due to a strong running offensive attack and big defensive stops on defense.
The Cougars started fast and never came off the throttle. They scored on their first offensive play from scrimmage – a 38 yard touchdown run by Greg Ward. The defense forced SMU to punt on five consecutive possessions.
In the second quarter, SMU would score on a safety as well as a 67 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matt Davis to Jeremiah Gaines. It would be SMU’s only reception over 10 yards.
The Cougar offense exploded in the third quarter, as they rushed for 3 touchdowns on 3 consecutive possessions. Two of the three were for over ten yards, both by running back Farrow. Ward scored on a 4 yard rushing touchdown.
Ward would score again on a 5 yard run in the fourth quarter.
Greg Ward Jr. passed for 144 yards as he spread the ball around to a few different receivers and completed over 60% of his passes (17-28-1). He was just as effective on the ground as he rushed for 93 yards and scored three touchdowns.
Kenneth Farrow would finish the game with 110 yards and two touchdowns which would become his fifth 100 yard rushing game on the season.
The Cougar defense forced nine punts and a fumble as they held the Mustangs to just nine points. SMU quarterback Matt Davis passed for 145 yards and a touchdown and also ran for 70 yards. The Mustangs’ running backs would only gain 13 yards.
The Cougars hope to create a similar result Thursday. No SMU running back has ran for 100+ yards all season, yet Matt Davis has ran for over 100 yards twice. If the cougars are to win, they will have to stop the run (from running backs and quarterbacks) and force SMU to try to beat them in the air.
Receiver Courtland Sutton is the only SMU receiver to go over 100 yards this season. He gained 115 yards against TCU and 137 yards against James Madison. Look for the Cougar secondary to try to force Davis to throw to other receivers.
UH will try to force more turnovers than last year’s game where they only forced one fumble. Matt Davis has only thrown two interceptions this season, but the Cougars have four interceptions in four games. The defense plan to be x-factor once again on Thursday night.
Fans should look forward to this game as it should showcase to fast paced offenses on the same field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Thursday on ESPN2.
