Athlon Sports Picks Houston to Finish Last in Big 12 Under New Head Coach Willie Fritz

The Houston Cougars struggled in their first year in the Big 12 Conference, going 4-8 overall and 2-7 in Big 12 play, finishing 13th out of 14 teams.

Athlon Sports doesn’t think things will improve much under first-year head coach Willie Fritz in 2024 after Dana Holgorsen was fired following last season’s debacle, picking Houston to finish last in its 2024 Big 12 preseason rankings.

Oddly enough, Athlon didn’t really explain why they chose to finish last.

From Athlon: “Houston fired Dana Holgorsen after five seasons and is ready to begin a new era under Willie Fritz. The Cougars won two conference games last season and return starting quarterback Donovan Smith. Smith threw for 2,801 yards with 22 touchdowns against 13 interceptions in 2023. He also ran for 428 yards and six touchdowns, but limiting turnovers will be a key factor this season.”

Houston opens the season Aug. 31 at home against UNLV.

Another play by Robert Brewer on Herkie Walls, this time with a pump fake and a long bomb for 67 yards and the TD on the way to giving Houston its worst loss to date.
Houston Cougars vs Texas Longhorns
November 6, 1982 pic.twitter.com/Yvt4FvirCu

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