Marshall Loses 63-28 to No. 21 Houston

This time, it wasn't enough to get a win. Case Keenum was that good.

Keenum became the Football Bowl Subdivision's career leader in total offense on Saturday, throwing for 376 yards and tying his career high with six touchdown passes in No. 21 Houston's 63-28 win over Marshall.

Keenum needed 130 yards to eclipse the record of 16,910 yards set by Hawaii's Tim Chang from 2000-04. He moved past Chang on a 30-yard pass to Justin Johnson with 3:56 left in the first quarter.

The effort by the senior quarterback overshadowed a solid performance by Graham, who completed 27 of 35 passes for 257 yards and two touchdowns.

"I thought he did some real good things," Marshall coach Doc Holliday said. "We're moving the ball better than we've done it in two years. We just have to make sure that when we do it, we get the ball in the end zone."

Graham also rushed for 74 yards and a touchdown. He made his first start last week, helping the Herd (3-5, 2-2 Conference USA) rally for a 24-20 win over Rice.

Saturday's game plan was control the ball and keep it away from Keenum and the nation's top-ranked offense. Marshall won time of possession by 24 minutes, and still lost handily.

"For the most part, it was just about keeping the ball out of their offense's hands," Graham said. "You see what they can do when they get the ball in their hands. They score quick. For us, it was just about making plays and keeping the drives going."

Houston (7-0, 3-0) led 35-14 at halftime, and four of its five touchdown drives took less than 90 seconds.

"The crazy thing was that the one thing we tried to do was win the time of possession, and we did," Holliday said. "The first half they had the ball for nine minutes, and we had it for 21, and the score is 35-14."

Keenum was nearly perfect in the first half, completing 19 of 21 passes for 295 yards and four touchdowns. He also never faced pressure from Marshall defensive end Vinny Curry, Conference USA's sacks leader.

"They had a good game plan and executed," Curry said. "That is definitely the quickest release I have seen or played against. He had a three-step drop and every throw was on the money to his receivers. That's called chemistry."

The Herd drove to the Houston 1 late in the half, but the Cougars defense stopped Tron Martinez on fourth down on the final play before the break.

Graham scrambled for a touchdown on Marshall's first series of the second half. Keenum promptly found Tyron Carrier for a 43-yard gain, then threw a 17-yard TD pass to Johnson to cap another lightning-fast scoring drive.

Linebacker Sammy Brown deflected a Graham pass that was picked off by linebacker Derrick Matthews, who returned it for another Houston touchdown to make it 49-21.

Cougars defensive end Kelvin King returned an interception 69 yards, and Keenum threw a TD pass to E.J. Smith, sending Houston over 50 points for the third time in four games.

"They're good and they have done that to a lot of people," Holliday said. "Unfortunately, they did it to us. The biggest disappointment I have is that we didn't tackle very well."

The Cougars piled up 621 yards and averaged 11 yards per snap.

"We pride ourselves on being good tacklers," Holliday said. "We knew that we were facing some guys that were really good skill people. They have a boatload of skill over there, and they showed it."

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Tale of the Tape: Pittsburgh at Houston

Visiting Houston on Sunday will be one of the NFL’s banner franchises, the Steelers, a team known as much for the black and gold as its prowess for turning opponents black and blue. They will travel south to meet the Texans, a squad in search of a legacy, a program looking to make the playoffs before it can make any real statement.

At 2-1, both teams need to make a statement in this game. The Steelers want to show they are still a contender after starting the season with an embarrassing loss to the Ravens. The Texans, on the other hand, are coming off of a stunning loss to the Saints last week and need to prove that they are a playoff-caliber team.

In this matchup, we of course have to start with the obvious: Houston’s offense against Pittsburgh’s defense.

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Houston offense

Overview: The Texans have a very balanced attack, which starts with a very efficient run game. Offensive coordinator Rick Dennison always puts his players in a position to succeed and is a master at assembling a game plan for his opponent. Houston leans a bit run heavy, throwing on 47 percent of its offensive snaps and opting for the ground attack on the other 53 percent.

Run Game: Houston runs a zone scheme, most frequently featuring the zone stretch, a play that suits the disciplined running styles of their backs. Arian Foster, who is expected to play after sitting out with a hamstring injury, does an excellent job of patiently waiting for his athletic front line to move defenders and open up alleys.

