| 2008 overall record: 8-5 2008 conference record: 6-2 Returning starters Offense: 8, defense: 6, punter/kicker 2 Top returners QB Case Keenum, WR Patrick Edwards, WR Tyron Carrier, C Carl Barnett, CB Brandon Brinkley, RB Bryce Beall, OLB Marcus McGraw, OLB Matt Nicholson, CB Loyce Means Key losses OL Sebastian Vollmer, TE Mark Hafner, DE Phillip Hunt 2008 statistical leaders (*returners) Rushing: Bryce Beall* (1,247 yards)
Passing: Case Keenum* (5,020 yards)
Receiving: Tyron Carrier* (1,026 yards)
Tackles: Marcus McGraw* (103)
Sacks: Phillip Hunt (14.0)
Interceptions: Brandon Brinkley*, Loyce Means* (4) Spring answers | 2009 Schedule | Sept. 5 Northwestern State
Sept. 12 at Oklahoma State
Sept. 26 Texas Tech
Oct. 3 at UTEP
Oct. 10 at Mississippi State
Oct. 17 at Tulane
Oct. 24 SMU
Oct. 31 Southern Miss
Nov. 7 at Tulsa
Nov. 14 at UCF
Nov. 21 Memphis
Nov. 28 Rice
| | | 1. Keenum's a stud: There are few players in the FBS that can put up numbers like quarterback Case Keenum and he just keeps getting better. With the bulk of his supporting cast returning and receiver Patrick Edwards back from injury, Houston can be one of the top offenses in the country yet again. 2. Edwards returns: Receiver Patrick Edwards, who suffered a horrific broken leg against Marshall last season, did light work during spring drills, but will be back for fall camp. Edwards, who was the team's leading receiver at the time of his injury, said he's faster than he was a year ago. 3. Beall on the move: After an amazing freshman season that saw him earn Conference USA Freshman of the Year honors, Beall stands to be even better in year two, giving the Cougars even more diversity to make this offense the toughest to stop in Conference USA. Fall questions 1. Fixing the defense: While the offense should run like a well-oiled machine, the defense is going to need some work. The Cougars ranked 100th in total defense last year and the entire front four is gone, including defensive end Phillip Hunt. The defense did show great improvement during the team's scrimmages this spring. 2. Sack attack: The Houston offensive line still isn't where it should be with this potent offense. The line allowed more than two sacks per game last year and according to some of the defensive statistics posted during spring scrimmages, isn't on the way to fairing much better this season. The loss of Sebastian Vollmer will be a huge hurdle to overcome. 3. On the Mark: If there's one skill void the Houston offense must fill this fall, it's at tight end. Mark Hafner had 907 yards receiving last year and was a key cog in the offense especially after Edwards went down with injury. Chaz Rodriguez slides over from the Z-wide receiver position to take Hafner's spot. He finished last season with 40 catches for 418 yards and a touchdown. | 
Watson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Missouri Tigers and the Big 12 Conference for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. She also covered college football recruiting for the Dallas Morning News.
