Houston 49, SMU 28: What We Learned

[caption id="attachment_19294" align="alignright" width="300"]Photo by Diana Porter Photo by Diana Porter[/caption] How bout that Houston defense? That headline can’t be right! The offense has always run the show at Houston. That was not the case tonight. The defense turned around the Cougars’ fortunes, and slowed down the SMU attack. It forced three SMU fumbles, and nearly another in the second quarter. It was the game’s turning point because the Mustangs were in control prior to that point, with over 300 yards of offense in the first half, and 15 first downs. Houston’s offense was near-to-nothing until those turnovers, but you’re going to win most games when you own the turnover edge. The Cougars struck quickly, turning the final two into touchdown drives. Greg Ward directed a five play, 57 yard drive in the final minute to give the Cougars a 28-21 lead with two seconds left in the half. It was the team’s second touchdown in the final 2:18, and the team’s first lead of the game. Houston’s overwhelming offense. The Cougars' passing game and defense set up a splendid outing by the run game. Greg Ward Jr. was a near-perfect passer on Thursday night, finishing the game 16-18 for 243 yards. He connected with Demarcus Ayres, a top season target, on seven receptions for 91 yards. It was Ward’s first game with less than a hundred rushing yards this season, but he scored four times on the ground. Kenneth Farrow was predominately used in goal line situations, but added three scores. They helped the Cougars pull away in the second half. Another quick start, another loss. As they say, “It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.” SMU has scored on its opening drive in four of its five losses. The offensive line does not buy Matt Davis much time after the first quarter, so he hurries his throws, or is sacked in a hurry. It's no wonder the Mustangs go through dry spells every game. They allowed 42 unanswered last week, and 35 tonight.