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2018 Houston Cougars Defense

The "2018 Houston Cougars Defense" under head coach Major Applewhite and defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio was a unit with both flashes of brilliance and notable struggles, particularly evident in their season's trajectory. Houston started the year with a 7-1 record, showcasing a defense that could disrupt offenses with its aggressive front and secondary play. However, as the season progressed, injuries and the departure of key players like All-American defensive lineman Ed Oliver took their toll, leading to a late-season slump where they lost four of their last five games. The defense operated primarily out of a 4-2-5 alignment, which was intended to provide speed on the field to counter the fast-paced offenses in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). This setup allowed for a strong pass rush with two defensive tackles, two ends, and five defensive backs, but the effectiveness of this scheme was inconsistent. The Cougars' defense was particularly known for its ability to generate good pressure on quarterbacks early in the season, with players like Ed Oliver and defensive end Payton Turner being central to this effort. However, the secondary struggled at times, giving up big plays, especially as the season wore on with less depth due to injuries. One of the most infamous moments for this defense came in the Armed Forces Bowl, where they surrendered 70 points to Army, tying records for the most points given up and the largest margin of loss in NCAA bowl history. This game underscored the defense's late-season struggles and was a significant factor in Applewhite's dismissal at season's end. Despite the challenges, the 2018 Houston Cougars defense did have moments of promise, particularly in games where they managed to keep opponents under control, displaying potential that was not fully realized due to the season's adversities.

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