What we've learned from UH football's 3-0 start

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Five takeaways from UH's first 3-0 start in 9 years

Welcome to another edition of the Cougar Confidential.

As we pause for the open week in the schedule, here are five takeaways as the Cougars are 3-0 for the first time since 2016:

And the No. 1 running back is … Dean Connors

Coach Willie Fritz said the first few games would be used to see who stepped up in the backfield. With Re’Shaun Sanford II out for the season and J’Marion Burnette nursing a hand injury, Connors has carried the load with 35 carries for 221 yards and three touchdowns in the last two games.

Comfortable at home

A change of scenery has been good for quarterback Conner Weigman, a former star at Bridgeland who spent three seasons at Texas A&M. Weigman has brought stability back to a position that was total chaos last season. His numbers — 569 yards and four touchdowns — may not be as glitzy as other Big 12 quarterbacks, but Weigman has been efficient, has yet to commit a turnover and has showcased his mobility. Oh, and the Cougars are 3-0.

Offensive line concerns?

Two weeks between games should help ease some of the concerns after a rash of recent injuries on the offensive line. The only setback is the loss of David Ndukwe to a season-ending knee injury, a blow to the depth at left tackle. Right tackle Dalton Merryman was held out against Colorado after a serious tooth infection, and left guard Jason Brooks Jr. played sparingly Friday after missing the Rice game. Both — along with reserve guard McKenzie Agnello — are expected to be back for Oregon State. While not ideal, the injuries allowed Cedric Melton, Derek Joiner and Larry Crawford to get reps in an important game.

Defense! Defense!

Raise your hand if you had the UH defense off to such a strong start. The unit, under new defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong, has been stingy against the run, has produced five interceptions and gotten pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The Cougars rank in the top 15 in several categories, including total defense (224.0 yards), scoring defense (9.7 points), pass defense (120.0) and opponent third-down conversions (24.4%).

Reliable kicker

It might not seem important — until you need a critical field goal. Kicker Ethan Sanchez, a transfer from Old Dominion, is 7-of-9 on field goals. His only misses were 47 and 50 yards. He was named the Big 12’s co-special teams player of the week after going 5-of-6 against Colorado.

Joseph Duarte, University of Houston beat reporter

joseph.duarte@houstonchronicle.com

Looking Ahead

UH's blue jerseys for football and volleyball.

Photo by: UH Athletics

The UH women’s soccer team (5-0-2) opens Big 12 play Thursday against Cincinnati at Carl Lewis International Complex.

The Cougars’ volleyball team will host Liberty North Alabama and McNeese as part of the Cougar Challenge Friday and Saturday at Fertitta Center.

Big 12 Stock Report

Image of two arrows, one points up, the other points down. Text reads: Who's up, who's down.

Photo by: Susan Barber

Trending Up

Texas Tech: The Red Raiders have not allowed a point during the first three quarters of any game this season, outscoring Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Kent State and Oregon State by a combined 154-0.

Ismail Mahdi: Arizona’s senior running back erupted for 189 yards on 22 attempts in a win over Kansas State.

Rich Rodriguez: Welcome back to the Backyard Brawl, Rich Rod. Rodriguez won his first matchup with rival Pitt for the first time since 2007, thanks to three touchdowns by Tye Edwards, the last in overtime to send West Virginia to a 31-24 win.