T-Row's Top 25...No. 19 Houston

Originally Published: Aug 11, 2010 6:38 PM CDT

Two words...Case Keenum.

His 2009 numbers are almost laughable. 5,671 yards passing and 44 touchdowns. He enters 2010 as an unquestioned Heisman contender. And the Houston gunslinger has plenty of help around him on the Cougars offense this year.

James Cleveland, Tyron Carrier and Patrick Edwards all tallied over 1,000 yards receiving last season. They combine to form one of the top receiving corps in America. And ball carriers Charles Sims and Bryce Beal look to add to explosive campaigns a year ago. The question for the Houston offense is whether new offensive coordinator Jason Phillips can keep the train on the tracks that Dana Holgorsen had it on. Holgorsen has moved on to become the OC at Oklahoma State.

Head Coach Kevin Sumlin also has a new defensive coordinator. Former Dallas Cowboys DC Brian Stewart takes over a Cougars defense that has been below average. They give up a lot of points, but they score more. Houston ranked 111th in the nation in defense last season. Linebacker Marcus McGraw is their best player, but dont expect Houston to be a defensive juggernaut anytime soon.

I think Houston runs through Conference USA, but will drop both of their big non-conference road games at UCLA and at Texas Tech to end the season.

Prediction: 10-2