HOUSTON COUGARS were 65 seconds away from cutting down the nets last season. Can they finish the job in 2024-25?

PARKER AINSWORTH and CHRIS RAUGH break down Houston's championship aspirations after their heartbreaking national title loss, analyzing how returning starters MILOS UZAN, JOJO TUGLER, and top-ranked freshmen KINGSTON FLEMINGS and CHRIS CENAC make the Cougars even more dangerous this season. The duo examines whether Houston's elite defensive identity under legendary coach KELVIN SAMPSON can finally deliver the program's first national championship. With experienced veterans combining with elite freshman talent, the Cougars enter the season as legitimate title contenders.

The conversation shifts to KANSAS STATE WILDCATS' ambitious rebuild featuring All-American transfer PJ HAGGERTY from Memphis and MAC Player of the Year NATE JOHNSON. Is head coach JEROME TANG on the hot seat after missing consecutive NCAA tournaments following the program's magical Elite Eight run? The hosts examine Kansas State's path back to March Madness relevance and whether Haggerty's scoring prowess and leadership can restore the program's recent tournament success. Can Tang's new-look roster overcome back-to-back disappointing seasons and return the Wildcats to their 2023 form?

Key topics include Houston's suffocating defensive schemes, the loaded BIG 12 CONFERENCE outlook featuring powerhouses BYU, TEXAS TECH, and perennial contender KANSAS, plus intriguing sleeper picks TCU and OKLAHOMA STATE who could surprise the conference. CHRIS predicts an unprecedented nine to ten Big 12 teams could make the NCAA tournament in what he calls "the toughest and deepest conference in America," setting up brutal conference battles throughout the season.

Tune in for bold predictions, hot seat analysis, transfer portal breakdowns, and comprehensive Big 12 basketball insights from two expert hosts who know the conference inside and out.

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Parker Ainsworth is LIVE with the instant postgame reaction you need on Locked On Coogs! Houston, ranked #22, tries to survive a scare against a desperate and banged-up West Virginia Mountaineers team right here in Houston. CAN Coach Willie Fritz's squad pull out the crucial conference victory?

The Mountaineers, coached by Rich Rodriguez and led by QB Scotty Fox, came out swinging and shockingly held a lead deep into the game. We break down the Cougars' slow start and the defensive struggles early on, despite playing at home.

🔑 Key Takeaways

Conner Weigman: Was the dual-threat QB's magic enough? We dissect Weigman's performance, including his clutch fourth-quarter drives.

Dean Connors: Did the star running back break through the tough WVU defense?

Houston Cougars Football: Analysis of the strong wide receiver core featuring Amare Thomas and standout tight end Tanner Koziol.

Latrell McCutchin: We look at the critical plays from the defense, including McCutchen's impact on the secondary.

UH Football Reaction: Full breakdown of the late-game drama, coaching decisions, and what this emotional win means for Houston's season and Big 12 standing.

Listen now for the hottest takes and the most complete analysis of the Houston vs. West Virginia football game! #GoCoogs #LockedOnCoogs #HoustonFootball #big12football
Be sure to follow and subscribe to Locked On Coogs to hear the latest on all things Houston Cougars, wherever you get your podcasts!

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HOUSTON COUGARS face WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS in an emotionally charged BIG 12 matchup as the Coogs honor late strength coach KURT HESTER with blackout uniforms and an "Unbreakable" tribute game at TDECU Stadium. The stakes are high as HOUSTON seeks to bounce back from recent struggles while WEST VIRGINIA fights to salvage their season with a patchwork roster decimated by injuries.

PARKER AINSWORTH teams up with MOUNTAINEER PAUL for an extensive crossover analysis breaking down both programs' situations heading into this critical conference clash. The discussion covers WEST VIRGINIA's historic offensive line struggles, with the MOUNTAINEERS fielding one of the worst units in program history that's allowed a staggering number of sacks and pressures. Despite these challenges, true freshman quarterback SCOTTY FOX has emerged as an unlikely hero, throwing for over 300 yards against TCU in his first career start as the fourth-string option after injuries ravaged the depth chart.

