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

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Quo
See why over 90,000 businesses trust Quo, formerly OpenPhone. Get started free and get 20% off your first 6 months at https://www.Quo.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE.

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)