Cougars aim to reverse fortunes in 2011

Due to unforeseen circumstances, UH failed to deliver on its high expectations in 2010.

One year later, those same lofty expectations remain intact, but after finishing 5-7 (4-4 Conference USA) words like rebuilding are not being used when describing the 2011 season.

The Cougars will field an experienced squad with 19 seniors. Numerous players sidelined by injuries in 2010 are seeking redemption — particularly one returning Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback.

“In a lot of ways it’s an interesting year,” head coach Kevin Sumlin said. “We’ve got a couple guys with new leases on life. A lot of those guys have played in some big ball games and have experienced some big-time success and some hard times last year.”

UH was picked to win in the C-USA West Division in the Tulsa World preseason media poll, receiving 12 out of 24 first-place votes. Sumlin said he gladly welcomes any buzz for the Cougars.

“To me that’s what you want,” Sumlin said. “I’d rather be in a situation where people expect a lot out of you. Where fans want to win every game and where there’s some preseason hype, instead of being in a place where no one really cares. Our players and our coaches have to understand that and embrace that.

“We sold out five of six home games last year, for the first time in a while — we’re looking to sell them all out this year.”

The Cougars are expected to bounce back in large part to the return of senior quarterback Case Keenum. After suffering a season-ending knee injury in the third game of the 2010 season, the NCAA granted Keenum a sixth year of eligibility, allowing a second take for his final season.

His rehab has progressed smoothly and he is expected to return and start in the season opener Sept. 3 against UCLA.

“Case is on track and is on schedule,” Sumlin said. “I expect there to be some soreness, because it hasn’t been a complete year. We’re going to be smart with how we do things. We’re going to move him along, but it’s going to take him some reps.”

Change of pace

In the Cougars’ past three home openers they were heavily favored, and won by margins of 52 against Southern, 48 over Northwestern State and 40 versus Texas State.

This season, the Cougars start with one of the most difficult teams on their schedule — UCLA.

In the past two years UH played Big 12 South schools Oklahoma State once and Texas Tech twice, and went 2-1. The Cougars beat SEC opponent Mississippi State in 2009 and lost in 2010.

This is the second game of a three-season arrangement with UCLA,The Bruins will be the only team from a BCS conference on the schedule.

“It’s a great test out of the chute,” Sumlin said. “I’m not much for coach speak stuff, but it’s an important game because it’s the first game. Whether you win or lose a game the year before has nothing to do with next year. There’s different players on the field and sometimes different coaches.”

Sumlin said he understands why some may consider UCLA a revenge game, but last season is a bygone.

“For the fans they’ll carry grudges and resentment, but as a coach it’s the most important game of the year because it’s the first game,” he said. “Whether we win or lose that game we have 11 more.”

Given the disappointing nature of the sports circuit in Houston, the Cougars have an opportunity to make Robertson Stadium a source of entertainment that the city can root for.

“We’ve got to put the right product on the field that will make our alums, students and the city of Houston proud,” Sumlin said. “Houston supports a winner. If we can continue to build on some success from a couple of years ago, and get back to where we were, I think the sky is the limit for us. I’d rather have it that way than walking out and no one being at the game, and people not caring about what’s going on.”