Longhorns vs. Cougars Week 8: Offensive Players To Watch

Houston's offense has seen its highs and lows in its first season as members of the Big 12

Although it held a Group of Five title for nearly three decades, Houston football has always carried itself with a Power 5 pedigree.

Following the end of the Southwest Conference in 1996, Houston and TCU were left to fend for themselves while the four other primary Texas-based schools joined forces with Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and several Big Eight programs to form the Big 12. Bitter at the news, the Cougars festered while biding their time through tenures in Conference USA and The American Athletic Conference.

Twenty-seven years later, the wait is finally over. The Cougars are now members of the Big 12 and could be one of the conference's top programs in time. Maybe 2023 won't be the season where it all comes together, but the city is filled with four and five-star talent looking to stay close to home.

Texas heads 165 miles southeast of Austin to play Houston for just the fourth time this century. It also marks the final matchup these two will meet since the Longhorns depart for the SEC in 2024.

Despite losing to Oklahoma in the Red River Showdown, Texas remains a favorite to win the conference title. Odds improved in favor of the Longhorns after Houston pulled off the last-second upset over West Virginia with a hail mary pass from Donovan Smith.

Last season, Houston (3-3, 1-2 Big 12) ranked 16th nationally in scoring (36.1 points per game) and 25th in total offense. That hasn't been the case through six games. Houston's averaging 10 fewer points per contest and nearly 50 fewer yards.

Of course, that was a problem last week against the Mountaineers and nothing came of it. Will that be the case against the Horns?

Follow along with LonghornsCountry.com as we preview every aspect of Texas' matchup with the Cougars throughout the week. First, here's a quick overview of the essential things to know before kickoff at TDECU Stadium come Oct. 21.

Houston's quarterback Donovan Smith (1) gestures at a receiver during the Big 12 football game against Texas Tech, Saturday, Sept, 30, 2023, at Jones AT&T Stadium :: Annie Rice/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

QB Donovan Smith

While many contemplated if Smith was the right option at the start of the season, he's proven to be the go-to name through six games. Smith, a transfer from Texas Tech, has completed 66.2 percent of his throws for 1,600 yards and 13 touchdowns against three interceptions.

What's really helped elevate Smith's game is his mobility. He's averaging 2.9 yards per run but has scored four times in the red zone with his legs. In his past two games, the Las Vegas native has also totaled nine touchdowns against zero interceptions.

RB Parker Jenkins

As a whole, the run game has been anemic at the Bayou City. Still, the 5-11 freshman who elected to stay home for school has been serviceable when given lead reps. Jenkins is averaging 5.1 yards per carry, though most of his success came in a 38-7 win over Sam Houston.

RB Stacy Sneed

Much like Jenkins, Sneed's reps are limited in Holgorsen's more Air Raid offense, but he's been effective when given the chance. His 5.6 yards per attempt lead Houston, and his 206 rushing yards are a nice add, but he's been hit-or-miss most of the year.

WR Samuel Brown

College football's most productive receiver resided in Houston last season and will remain there in 2023. The difference? Tank Dell now be catching passes from C.J. Stroud as a member of the Texans just up Interstate 610.

Brown, a transfer from West Virginia, is putting together a similar story to that of Dell. He's averaging 14.8 yards per reception and leads the Cougars with 37 catches.