Coogs Look to Bounce Back Against Pokes in Stillwater

BY GARRETT ROSS | 365 Sports

There were no surprises in Houston’s 35-11 loss against No. 9 Texas Tech on Saturday. The Coogs entered the game outmatched in the trenches and with serious concerns about whether they had the offensive firepower to score against the Red Raiders’ defense, both of which were quickly answered.
 
One of the biggest concerns I had heading into the game was the ability of the offensive line to keep Conner Weigman healthy against a dominant Texas Tech defense. Unfortunately, the answer to that question was no. Weigman was sacked with around six minutes remaining in the second quarter, while attempting to convert a fourth-down attempt, and left the game.
 
In what could have been a really devastating blow for Houston’s season, Weigman is expected to return as soon as Saturday. Head coach Willie Fritz told the media on Monday that Weigman is in concussion protocol and is “trending” in the right direction to be available for Saturday’s game in Stillwater against Oklahoma State.
 
The Coogs’ offensive line was completely outmanned against the Red Raiders’ defensive front. Weigman and eventually Zeon Chriss were pressured on 65% of their dropbacks—the highest percent nationally for the week per PFF—running for their lives on 19-of-29 passing attempts.
 
As the focus shifts towards the Pokes, they also have quarterback issues of their own, as starter Zane Flores is battling an injury and is not expected to participate this week, according to interim head coach Doug Meacham. Don’t be surprised to see Houston slow-play Weigman and keep him out this week against Oklahoma State, riding with Criss instead. 
 
The Coogs were 16-point favorites against Oklahoma State when the opening lines dropped out in Las Vegas, and shouldn’t have much of a problem regardless of which quarterback gets the starting nod. Defense travels, and Houston’s defense is currently ranked 43rd nationally in overall defense, while Oklahoma State’s offense is dreadful and tied for 119th in overall offense nationally.
 
It will be Houston’s first trip to Stillwater since 2009, and the 22nd overall meeting between the two programs. Houston (4-1, 1-1) currently sits at 9th in the Big 12 standings, while the Pokes (1-4, 0-2) are sitting at No. 14. The folks at 247Sports have the Coogs ranked at 11th, while Oklahoma State is dead last at No. 16. 
 
The Coogs and Pokes are set to kick off at 11:00 a.m. from Boone Pickens Stadium, and the game will be nationally televised on TNT.