Homecoming Week & MBB Ranked #2 in Preseason
BY GARRETT ROSS | 365 Sports
The Coogs handled business in Stillwater this past weekend, throttling Oklahoma State 39-17. Despite being in concussion protocol for the entire week, quarterback Conner Weigman got the nod against the Pokes and threw for 306 yards and two touchdowns, while adding another touchdown with his legs.
Head coach Willie Fritz was pleased with the resolve of Weigman and how the team responded in preparation with their leader’s status for the game uncertain.
“Well, he felt great. Anytime there’s an issue or problem, that’s that first step in how you do things. He probably could have practiced the whole week, but we got him into protocol, and we kind of went through it, and he felt fantastic,” stated Fritz. “He came out and played a fantastic game, so I’m really proud of him and how he handled the week and how the rest of the players handled the week as well.”
Special teams played a key role once again for Houston against the Pokes. Ethan Sanchez drilled four field goals and three extra points against Oklahoma State and was named Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance.
Fritz spoke on how much of a luxury it is to have a kicker like Sanchez.
“It’s massive. We talk about the magic 30 yard line, when we get inside the 30 yard line we feel really good about coming away with points, can’t have any minus play when we get inside the 30. Plus, he can extend his range a little bit further than that,” said Fritz. “That’s the reason why we got him, he was great at his previous institution and I think he’s 14-of-16 here, with a 47-yarder and a 50-yarder with maybe his as his misses I’m guessing and he almost hit one of those. He’s an elite field goal, extra point guy. Does a great job with it.”
Houston (5-1, 2-1) is now one win away from bowl eligibility with an opportunity to clinch on homecoming against Arizona (4-2, 1-2) this Saturday. The Wildcats blew an opportunity to upset BYU last weekend, but are still a salty opponent that can pose some challenges for the Coogs.
“Well, you think they throw the ball all over the place. They have got a great quarterback, they really do. We played against them last season, but they’ve got an outstanding run game. I got to watch the game last week, we got home early enough I was able to watch them play, plus they had a rain delay, which I guess that game probably took five hours from beginning to end with the delay in there, but they really have a dynamic running attack as well,” said Fritz. Defensively, in their front they just do a lot of stuff. Not quite as complex on the back end but on the front end they do a lot of stuff, even, odd, second level, dropping guys. It’s a different defense than we’ve seen so far this year, different style.”
The 11:00 a.m. kickoff benefits Houston a little, as that will be a 9:00 a.m. local start for Arizona. You can watch the game on Fox Sports 1 (FS1).
Basketball Update
Kelvin Sampson and the Men’s Basketball team begin the season ranked No. 2 in the AP Poll behind No. 1 Purdue. The Coogs received 16 first-place votes, marking just the second time in program history (1967-68) to be ranked as high as No. 2 in the AP Poll.
It marks the 107th consecutive week the program has been ranked, which is the nation’s longest active streak. The Coogs open the season against Mississippi State at 6:30 p.m. in the Preview College Exhibition on October 26th at the Fort Bend Epicenter.