Arizona Football ready for Week Two Match-up of Houston Cougars

Already into week two of the 2017 Arizona Football season, the Wildcats look ahead to the talented, visiting Houston Cougars.

While last week was very much a tune-up game, and a chance for the youngins to get their nerves out, week two will be a much bigger test for Arizona Football. This Saturday, Arizona hosts Houston here in Tucson.

Fresh off a nine-win season, and finally opening their 2017 season, the Cougars come into this one with a good chance to knock off Arizona. Sophomore defensive lineman Ed Oliver, took the NCAA by storm last year, and likely leads a strong and talented defense coming into this game.

More from Wildcats Football

• Arizona Football begins Conference play against Stanford
• Arizona Football starts slow but runs away from UTEP
• How Wildcats Fans Can Claim $200 INSTANT Bonus at BetMGM Betting $10 Right Now
• Costly Mistakes doom Arizona Football in loss to Mississippi State
• How can Arizona Football beat Mississippi State on the road?

Game two of the 2017 season is near, and it’ll be a tough one. This game will also likely tell us fans a lot about what kind of team we have.

The game versus Northern Arizona went without much a hitch, as the Wildcats ran over the visiting Lumberjacks, enroute to a 62-24 thrashing.

Against the Cougars, Arizona will have to execute much better, especially in the passing game. The Cougars had a very good defense last season, ranking 13th overall, with a run defense ranking fourth overall. Certainly not a favorable match-ups perhaps, as the Wildcats still try to find a more balanced offensive attack.

The Cougars of course return the talented Oliver who will undoubtedly anchor that defensive line, and he will likely create havoc in the Wildcats backfield.

Perhaps the silver lining for Arizona? Former head coach Tom Herman is now at Texas, and the Cougars will be playing their first game of the season on the road, with a young coach, and young quarterback.

Houston of course had to delay their season as Hurricane Harvey devastated their city, just days ahead of their season opener that has now been postponed.

The University of Arizona has of course reached out in support.

So what should we expect from Houston?

A talented and hungry team, ready to kick-off their season. Houston has fared well against Power-Five opponents as of recent, and they will likely be ready to go in this one!

Know Thy Foe:

Houston (0-0)

Conference: American Athletic Conference (AAC)

2016 Record: (9-4); lost 34-10 to San Diego State in the Las Vegas Bowl

Head Coach: Major Applewhite (0-1)

Key Returners/ Starters: Ed Oliver, the entire offensive line, Linebacker Matthew Adams, Safety Khalil Williams, former four-star recruit, and Texas A&M QB Kyle Allen, Steven Dunbar, Linell Bonner.

Game Information:

When: Saturday, September 9th, 2017

Time: 7:30 PM MST

Where: Arizona Stadium (Tucson, AZ)

Spread: +1 Arizona

Overall Series Record: 1-1, Arizona won the last match-up 37-3 in 1986.

Our Prediction: Arizona 34 Houston 30. New QB on in his first collegiate game on the road? Sounds like some tough obstacles to overcome in this one! Arizona edges Houston in a thrilling game, and just outlasts the Cougars!

As for head coach Rich Rodriguez, he’s ready for the team to Bear Down this weekend.

Must Read: More on Arizona Football

At Zona Zealots, we are excited for the Wildcats to take the field once again. This week will be tough, but we are certain Arizona will put up a fight! Bear Down, Arizona!