Houston Cougars Down Tulane 42-23 in C-USA Football Action

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 25, 2010) Running back Bryce Beall scored four touchdowns and rushed for 123 yards to lead the Houston Cougars to a 42-23 win over the Tulane Green Wave at Houston’s Robertson Stadium.

Houston is now 3-1 for the season and 2-0 against Conference USA opponents while Tulane falls to 1-2 for the season and is 0-1 in conference play.

Houston first got on the scoreboard at the 11:18 mark in the first quarter on a three-yard run by Beall with Matt Hogan splitting the uprights for the extra point.

Beall again carried the ball for the Cougars’ second score on a one-yard run at the 14:56 mark of the 2nd quarter.

He added his third score on a one-yard run with 39 second left in the half, following up with a 25-yard run for his fourth score with 3:58 remaining in the game.

Michael Hayes scored the third Houston touchdown on a one-yard run in the second quarter.

With 2:50 left in the game, Houston defensive back Loyce Means intercepted a Kevin Moore and returned it 42 yards for the Cougars’ sixth touchdown.

Tulane got the first of points on a 13-yard pass from Kevin Moore to tight end Cody Sparks to cut Houston lead to 14.

Moore then connected with split end Devin Figaro on a 36-yard pass to make the score 21-14 in favor of Houston.

Tulane cut the Cougars lead to 11 on a 29-yard field goal by Carlos Santos late in the third quarter.

They again scored with 9:19 left in the game on a 9-yard run by Payten Moore

Terrance Broadway, in his first start as quarterback for the Cougars, completed 19 of 28 passes for 174 yards with one interception. He rushed for 33 net yards on 11 carries and was sacked five times.

Houston had 349 yards of total offense, averaging 4.8 yards per play.

Patrick Edwards returned five punts for 89 yards while Tyron Carrier returned four kickoffs 103 yards. Edwards’ longest return was 37 yards with Carrier tagging 42 yards for his longest of the day.

Phillip Steward and Nick Saenz were the standouts on defense each tallying three solo and three assisted tackles while Means had four unassisted tackles.

Marcos McGraw added one solo and nine assisted tackles.

The Cougars will have a bye week before facing Mississippi State at home on October 9.

Houston Cougars Face Off Against Tulane With Terrance Broadway At Quarterback

(Terrance Broadway will be the first true freshman to start for Houston since 2003. Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loco Photography, Copyright 2010, All Rights Reserved)

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 25, 2010) On a hot and muggy afternoon in Houston, the conversation in the press box and the stand is “Will freshman quarterback Terrance Broadway be able to fill the shoes of Case Keenum?”

Houston Cougar head coach Kevin Sumlin named Broadway his starting quarterback earlier in the week, in an effort to revamp the offense after the loss of Keenum and backup quarterback Cotton Turner to injuries.

The Cougars (2-1 overall, 1-0 C-USA) face the Green Wave of Tulane (1-1 overall, 0-0 C-USA) at Houston’s Robertson.

The game is the 16th meeting between the two schools. Houston leads the series 11-4 and by a 5-2 margin at home.

UH is riding a seven-game winning streak against Tulane dating back to 2003.

That streak stands as the longest current winning streak between schools in Conference USA. The two teams have played all but one season since Houston joined Conference USA in 1996.

Broadway, who is the only player on the Houston roster from the state of Louisiana, is the first true freshman to start for the Cougars since Kevin Kolb in 2003.

Broadway saw action against UCLA, completing 5-of-8 passes for 84 yards and a touchdown.

UH has put together back-to-back sellout attendance marks of 32,119, the biggest crowds in Robertson Stadium history.

Game time is set for 2:30 pm CT and will be shown on television on CBS-CS.

Houston Cougars Lose Quarterbacks Case Keenum, Cotton Turner For Season

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 19, 2010) It has been reported via the University of Houston Department of Athletic Communications and a teleconference call with head coach Kevin Sumlin that senior starting quarterback Case Keenum will miss the remainder of 2010 with a season-ending torn ACL knee injury.

Additionally, junior back-up Cotton Turner suffered a fractured clavicle also resulting in the end of his play this year.

Both quarterbacks sustained injuries in UH’s game vs. UCLA on Saturday. Keenum left at the four-minute mark of the second quarter, while Turner went down at 4:09 in the third quarter.

