Five things we learned from No. 22 Houston’s 77-6 win over Southern on Saturday night:
Stephon Johnson’s status still up in the air
The wait continues for Stephon Johnson. The eligibility saga for UH’s veteran wide receiver continued when the school learned Friday night that he’s currently ineligible. Johnson was part of a group of plaintiffs whom a Dallas judge granted a temporary restraining order for a fifth year of college eligibility. Fritz said it could be another two weeks before the school hears anything about Johnson’s status. “We’re just disappointed,” Fritz said. “If we’re going to do it, let’s do it. If we’re not going to do it, tell us, but let’s get out of this back and forth, week after week.”
Keisean Henderson shines
After playing one snap in the opener, Keisean Henderson saw extended playing time for the first time in his young college career. He looked like the player who was the No. 1 recruit in the nation. Henderson led the Cougars on four touchdown drives, throwing a pair of touchdowns and scoring on a 54-yard run. “He did a good job running the offense and being in control,” Fritz said. Fritz said it was important to get Henderson a few drives with the first-team offensive line.
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Koby Young becoming big-play threat
Koby Young caught a pair of touchdowns on consecutive second-quarter drives, including a 43-yarder. It was another sign that the junior wide receiver is emerging as a perimeter threat in the passing game. “We need more threats on the perimeter,” Fritz said. “We can’t just have Amare (Thomas) be the guy. We really like the progression of Koby.” Fritz also praised Young’s contributions as a blocker and on special teams as a flyer. “He’s really improved and gotten better,” Fritz said.
Drew Terrill close to return
Right tackle Drew Terrill missed Saturday’s game as he recovers from a lower-body injury suffered in the season opener. Terrill is expected to be ready for Friday’s Big 12 opener at Texas Tech. Ronnell McLain made his first career start in Terrill’s absence.
99 players see action
There aren’t many games the Cougars can sub at will. But with Saturday’s game out of control early, Fritz used 99 different players. That included 36 players who made their college debuts. It was the type of valuable experience that can’t be replicated in practice and could help later in the season as the coaching staff settles on a regular rotation. “A lot of guys got to play quite a bit, some meaningful snaps,” Fritz said. “We got a chance to see what they can do.” Defensive back Paris Melvin Jr. played 22 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus, while the Cougars were also able to get significant snaps for offensive linemen Hayden Wright (24), Aaron Wolford (18), Demetris Dean (18), Noah Abebe (18), RJ Lee (18), Larry Crawford (18) and Ricardo Cordova (17)…