The Houston Cougars’ hopes for a successful season in the Big 12 Conference and a potential berth in the College Football Playoff (CFP) suffered a significant setback with a 45-35 loss to West Virginia on Saturday. This game marked a notable victory for West Virginia, led by head coach Rich Rodriguez, as they achieved a much-needed win on the road, complicating Houston’s path in the conference standings.
Houston entered the matchup with momentum, having recently upset Arizona State. Prior to facing West Virginia, the Cougars appeared to be in a strong position for the Big 12 championship game, trailing only three teams: Cincinnati, BYU, and Texas Tech. With a favorable schedule ahead, Houston had hoped to navigate their way to the top.
However, Saturday’s defeat exposed vulnerabilities in Houston’s defense, particularly against the West Virginia running game. The Mountaineers amassed a staggering 246 yards on the ground, while Houston’s offense struggled, committing four turnovers and failing to generate any takeaways. This performance not only dashed their immediate aspirations but also raised questions about their ability to recover in the remaining weeks of the season.
Despite the disappointing result, the Cougars still have a chance to finish the season on a high note. Under head coach Willie Fritz, the program aims to improve upon their prior back-to-back seasons of 4-8. Even with Saturday’s loss, Houston is still in contention to achieve ten regular-season victories for just the second time in the last decade.
The implications of this loss extend beyond the immediate standings. As the season progresses, the Cougars will need to refocus and address the issues that led to their defeat against West Virginia. While their playoff hopes may have dimmed, a strong finish could still redefine their season and set the stage for future success in the Big 12 Conference.
Looking ahead, Houston must capitalize on their remaining schedule and learn from this setback. With the conference landscape remaining competitive, the Cougars’ resilience will be tested as they strive to reclaim their position as contenders in the league.
