N ext door to TDECU Stadium, workers are putting the finishing touches on the University of Houston's $20 million indoor practice facility.

Across the street is a project of a different kind, as the Cougars prepare to open the season with several unknowns after the most successful two-year run in school history.

First there's a new boss, with offensive coordinator Major Applewhite's promotion following the departure of Tom Herman.

Gone are dual-threat quarterback Greg Ward Jr., NFL draft picks Tyus Bowser, Howard Wilson and Brandon Wilson and tackle machine Steven Taylor.

That's enough for even Applewhite to admit there is uncertainty as UH prepares to open the season Sept. 2 at UTSA.

"We're not good enough to overlook anybody," said Applewhite, who signed a five-year contract in December after serving as offensive coordinator the past two seasons.

"This team has done nothing. This is not the 2015 team, for sure. And it's not even last year's team. We have to prove ourselves each and every day."

The unknowns at key positions are largely responsible for the lack of buzz that has been around the program the past two seasons - a span that included 22 wins, American Athletic Conference title and several marquee wins.

In 2015, the Cougars were the darlings from the Group of Five, going 13-1 and beating Florida State in a New Year's Six bowl.

They followed up last season by climbing into the top 5, only to go 4-4 to end the season – including a 48-44 loss at Memphis on the final day of the regular season - as speculation about Herman's future became a distraction.

"We had so much hype going into last year and such high expectations and we didn't hold up to them," said wide receiver Linell Bonner, who is coming off a breakout season that produced 98 catches for 1,118 yards. "I think everybody's just marked us off."

Time to reload

Attrition is not uncommon in college football, although the Cougars have been hit particularly hard in the secondary the two seasons and again must reload. In all, Applewhite must replace 11 regular starters who combined for 272 career starts.

"Half of your roster is new, half of your employees are new, half of your congregation," Applewhite said. "However you want to say it, half of it is new. There are a lot of unknowns, a lot of things to prove."

Kyle Allen, the former five-star recruit who was the starter at Texas A&M for parts of two seasons, is set to take over at quarterback.

At linebacker, the Cougars return Matthew Adams at one of the inside spots but must replace Bowser and Taylor, who combined for 47 career sacks. Junior Emeke Egbule is expected to take over Bowser's role on the outside, while senior D'Juan Hines is the top candidate at Taylor's inside spot.

More Information AT A GLANCE 2016: 9-4, 5-3 in AAC Coach: Major Applewhite (0-1 at UH, entering first season) Key losses: QB Greg Ward Jr., LB Tyus Bowser, CB Brandon Wilson, CB Howard Wilson, LB Steven Taylor, WR Chance Allen, TE Tyler McCloskey, DE Cameron Malveaux. Key returners: DT Ed Oliver, WR Linell Bonner, S Khalil Williams, S Garrett Davis, WR Steven Dunbar, LB Matt Adams, RB Duke Catalon, C Will Noble, DE Jerard Carter, DE Nick Thurman. Key newcomers: QB Kyle Allen, DL Reggie Chevis, OL Deon Mix, WR Ellis Jefferson. Football Preview 2017 Read the special section in print on Aug. 18. Subscribers: Click here to access the E-edition or read all the stories online at HoustonChronice.com/football2017.

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Another unknown is whether the Cougars can finally get their struggling running game on track. UH returns Duke Catalon, who was limited to 528 yards because of nagging injuries, but will look for depth from Dillon Birden, Mulbah Car, Patrick Carr and Josh Burrell.

With the Cougars expected to open up the passing game, Bonner and Steven Dunbar lead a deep but inexperienced receiving corp. The duo combined for 151 catches, 1,810 yards and eight touchdowns.

In the secondary, which has produced three NFL draft picks the past two seasons, Garrett Davis and Khalil Williams provide some much-needed experience.

Then, of course, there is the presence of All-American defensive tackle Ed Oliver, who was second nationally with 23 tackles for loss as a freshman.

With so many unknowns, the Cougars are picked to finish second behind Memphis in what is expected to be a four-team race in the AAC West division.

UH players are embracing the underdog tag.

"I feel like we have been placed back in an underdog role, and we're comfortable being there," Bonner said. "We were underdogs two years ago. It's the same mindset we had back then. We have a chip on our shoulder."