COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW: #70 HOUSTON

OFFENSE

There’s a lot of new in this year’s Houston offense. Gone are record-breaking quarterback Case Keenum, four starting receivers and two running backs. In Keenum’s place is sophomore David Piland, who started eight games in 2010 when Keenum tore his ACL. Piland gained the confidence of the new offensive coaching staff with his grasp of the Cougars’ Air Raid offense during spring ball.

Piland has one proven skill position player at his disposal. Charles Sims, now a junior, was Houston’s leading rusher a year ago (821 yards), and he also caught 51 passes for 575 yards. The offensive line returns four of five starters from a unit that allowed only 18 sacks in 682 pass attempts in 2011.

There will be four new faces at receiver; look for senior Ronnie Williams, junior Dewayne Peace and sophomore Daniel Spencer to grab starting spots and emerge as playmakers. All three played sparingly as backups a year ago.

READ MORE: http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/houston-2012