Takeaways from UH's big loss to Utah: Pass-protection issues and little margin for error in Big 12

SALT LAKE CITY – Five takeaways from No. 14 Houston’s 21-13 loss to No. 10 Utah on Saturday:

Patrick Overmyer’s absence felt 

UH lost one of its top offensive threats when tight end Patrick Overmyer left the game after the opening drive with an upper-body injury. Overmyer, who leads the team with seven touchdown catches, was upended by defensive back Elijah Davis on a pass that gained no yards. As Overmyer came down, the back of his helmet struck the turf, and he was slow to get up. 

Overmyer’s absence was particularly noticeable near the goal line. He had four touchdown catches, tying the NCAA single-game record for a tight end, in a Week 6 win at Kansas State. 

Coach Willie Fritz said he did not have an update on Overmyer’s condition immediately after the game. The Cougars have an open date and return to action Nov. 7 against Cincinnati at TDECU Stadium. 

Sign up for Cougar Confidential

You’ll get get in-depth news and analysis about UH’s basketball and football teams from reporter Joseph Duarte by signing up for the Cougar Confidential newsletter.

Was Conner Weigman hurt?

Quarterback Conner Weigman appeared to favor his left ankle, raising questions about his health. Coach Willie Fritz said the fifth-year quarterback was healthy during the game. Weigman didn’t seem particularly interested in discussing the issue afterward.

“It wasn’t on the injury report, so I’m alright,” Weigman said.

Either way, Weigman will benefit from some time off as the Cougars prepare for the final month of the regular season.

Pass protection struggles 

A strength for most of the season, the Cougars’  pass protection struggled against Utah, allowing pressure to disrupt Weigman and the offense.

“We had some snafus offensively with protection, the backs and offensive line going to the right guy,” Fritz said. “Going against a team like that you have to be spot-on, and we weren’t.”

No play illustrated the struggles more than defensive back Jackson Bennee’s strip-sack with about 2:20 left and Utah clinging to a 14-13 lead. Deep in its own territory, UH had three blockers on the left side, but it was one too few. Bennee came off the edge and delivered a crushing hit that knocked the ball loose. The Utes recovered at the 9-yard line, and Devon Dampier scored on the next play.

“A few times they just brought one more (than) we had in protection,” Weigman said. “I have to get the ball out quicker.”

When Utah did not blitz, Weigman was 13-of-18 for 203 yards, according to Pro Football Focus. Against the blitz, he was 6-of-17 for 79 yards, a 35.3% completion rate.

“(Utah was) very aggressive in the second half with its front blitz and man coverage,” Fritz said.

Tackling issues 

Utah quarterback Devon Dampier did most of the damage, but the Utes’ speed and elusiveness gave UH’s defense problems. The Cougars were credited with 21 missed tackles, according to PFF – a total seems low.

UH limited Wayshawn Parker to 47 yards and a touchdown, but Dampier rushed 150 yards and two touchdowns. A whopping 269 of the Utes’ 430 yards came after contact.

What’s next?

Saturday’s results reshaped the Big 12 race. UH had a chance to join what would have been six one-loss teams, but the loss leaves the Cougars needing help as they pursue a conference title and potential College Football Playoff appearance.

Utah survived a wild day of upsets and sits in the driver’s seat as the league’s only remaining unbeaten team. Texas Tech, BYU, Arizona and Oklahoma State are among the one-loss teams. With two losses, UH’s isn’t out of contention but the margin for error is small.

“We’ve got to regroup and bounce back and get better over the open week and come back for Cincinnati,” Weigman said. 

Subscribe

There’s more to Houston with the Chronicle. Subscribe today for just 25¢.

This article originally published at Takeaways from UH’s big loss to Utah: Pass-protection issues and little margin for error in Big 12.