The hosts examine FOX's surprising poise and decision-making, WEST VIRGINIA's underutilized weapons like receiver CAM VAUGHN who possesses elite speed but hasn't been properly featured in the offense, and the MOUNTAINEERS' depleted backfield after losing star running backs JAHEIM WHITE and TYE EDWARDS to season-ending injuries. Can offensive coordinator CHAD SCOTT unlock this offense's potential, or will the offensive line woes continue to sabotage any chance of success?

On HOUSTON's side, the analysis focuses on quarterback CONNER WEIGMAN's evolution within a new QB power scheme that's transformed the offense, tight end TANNER COZIOL's shocking emergence as the team's leading receiver despite limited previous production, and the developing chemistry between WEIGMAN and receiver AMARE THOMAS. The emotional weight of playing for KURT HESTER adds another dimension to this game, as the team channels grief into motivation.

Both programs have been devastated by injuries throughout the season, creating uncertainty about depth and execution. The hosts break down offensive strategies, defensive matchups, special teams considerations, and provide their keys to victory in this BIG 12 showdown that could define the trajectory of both seasons.

0:00 Intro
3:32 Kurt Hester tribute and emotional week
6:04 Scotty Fox emergence at quarterback
10:22 West Virginia's running back committee struggles
13:13 Injury crisis across the roster
17:24 Would West Virginia be bowl eligible healthy?
21:10 Houston's offensive weapons breakdown
26:22 Establishing the run game strategy

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Mazda
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Mazda. Move and Be Moved.

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FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The Houston Cougars are riding high after a commanding victory, but can they maintain their momentum? This episode dives deep into their upcoming clash with West Virginia, exploring whether the Cougars' recent success could lead to overconfidence and a potential trap game scenario.

We'll examine Houston's impressive run, including their latest accolades. Conner Weigman's Big 12 Player of the Week honor and head coach Willie Fritz's nomination for Coach of the Year highlight the team's stellar performance. But with success comes pressure - can the Cougars handle it?

Adding an intriguing subplot to the matchup is the return of former Houston coach Tom Herman for a team reunion. We'll analyze how this blast from the past might impact the team's focus and motivation. Could it provide an extra spark or serve as an unwelcome distraction?

Our comprehensive preview of the West Virginia game covers all angles. We'll break down key players to watch on both sides, dissect Houston's likely game plan, and explore the Mountaineers' potential strategies to pull off an upset.

The episode also touches on the touching tribute planned for Kurt Hester, adding an emotional element to the game-day experience.

Beyond this week's matchup, we'll explore Houston's path forward. Can they avoid the pitfalls that have derailed promising seasons in the past? What steps must they take to transform their current success into sustained excellence?

Join us for expert analysis, insider insights, and bold predictions as we examine whether the Houston Cougars truly are unstoppable or if they're on the verge of a reality check.

0:00 Intro: Houston opens as big favorite vs WVU
4:07 Historical letdowns and why this year is different
8:43 West Virginia's rebuilding challenges
13:19 Houston's recent Big 12 accolades and awards
18:27 Fritz's impact and program turnaround
22:32 2015 team reunion and Tom Herman's return
26:37 Brief preview of West Virginia's key players
30:13 Shoutout to video crew for emotional tribute

Be sure to follow and subscribe to Locked On Coogs to hear the latest on all things Houston Cougars, wherever you get your podcasts!

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Peloton
Let yourself run, lift, flex, and push forward. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ today at https://www.onepeloton.com.

DoorDash
With DoorDash Streaks, you save every Saturday you order — stack it up all season and you could save up to $250. Order this Saturday. Keep the streak alive. Fuel your gameday — only with DoorDash. Terms apply. Promo period through 11/18.

Mazda
It’s the small details that make the big plays. And just like there’s more to every player, there’s more to a Mazda vehicle.
Mazda. Move and Be Moved.

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Monarch
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at https://www.monarch.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)