Q: How different is the offense under David Piland as opposed to Case Keenum?

The Cougars don’t attack defenses with the deep ball as much this season and the attack is more balanced, but otherwise there is not much of a difference. Sophomore quarterback David Piland is fifth in passing yardage in the NCAA. The Air Raid Offense is still humming along. The tempo and rhythm is the same.

Q: What has Tony Levine changed since Kevin Sumlin moved on to Texas A&M?

Most notably, the defense. UH switched from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defensive scheme in the offseason. The defense struggled early but has picked it up of late.

Q: With the No. 6 ranked passing offense, how has Charles Sims been utilized this season?

Head coach Tony Levine has repeatedly stated that he wanted to get junior running back Charles Sims at least 25 touches per game. UH hits Sims out of the backfield on designed runs. UH really utilizes Sims in the third quarter of games when defenses may be worn down by the tempo. In the past three games Sims has done considerable damage in the third periods.

Q: Is the Cougar defense a threat to stop Zach Line?

Line is a great player and will make plays but UH has a chance to slow him down. The Cougars have linebacking corp., specifically Phillip Steward and Derrick Mathews are always in the opponents backfield. With corners the team trusts in Zac McMillian and D.J. Hayden and a struggling Garrett Gilbert, UH will probably keep a safety in the box for most of the game.

Q: How did Levine right the ship after the 0-3 start?

He made changes and the team got healthy. After the loss to Texas State in the first game, the offensive coordinator resigned. Levine began starting freshman Trevon Stewart at safety, a position he had never played before week three against UCLA. Since the defense has improved each week. The team has featured Sims more this season.