Pass Game: Working off their run game, the Texans mix in their pass with a variation of play action and straight drop-backs. They will run routes at all depths — from short to intermediate — and use pre-snap motions and shifts to create favorable matchups or identify coverages before the play starts.  They also embrace the use of two-man route combinations to open up space for a talented bunch of receivers in Andre Johnson, Jacoby Jones, tight ends Owen Daniels, Joel Dreesen and TE/FB James Casey.

Pittsburgh offense

Overview: The Steelers seem to be trying to find their identity since moving from a run-first style to a more pass-first system. Pittsburgh at first tried to use its young speed to get the ball down the field, but because of insufficient pass protection, the Steelers have reverted to shorter routes. Injuries along the offensive line have made pass protection and running the ball more of a struggle. For the season, the Steelers have a 58 to 42 percent run-to-pass ratio.

Run Game: A bad situation up front for the Steelers has only gotten worse as the season has progressed because of injuries along the offensive line. In last week’s game versus the Colts, LT Jonathan Scott, RG Doug Legursky and RT Marcus Gilbert all suffered injuries. Scott and Legursky are listed as questionable for Sunday. Whoever is left to block the Texans’ front will still emanate from a group that has been unable to get consistent push. Rashard Mendenhall gets the bulk of the carries but is spelled by Isaac Redman and Mewelde Moore.

Pass Game: Pittsburgh’s wide receivers have the speed to go vertical, but QB Ben Roethlisberger isn’t getting the time necessary to get the ball downfield. The Steelers realized this as well. Since Week 1, Roethlisberger’s down-the-field passing has been more and more limited.  He threw 78 percent of his passes seven yards or more down the field to start the season; each week that percentage has decreased significantly as their yards per pass attempt has steadily increased due to the adjustment.   The Steelers will have to keep this approach if they want to have success in the air against Houston’s pass rush.

OFFENSIVE WINNER: Houston

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Pittsburgh defense

Overview: This group, personified by OLB James Harrison, will definitely punch you in the mouth every Sunday. They are extremely physical and reel offenses into a 60-minute fight each week.

Run defense: They have lost no one in their front seven from last year’s defense that gave up less than 70 yards per game.  The Steelers come at you with a stout interior defensive line, but Harrison and OLB LaMarr Woodley will be the key to this matchup. Setting the edge versus Houston’s zone-stretch run will mean everything and both Woodley and Harrison do it well. James Farrior and Lawrence Timmons are one of the best inside linebacker duos in the league.  Farrior might be losing some of his physical tools, but his mind is taking over with age. Troy Polamalu is still an active maniac around the line of scrimmage and is like a fifth linebacker in Pittsburgh’s defensive scheme.

Pass defense: When it comes to defending the pass, the Steelers truly have it all. They have a fierce pass rush with Woodley and Harrison, a scheme that uses a great amount of variation and deception by matching their coverages with effective pressure, and an all-around threat in Polamalu roaming the field.  You better believe that he will know where Johnson is at all times.

Houston defense

Overview: Defense has been the Texans’ greatest weakness over the last few seasons. Houston made the defense a priority during the offseason, addressing the situation by adding renowned defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. The former Dallas Cowboys head coach has brought his 3-4 scheme to the Texans, standing up Mario Williams at outside linebacker and plugging in first-round pick J.J. Watt at defensive end. It is a much-improved group. They also added Danieal Manning and Johnathan Joseph on the back end, but they still have a habit of giving up big chunks of yardage, which was on display in a 40-33 loss to the Saints last week.

Run defense: The Texans are lighter than the Steelers up front but they still have solid players. Watt is stout but can also rush the passer. At the second level, Houston still has Brian Cushing and DeMeco Ryans plugging holes versus the run. But on the whole, Houston can’t stack up with Pittsburgh’s run defense.  The Steelers could potentially have an efficient day on the ground.

Pass defense: Although Houston’s defense is predicated on its front line, the Texans are in the process of constructing their secondary. They are not a heavy blitzing team, but this defense is built to be considered among the league’s best at rushing the passer, which it is. While their front has become elite, the Texans are still molding the back end of this defense. Proven veterans Joseph and Manning are exceptional additions, but this defense isn’t equipped to lock-down a passer like Pittsburgh’s defense.

DEFENSIVE WINNER: Pittsburgh

And our winner is … (DRUM ROLL)

HOUSTON!

Despite Pittsburgh’s dominant defense, the Texans can score on anybody. We cannot always say the same for the Steelers. Both teams can really get after a passer, an area where Houston looks stronger than in seasons past. As the Texans look to rebound from a crushing loss last week in New Orleans, the Steelers are looking to start fast this season and break their Super Bowl hangover after not making the playoffs the following season after each of their last two Super Bowl appearances.  Though this assessment is on paper and must be played on the field, we predict that Houston will rebound through its high-powered offense and ability to rush the passer.

