SEVERAL OBSERVATIONS BEFORE THE TIGERS PLAY THEIR HOME FINALE SATURDAY AGAINST HOUSTON:

** Houston quarterback Kevin Kolb is a veteran of coach Art Briles offensive system and the numbers confirm it. Kolb has the Cougars leading the conference in scoring (33 points per game) and has tossed a league-high 23 touchdowns vs. only four interceptions. He is, understandably, the league’s pass efficiency leader.

** If the Tigers play as they have in the secondary the past few weeks, they’ll dig a hole out of which they can’t climb. Kolb and receivers Vincent Marshall and Donnie Avery aren’t the only offensive weapons. Running back Anthony Aldridge averages, yes AVERAGES, 12.5 yards per carry. He had TWO 77-yard touchdown runs last weekend against SMU.

** The future is this weekend and next for the Tigers. Sophomore Philip Beliles started at center last weekend and should start Saturday. Former receiver Michael Grandberry is a recent addition to the secondary at cornerback, but has impressed the staff with coverage skills. He’ll also start against Houston.