Houston’s Donovan Smith ready to make changes after Game 1

Houston Cougars quarterback Donovan Smith faced significant challenges in Week 1 of the college football season, struggling offensively in a 27-7 loss to UNLV. Despite having offseason shoulder surgery and being cautious during preseason camp, Smith managed to come out of the game physically unscathed. However, it was self-inflicted mistakes that affected his performance, which he and his teammates acknowledge as correctable errors.

Smith’s performance was notably his worst in 13 starts as a Cougar, completing just 15 of 30 passes for 135 yards with two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. The Cougars’ offensive woes were exacerbated by a reshuffled offensive line that featured just one returning starter, leading to dire pass protection issues. According to Pro Football Focus, Smith faced 17 pressures, ranking seventh among FBS quarterbacks in Week 1. He averaged just 2.72 seconds to throw on each dropback, disrupting the development of passing routes and leading to six sacks, including two intentional landing fouls.

Houston football team finds unique way to beat summer heat during practice

“We weren’t able to protect ourselves very well,” UH coach Willie Fritz said, reflecting on the offensive line’s inability to handle UNLV’s pressure. Smith admitted to sharing the blame, acknowledging his need to better anticipate blitzes and manage the pocket. “I have to understand those situations,” Smith said, emphasizing the importance of avoiding costly penalties and making smarter decisions under pressure.

The Cougars’ offensive performance was disappointing, with just 259 total yards, most of which came on the final drive led by backup quarterback Ui Ale. The running game was nearly nonexistent, as Houston managed just 38 rushing yards, and the top three running backs combined for just eight carries. Smith stressed the importance of establishing a running game, noting that success in running the ball helps establish the passing game and vice versa.

Despite the poor offensive performance, Smith remained optimistic about his physical condition, saying his surgically repaired shoulder felt fine. He did not participate in any throws during spring practice and was limited during preseason camp to manage his recovery. Second-year center Demetrius Hunter acknowledged the offensive line’s need for improvement, emphasizing his responsibility to protect Smith and give him more time in the pocket.

Smith is determined to learn from Week 1’s struggles and hopes for better results when the team faces No. 15 Oklahoma in its next game. He views the challenging opener as a learning experience for a new roster that is still adjusting to playing together. “It was the first game for everybody,” Smith said. “We have to do things differently. We have to execute things differently. We have to play differently. That’s something we all recognized in our team meeting and we’re ready to go.”