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Houston at New Orleans NFL Capsule Week 3

HOUSTON TEXANS (2-0) AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (1-1)

SERIES

11/18/07: Saints 10 at Texans 23. Houston QB Matt Schaub completes 21 of 33 passes for 293 yards with 2 TD for 112.3 passer rating as Texans shutout New Orleans in 2nd half.9/14/03: Saints 31, Texans 10. New Orleans outscores Houston 24-0 in 2nd half. QB Aaron Brooks passes for 2 TDs.CBS (12:00 PM CT): Greg Gumbel, Dan Dierdorf. SIRIUS: 86 (Hou.), 148 (NO). XM: 225 (NO).

STATS

Brees: 58-86-689 (2C)-6 (2C)-0-114.9 (3L)Sproles (RB): 15 (T1C)-118-7.9-1Rackers: 21 (T1C) (6/6 PAT; 5/5 FG)Kasay: 22 (1L) (7/7 PAT; 5/5 FG)

NOTES

TEXANS:  Aim for 1st 3-0 start in franchise history…QB MATT SCHAUB has 71.7 comp. pct. (38 of 53) this season, best in NFL. In last meeting vs. NO, Schaub passed for 293 yards with 2 TDs vs. 0 INTs & 112.3 rating. Schaub (1,242) needs 2 comp. to surpass DAVID CARR (1,243) for most in Texans history…RB ARIAN FOSTER (1,906) needs 94 rush yards to reach 2,000 career. RB BEN TATE (116, 103) needs 100 rush yards vs. NO to join CADILLAC WILLIAMS (3 straight games in ’05) as only players in NFL history with 100+ rush yards in 1st 3 games of career…WR ANDRE JOHNSON aims for 3rd straight game with 7 catches, 90+ rec. yards & TD. Had 6 rec. for 120 yards (20 avg.) with TD in last game vs. NO…TE OWEN DANIELS posted 18th career TD rec. last week & 1st of season…Defense ranks 1st in NFL in points allowed per game (10) & passing yards per game (162.5)…DE ANTONIO SMITH aims for 3rd consecutive game with sack…CB JOHNATHAN JOSEPH posted 1st INT with Texans last week…SAINTS: Since joining NO in 2006, QB DREW BREES leads NFL in att. (3,099), comp. (2,078), yards (23,607) & TDs (161). Brees has won 14 of past 19 starts at home (incl. playoffs), completing 500 of 712 (70.2 pct.) for 5,533 yards with 46 TDs vs. 16 INTs for 105.2 rating. In past 6 vs. AFC, has completed 174 of 237 (73.4 pct.) for 1,900 yards with 16 TDs vs. 7 INTs for 106.9 rating…RB-PR-KR DARREN SPROLES had 8 catches last week, incl. 12-yard TD. Leads NFL with 7 catches on 3rd down. RB PIERRE THOMAS has 5 TDs (4 rush, 1 rec.) in past 6 vs. AFC…WR DEVERY HENDERSON had 3 catches for 103 yards & TD (79 yards) in Week 2 & aims for 3rd in row with 100+ yards & TD. Had TD catch in last meeting. WR ROBERT MEACHEM has 19 career rec. TDs & 13 have gone for 25+ yards. Averages 29.4 yards per TD catch (559 yards). TE JIMMY GRAHAM had 6 catches for 79 yards last week. Has 5 TDs in past 5…Since entering NFL in 2006, S ROMAN HARPER has 12 sacks, most by DB. Had 2 sacks & FF last week. DT SEDRICK ELLIS aims for 3rd in row vs. AFC with sack.

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Georgia's Houston opts for NFL draft

Justin Houston became the second Georgia player to declare early for the NFL draft when he announced Saturday that he was turning pro.

Houston, an All-SEC outside linebacker, joins former Georgia star receiver A.J. Green, who announced last week that he was skipping his senior season to enter the draft.

Houston was second in the SEC this season with 10 sacks and collected 17.5 sacks over the past two seasons. With Houston's early exit, that means the Bulldogs are losing four linebackers off this season's team. Darryl Gamble and Akeem Dent were seniors, and Marcus Dowtin is transferring to another school.

