Fans discontented with the Cougars’ home opener should take a step back.
The University of Houston’s football program is undergoing a transition under new head coach Willie Fritz, who is recognized for reviving struggling teams. He faces a challenging task in restoring UH’s football legacy. The season opener against UNLV was a tough start, with the Cougars losing 27-7 in front of a small crowd at TDECU Stadium—a score reminiscent of their initial loss to UTSA a decade ago.
Fritz acknowledged the team’s disappointing performance, pointing fingers at his coaching decisions, the staff’s preparation, and the players’ execution. Quarterback Donovan Smith faced constant pressure, completing only 15 of 30 passes for 135 yards, with two interceptions. The offensive line, missing four starters from last season, struggled significantly, leading to Smith being sacked five times. UH’s offense was ineffective, converting only 2 of 15 third downs and totaling just 259 yards.
Despite the rough start, there were some positives, like A.J. Haulcy’s interception and a late touchdown that prevented a shutout. Fritz emphasizes the mantra, “Coogs don’t beat the Coogs,” underlining his focus on discipline and reducing self-imposed errors—an area where the Cougars struggled against UNLV due to penalties, missed assignments, and poor protection for Smith.
Fritz’s comments after the game showed his commitment to improvement, stressing the importance of accountability and enhanced performance from both coaches and players.
As the Cougars gear up for a challenging schedule, including a matchup against No. 16 Oklahoma, patience will be essential. Fritz’s history indicates he can turn the program around, but fans should prepare for some bumps along the way. For now, it’s all about learning from mistakes and working towards a brighter future.
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