“I am very disappointed for both these young men,” said Sumlin. “It’s hard to see them hurting right now. They both are a big part of this team and wanted to be contributors to its success this season. I think they can still do that with their off-the-field leadership.”

Keenum finished the season with 636 yards passing on a 66 percent completion percentage, while also throwing five touchdown passes.
With his 2010 numbers, he ranks among the top-10 in the NCAA in five career categories — 14,448 yards of total offense (7th nationally), 13,586 passing yards (5th nationally), 107 touchdown passes (8th nationally), 1,626 pass attempts (10th nationally), 1,118 pass completions (7th nationally).

Turner played in all three games, completing 74 percent of his passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns.

Turner was scheduled for surgery at 2:30pm Sunday, while Keenum was to be re-evaluated on Monday.

Sumlin indicated that Keenum’s injury was a “plant and slip” and not the result of contact.
He also stated in his Sunday teleconference call that he would name a starter early in the week, with Terrence Broadway and David Piland both in consideration for the job.

Broadway went 5 for 8 for 84 yards and one touchdown against UCLA.

Sumlin indicated that the plan for this season was to redshirt both Broadway and Pilant this season. He stated that like in most things, plans change.

Whoever is given the starting job, they will face a Tulane team that is currently 1-2for the season, coming off a 65-18 loss to Oklahoma State on Sept. 18.

I will post more on this as updated information becomes available.

Houston vs. UCLA: Live Action Blog With Senior Writer Robert Kelly

PASADENA, TEXAS (September 18, 2010) TexSport Publications senior writer Robert Kelly is live blogging the Houston Cougars-UCLA Bruins football game for Bleacher Report at 9:30pm CDT.

Please click here to follow his live action blog.

Texas Southern Downs Alabama A&M 32-9 In SWAC Football Action

(TSU's Joseph Anderson rushed for 201 yards and one touchdown against Alabama A&M. Photo by Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loco Photography, Copyright 2010, All Rights Reserved.)

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 18, 2010) On a muggy and cloudy afternoon in Houston, Texas Southern downed a stubborn Alabama A&M team, 32-9 at HISD’s Delmar Stadium.

The first quarter saw both teams get on the scoreboard via field goals, as neither team was able to generate the offensive punch to get the ball into the end zone on the run or in the air.

TSU kicker Robert Hersh booted in a 24-yard field goal at the 6:54 mark to give the Tigers the first score of the game.

Alabama A&M’s Chance Wilson came back at the 4:37 mark to even the score with a 37-yard field goal

Early in the second quarter, Wilson against scored, giving the Bulldogs a 6-3 lead with 13:27 left.

The Tigers finally found the offensive punch they were looking for as a result of long pass from quarterback Arvell Nelson to receiver Joe Anderson.

That set up a one-yard run by Marcus Wright and a Hersh extra point to give TSU a 10-6 lead at the 3:02 mark.

The Bulldogs pulled within one on Wilson’s third field goal of the afternoon with seven seconds remaining in the half.

Both teams headed to the locker room at halftime with TSU leading by one point; 10-9.

(TSU defensive end Ernest Gilley (90) gets position on Alabama A&M right tackle Anquez Jackson (73) in game action at Delmar Stadium. Photo by Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loco Photography, Copyright 2010, All Rights Reserved.)

Midway thorough the third quarter, TSU had the Bulldogs backed up to their own goal line, when a quick rush by safety Zack Gallow caught A and M quarterback Deaunte Mason in the end zone for a safety.

In the fourth quarter, the Tigers defense continued to put points on the board when defensive back Derricus Puirdy picked off a Mason pass and ran it in for the score.
Hersh again connected on the extra point to give TSU a 19-9 lead with 11:43 left in the game.

On the ensuing kickoff, a fumble by the Bulldogs was recovered by the Tigers, which gave TSU great field position.

Five plays later, at the 8:47 mark, Nelson connected with James Davis for TSU’s first passing touchdown of the game. Hersh again split the uprights to gave the Tigers a 26-9 lead.

The Bulldogs mounted a long drive, pushing all the way to the Tigers 22-yard line, when two consecutive sacks backed them up to the 35.

