Houston · Big 12Houston takes coverage questions into Fritz’s Georgia Southern return
The 2-1 Cougars need their first Big 12 win against 1-2 Georgia Southern on Sept. 26 while Willie Fritz and Clay Helton revisit their former programs.
SEP 23, 2026
Third-down conversions allowed
Conner Weigman completion rate
Houston rushing yards allowed per game
01 · The NewsHouston takes coverage questions into Fritz’s Georgia Southern return
On Saturday, Sept. 26, Houston visits Georgia Southern for the first meeting between the programs, with Willie Fritz returning to his former school and Clay Helton facing the program where he played quarterback. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET.
Fritz coached Georgia Southern in 2014 and 2015, going 9-3 and 8-4. Helton played quarterback at Houston in 1993 and 1994 while his father, Kim Helton, coached the Cougars.
“It’s a work trip,” Fritz said. “In 10, 15 years I’ll retire and watch a homecoming game, but this is a business trip.”
Conner Weigman threw for 282 yards and three touchdowns against Texas Tech. Through three games, he has completed 70.0% of his passes with seven touchdown passes against one interception. Amare Thomas has 18 receptions for 237 yards and three touchdowns, while Koby Young is averaging 24.8 yards per catch.
The defense has been better against the run than the pass. Houston allows 62.7 rushing yards per game and 2.4 per carry, ninth-fewest in the FBS. Georgia Southern’s air-oriented offense should put more pressure on the coverage, where the Cougars have struggled against Oregon State and Texas Tech. Strong safety Jordan Allen, who leads Houston with five pass breakups, heads the secondary’s effort to fix what went wrong in Lubbock.
Houston has not said whether Weigman’s designed runs will be reduced after his potential game-tying two-point attempt fell short at Texas Tech. Georgia Southern enters at 1-2.
Helton sees the matchup as more than a return to Houston.
“It’s a special game personally, but it’s more special for me just the opportunity for our community to have their first chance to have a power four team here. And it’s special for our football team to go put their best foot forward and try to go get a win against a top-25 team. I look forward to that as much as hugging some necks and some people I really truly love,” Helton said.
02 · The StakesThe Stakes
But Houston’s 2-1 start has exposed a bigger problem than the reunion storyline. The Cougars’ offense produced 458 yards in a 28-26 loss at Texas Tech on Sept. 18; their secondary allowed damaging completions and six third-down conversions on 10 attempts. Houston needs its first Big 12 win of 2026 while protecting a second consecutive undefeated nonconference schedule. Another loss would damage the preseason No. 25 team’s case as a Big 12 contender and make its September recovery steeper.
03 · The Watch ListWhat We're Watching
Can Houston get off the field on third down?
Their secondary allowed damaging completions and six third-down conversions on 10 attempts.
Does the pass defense hold against Georgia Southern?
Georgia Southern’s air-oriented offense should put more pressure on the coverage, where the Cougars have struggled against Oregon State and Texas Tech.