STORYLINES
Houston coach Tom Herman is in his first year on the Cougar sideline after he helped Ohio State to the 2014 College Football Playoff National Championship as the Buckeyes' offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
The Cougars closed last season by beating Pittsburgh, 35-34, in the Armed Forces Bowl. Houston trailed 34-13 with less than four minutes left before scoring three touchdowns and recovering two onside kicks.
OFFENSE
QB Greg Ward Jr. went 6-2 as Houston's starting signal-caller last season. Ward completed 67.