Despite only having a 3–3 record, Houston’s only conference win occurred last week in a huge upset against West Virginia. The game ended 41-39 with an impressive showing by the Cougar offense, which may prove to test the Longhorn defense. Strolling into their home stadium on Saturday, Houston looks to build off their momentum and chemistry as an offense, utilizing these key players:

Donovan Smith

In his first season at Houston, quarterback and Texas Tech transfer Donovan Smith has started to figure out how the program wants him to play. Smith has cut down his turnovers, giving him a 13:3 touchdown-interception ratio. Throughout his collegiate career, Smith has been fairly consistent with his completion rate, keeping it at 66.2% for the past two years. In his passing game, Smith’s comfort zone lies in short or intermediate routes. However, Texas’ defense will need to watch out for Smith rushing as he averages 10 carries per game with four touchdowns. 

Samuel Brown 

Leading the Cougars in receptions and yardage, Samuel Brown is a target for Smith’s intermediate passes. Brown spent his 2020-21 season at West Virginia before transferring to Houston, where he made seven starts and was second on the team for receptions. This season, Brown has received a total of 549 yards, running an average of 14.8 yards per catch. 

Patrick Paul

Providing coverage for Smith to rush or look downfield to pass, left tackle Patrick Paul is a player to look out for on the offensive line. He shouldn’t be too hard to spot, standing at 6-feet-7-inches and 315 lbs, Paul is a force to be reckoned with on the offensive line. Paul’s presence on the field led him to become Houston’s team captain as a sophomore and has continued to hold the position as a junior. This will most likely be his last year with Houston, as Paul is ranked No. 8 for the 2024 NFL Draft by Pro Football Focus. 

Matthew Golden

Another one of Houston’s wide receivers, Matthew Golden has been a key component of Houston’s offense when he is not injured. In the game against West Virginia, Golden missed the second half of the game with a groin injury. However, he is predicted to be back to play against Texas. Only in his sophomore year, Golden has shown potential for growth in the program and was an honorable mention in the Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Best Returning Wide Receivers. Golden is a target for Smith’s screens and has received 295 yards this season.