5 reasons Houston Cougars are national title contenders
By John Buhler
2. Greg Ward, Jr.
Houston’s best player is its Heisman hopeful quarterback Greg Ward, Jr. Ward is a dynamic dual-threat playmaker that fears no Division I defense. He came onto the scene last year predominantly with his legs, but has made serious strides in his pocket presence.
Ward was 23-of-40 for 321 yards and two passing touchdowns against the best defense the Big 12 has to offer in Bob Stoops’ Sooners. Though his 57.5 completion percentage wasn’t eye-popping, Ward did try to execute a few home run plays to test the Sooners defense.
He’s fearless and that is to the Cougars’ benefit going forward. Ward is growing as a leader in his senior season and could very well make it to the Heisman Trophy ceremony in New York City in early December.
Ward did undergo an MRI on his throwing shoulder after Week 1’s win over Oklahoma. Fortunately, it doesn’t seem like anything serious. As long as the Cougars have Ward playing at a high level at quarterback, Houston can hang with and beat any team in the country.
Next: 1. Tom Herman