Patience is a virtue. That’s a good thing for Willie Fritz and UH football. Exactly one year ago, the Cougars were reeling, shut out in consecutive losses to Cincinnati and Iowa State by a combined score of 54–0. Fast forward to the present, and Houston is 3–0, preparing for a national stage Friday night on ESPN against Oregon State in Corvallis.
For UH play-by-play voice Jeremy Branham, the trip to Corvallis brings back distant memories. “I called a UH women’s basketball game against Oregon State in Corvallis a long time ago, that’s the only one,” he said. This time around, he expects Fritz to set the tone with his usual measured approach. “Coach Fritz is businesslike, so it’ll be a businesslike approach. Get in Thursday, meetings, dinner, and then with a late start, don’t allow lethargy to set in. They’ll have a plan in place Friday to get them going.”
Branham credits much of Houston’s turnaround to the offensive staff. “Coach Nagle has been tremendous,” he explained. “Of course, there’s the connection with Coach Fritz at Tulane. Coach Nagle, along with Conner Weigman, have brought some life to the UH offense. Statistically it was one of the worst offenses in P4 football last year, and they’ve taken a step in the right direction.”
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When asked about the bigger picture, Branham doesn’t shy away from optimism. “Historically Coach Fritz has been outstanding in his second season at programs, and with his discipline, attention to detail, and ability to build a culture, I wouldn’t put limits on him,” he said. “At the beginning of the season when I was asked, ‘what would be a successful season?’ I thought a bowl appearance would be a step in the right direction. From four wins in year one, to 6+ wins in year two, I thought they would be successful, and they’re halfway there through the first three games.”
Now comes a Friday night spotlight that could define Houston’s trajectory. ESPN’s national audience will be watching closely, and Branham believes the Cougars are prepared for the stage. “They’ve positioned themselves well,” he said. “With Fritz, you know the plan will be disciplined, detailed, and designed to keep the team locked in. It’s exactly what you want when you’re trying to build something lasting.”
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