0 of 5

Credit: Rachel McCarson

The Tom Herman era officially began at Houston over the weekend with a 52-24 win over Tennessee Tech at TDECU Stadium in Houston.

Junior quarterback Greg Ward Jr. led the Cougar offense by completing 22 of 27 passes for 275 yards and a touchdown. The fleet-footed Ward also rushed for 101 yards and two scores.

But Houston will take a giant leap up in competition next week when it travels to Louisville to take on the Cardinals.

Are the Cougars ready for such a big test? And will they be ready when conference play begins three weeks later?

Here are five things we learned in Houston’s first game of the 2015 season that might help us decide.