Introduction to the Big 12 Opener
The University of Houston’s football team, led by Coach Willie Fritz, has been making waves in the Big 12 conference. Despite being overlooked by national media, the Cougars have been proving themselves to be a force to be reckoned with. In their recent game against Colorado, they showed the world what they’re capable of, rolling over the Buffaloes 36-20.
The Underdog Story
The Cougars’ victory was all the more impressive given that they were largely ignored by the media in the lead-up to the game. As running back Dean Connors noted, "I was sitting with (running back) Zane Smith in the hotel today and we were watching the Pat McAfee Show and our game came up and not a word was said about Houston. I kind of looked at (Zane) and said, ‘That’s motivating.’" This lack of attention only seemed to fuel the team’s determination to prove themselves.
Conner Weigman: The Game-Changer
Conner Weigman, the Cougars’ quarterback, was instrumental in the team’s victory. Weigman, a transfer from Texas A&M, ran for 95 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries, showcasing his speed and toughness. His performance was all the more impressive given that he was playing against a team that had been hyped up by the media. As Weigman himself said, "I’ve been doing that since high school, I promise." His ability to make plays with his legs was a key factor in the Cougars’ win.
The Coaching Staff’s Strategy
The Cougars’ coaching staff, led by Willie Fritz, made some savvy decisions that paid off on the field. They recognized that Colorado’s defense was vulnerable to quarterback runs, having been torn apart by Georgia Tech’s Haynes King in their previous game. As a result, they decided to let Weigman loose, and he responded with a series of impressive plays. The staff’s ability to adapt and make adjustments was a key factor in the team’s success.
The Defense’s Dominance
The Cougars’ defense was also impressive, with nose tackle Carlos Allen leading the charge. Allen, who was taken down by a cramp after the game, said, "I think it’s very underrated honestly… I think we’ve got a super defense this year." The defense’s physicality and dominance were on full display, with Allen and his teammates making play after play to shut down the Buffaloes’ offense.
Image Making vs. Reality
Despite the Buffaloes’ flashy social media presence and hyped-up coaching staff, the Cougars showed that they are the real deal. As the article notes, "Colorado will restrict its postgame press conference to 30 reporters picked by its SID… but all the image shaping in the world cannot change reality." The Cougars’ win was a testament to the fact that substance beats style any day.
Conclusion
The University of Houston’s victory over Colorado was a statement win for the program. Despite being overlooked by the media, the Cougars proved themselves to be a force to be reckoned with in the Big 12 conference. With Conner Weigman leading the charge and a dominant defense, the team is looking to make some noise in the conference. As Coach Willie Fritz said, "It’s a big, big game for our program." The Cougars are quietly building their own unique version of college football paradise, and it’s going to be exciting to see what they do next.