Here's an updated list of the SEC underclassmen entering the NFL draft: Randall Cobb, WR, KentuckyMarcell Dareus, DE, AlabamaNick Fairley, DT, AuburnA.J. Green, WR, GeorgiaTori Gurley, WR, South CarolinaWill Hill, S, FloridaJustin Houston, OLB, GeorgiaMark Ingram, RB, AlabamaJulio Jones, WR, AlabamaRyan Mallett, QB, ArkansasCam Newton, QB, AuburnPatrick Peterson, CB, LSUStevan Ridley, RB, LSUComments that include profanity, or personal attacks, or antisocial behavior such as "spamming" or "trolling," or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. We will take steps to block users who violate any of our terms of use. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.

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Houston Places Leading Sacker Mario Williams on IR

The Texans placed a couple guys on IR Wednesday, but the biggest name of the bunch was DE Mario Williams, who led the team with 8.5 sacks and 19 hits on the QB this season.

Guard Mike Brisiel and receiver David Anderson joined Williams on on injured reserve. Williams also had 10 tackles for loss, but had been playing with a sports hernia. Because Williams started on the left side and moved to the right side in passing situations, defensive ends Mark Anderson (three sacks) and Tim Jamison will get a lot of playing time.

The Texans are expected to sign veteran defensive end Jarvis Green to take Williams’ spot on the roster.

Brisiel (shoulder) will be replaced at right guard by Antoine Caldwell. Anderson’s loss means rookie receiver Dorin Dickerson might be active for the last three games against Tennessee, Denver and Jacksonville.

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Gridiron Gab Week Eleven Preview: Houston at New York Jets

The 4-5 Houston Texans fly to New York this weekend to take on the (7-2) New York Jets at Giants Stadium  this Sunday.  The match-up likely sends chills up the Texans’ coaching staff and players heading into Sunday, not to mention fans who remember last year’s beating.  In fact, for the past two years, Rex Ryan has been able to make the Texans look like test dummies for his newest blitzes and creative playcalling.  

From his 2008 Ravens as defensive coordinator to last season’s Jets as head coach, Rex Ryan has done a spectacular job with the Jets.  And this year, the Jets are a better team than last year.  The Texans, on the other hand, have improved in some areas but truly have fallen off in the rest.  Expect the Texans to struggle for breathing room on Sunday, the Jets should be playing at will.

The Houston Texans will likely utilize the pass more than they would like Sunday.  Against the Jets’ quarterback Mark Sanchez and receivers Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes and Jerricho Cotchery, the Texans’ secondary has their worst match-up for the season.  Let’s not calculate what that means.  Additionally, with the Jets’ likely to go up early, the Texans will likley resort to their 2010 form – quit the run and pass.  

Arian Foster has benefited from excellent run blocking this season, but his excellent field vision and quickness have turned him into one of this season’s best running backs.  Expect him to carry the rock 15-20 times; where as he would normally carry the ball over 20 times a game against any other defense.

The Texans’ defensive line will also likely have a very hard time on Sunday.  The Jets’ offensive line is stacked to say the least.  left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson, center Nick Mangold and right tackle Damien Woody are a few of the league’s best at their position.  

The Texans’ defensive line has yet to play a line like this, and that also shouldn’t be calculated for meaning.  However, expect Mario Williams to step-up his game in the face of the best talent he’s seen all season.  He struggled after a great opening two minutes against Kansas City’s former-Texan and Chief replacement tackle, Jordan Black.

In case you are not familiar with the Jets’ defense, it is a very talented group.  Led by middle linebacker David Harris, a former Michigan Wolverine, the Jets 3-4 defense are fifth best in the league.  Harris is joined by Bart Scott, Bryan Thomas and Calvin Pace.  

These linebackers should present a problem for Arian Foster, who said this is the best defense he’s ever seen.  With superb secondary play in Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie, Jim Leonhard and Brodney Pool, the Jets are more than well equipped to handle the Texans’ receivers.  Also, although the Jets’ number one nose tackle Kris Jenkins is out for the season, their defensive line should have the upper edge against the Texans on Sunday.

For the Texans to win Sunday, they’ll have to come out playing their best football of the year.  They’ll need to shut down the Jets’ running backs LaDainian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene before they shut down Sanchez and the Jets pass game.  Most importantly, the Texans’ coaching staff has to be ready for anything and everything.

If we learned something from Rex Ryans’ whooping on the Texans last season, then the Texans’ defense should be ready to put up as many points as the offense.  Hopefully we don’t see the 2008 (four interceptions) or 2009  (183 total offensive yards) Texans against Rex Ryans’ defense; however, Texans fans should be ready for anything, as well.

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