Houston Cougars

Houston Cougars defense, running game problems persist in loss

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Houston Cougars’ defense continues its horrendous three-game stretch, while the run game is still too reliant on Greg Ward Jr’s success.

Tom Herman and the Houston Cougars’ football program ended its January bowl hopes with a 38-16 loss to SMU Saturday.

A season beginning with high hopes is now middling in the American Athletic Conference. The Cougars’ biggest problems stem from a struggling defense and unbalanced offense. On defense, they’ve hit a rough patch that started with a significant injury to pass rusher Tyus Bowser. In a conference like the American, teams must stay healthy on defense. The SMU Mustangs are certainly a better squad, but they are still an improving cellar dweller.

The Houston Cougars should not be losing by 22 to a rebuilding squad. However, in the last three weeks the Cougars defense is hemorrhaging yards. They’ve allowed 420 yards per game during this stretch. The biggest reason is the injury to Bowser. He’s missed four games and is still in the top five on the team in tackles for loss (5.0) and second in sacks with (3.5). Bowser and Steven Taylor are dominant, defensive cornerstones.

When both are healthy they terrorize backfields (see wins over Oklahoma and Florida State). Without one, it can cause less pressure on the passing and run game. Yesterday, it was clearly evident they couldn’t cause pressure in the backfield. Houston compiled zero sacks and just two quarterback hurries all day. SMU freshman quarterback Ben Hicks comfortably threw for 228 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions in the win.

Give Greg Ward help

It’s not a bad thing that Ward leads the Cougars in rushing. For example, last season he led the team in rushing as they averaged 236.3 yards per game and nearly five yards per carry. It was ok because running back Kenneth Farrow and Houston’s offensive line showed up to play every week. The running game carried a lot productive depth in 2015, but 2016 has been a much different story.

Duke Catalon, Dillion Birden and Mbullah Car haven’t quite found their way this season. They’ve combined to rush for just 675 yards at 4.2 yards per carry in eight games. The Cougars’ offensive line is certainly a cause for concern. Injuries and inconsistent play on the line have led to a 100-yard drought by the Cougars running backs since week two against FCS Lamar.

Ward’s play making ability on the ground is the only consistent running threat, but he can’t even find time to throw right now. The Mustangs sacked Ward six times yesterday and made life difficult. Part of that is due to him scrambling around in the pocket, but also its the offensive line suffering injuries. Will Noble, Na’Ty Rodgers and Marcus Oliver have all missed time this season.

Once the offensive line becomes healthier, they’ll be able to bolster the running game. Until then, the Cougars need a playmaker to show up at running back. This offense cannot be carried on one man’s shoulders. He’s averaging 47.38 offensive plays per game. At just 185-pounds he can’t take a beating like this for too long.