{
  "id": 16103552,
  "title": "Will James, UH defense looking to make most of its chances for interceptions against Utah",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/will-james-uh-defense-looking-to-make-most-of-its-chances-for",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-22T20:59:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/james-uh-defense-looking-most-205944779.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Will James, a defensive back for the University of Houston (UH) football team, intercepted a pass from Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker during a recent game. This interception allowed James to hear the roar of the TDECU Stadium crowd. UH currently leads the Big 12 conference with six interceptions, but coach Willie Fritz believes the total could be much higher. Coach Fritz stated that the Cougars' defense has missed 15 interception opportunities. Finishing these plays could be crucial for UH as they face No. 10 Utah in an upcoming game. UH defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong acknowledged that missed takeaways have allowed opposing offenses to extend drives and be costly against some of their top passing offenses. Armstrong emphasized the importance of finishing these plays and avoiding missed opportunities. Will James himself has experienced the frustration of missed interceptions firsthand, though he recently intercepted a pass against Oklahoma State. UH has focused on finishing plays in practice, and half of their interceptions have come in the last three games. Quarterback Conner Weigman has been strong in practice, throwing only two interceptions in 198 pass attempts this season.",
  "summary": "Houston has six interceptions and says it missed 15 others. The Cougars face Utah's top-10 offense and veteran quarterback Devon Dampier.",
  "key_points": [
    "Will James intercepted Oklahoma State QB Drew Mestemaker.",
    "UH leads Big 12 with six interceptions, aims for more.",
    "Missing 15 opportunities could impact upcoming Utah game."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}