On 4th and 23, the Tiger defense put on a vicious rush, forcing Alabama A&M to turn the ball over on their own 38 yard line.

TSU took control of the ball and grinded out a few more yards before Nelson unleashed a long 61-yard pass down the right side line, connecting again with Anderson who ran it in for the final score of the game.

Hersh’s extra point was blocked, making the score 32-9 with 4:08 remaining.

After a few more offensive plays by both teams. That is how it ended; 32-9 in favor of the Tigers.

Offensively, Nelson had a tremendous game, completing 14 of 26 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns.

Anderson caught seven passes for 201 yards, with the 61-yard reception in the fourth quarter his longest of the afternoon.

Mason went 16 of 27 for 107 yards for the Bulldogs, while Green rushed for 90 yards on 10 carries.

(TSU tailback Marcus Wright (23) breaks through the line on one of his 16 carries against Alabama A&M. Photo by Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loco Photography, Copyright 2010, All Rights Reserved.)

TSU will now spend the next three weekends on the road. On September 25, they travel to Mobile, Alabama to face Tuskegee University with a 1:00pm start.

They then travel to Montgomery, Alabama to face Alabama State on October 2 and to Alcorn, Mississippi to take on Alcorn State on October 9.

They return home for an October 23 game against Jackson State at HISD’s Butler Stadium.

Houston Cougars Vs. UCLA Bruins: Will Case Keenum Start For The Cougars?

(Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loco Photography, Copyright 2010, All Rights Reserved)

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 18, 2010) With less than 24 hours before game time, the question still remains, “Will quarterback Case Keenum start against UCLA on Saturday night?”

The fans want to know. The student body wants to know. The alumni want to know. And probably, Case Keenum wants to know.

The answer to these questions will come at game time; 7:00pm PT as the Cougars take the field at the Rose Bowl to face the Bruins.

Houston head coach Kevin Sumlin stated in his weekly press conference that Keenum’s status is day-to-day, while UH officials said Friday that his status remains a game-time decision.

Keenum left last Saturday’s game against UTEP with a concussion as a result of tackling a Miner ball carrier after throwing an interception.

At the weekly press conference, senior defensive back Jamal Robinson was asked if he had any advice for Keenum on tackling.

“I told him he might want to keep his head up next time. Next time we'll have him walk off the field instead of tackling people.”

Many Cougar supporters agree. If Keenum does not start, the quarterback duties would fall to backup man Cotton Turner.

Turner was the UH Offensive Player of the Week for the Cougars against UTEP. He has played in both UH games this year.

In those two games he went 17 of 21 for 141 yards and no interceptions while connecting for two touchdowns. His longest pass was 26 yards, while averaging 70.5 yards a game.

If Turner does start, he will be facing a Bruin team that is 0-2 for the season and does not want to lose their second home game in a row.

They lost to Kansas State 31-22 on the road in the season opener and dropped a Pac-10 conference game 25-0 to Stanford in the Rose Bowl.

No matter who starts, the Bruins will be bringing a barrage of attacks against whoever is leading the team on the field.

Expect UCLA to try immediately bringing as much pressure possible to see if Turner can make the quick decisions and backup those decisions by quickly delivering the ball.

The Cougars should not take UCLA lightly. They have a fine program with a fine tradition.

However, I don’t think Sumlin will risk losing Keenum for the season if he is not 100% able to perform.

After all, this is a non-conference game and plays no bearing on the Conference USA championship.

Turner is very capable of commanding the Cougars on the field and with the other players backing him up, things should go fairly well.

Keenum needs to take another week off to rest and prepare for Tulane on September 25.

In any case, everyone will know who is starting at quarterback for the Cougars on Saturday evening, about 9:00pm Houston time.

UH Soccer Cruises to 7-0 Victory Over Texas Southern

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 12, 2010) The Houston Cougars defeated Texas Southern 7-0 Sunday afternoon at Robertson Stadium. The win brings the Cougars record to 4-2-1 with one game remaining before Conference USA action begins.

Houston totaled 43 shots in the game and 22 were on goal for the home side. Five players notched goals and six contributed with an assist.
“We did well with the space that was presented to us,” said head coach Susan Bush, “Sometimes the worry is with too much open space you will play kickball and not play in rhythm but we did well to find our style of play and earn the win.”

Houston peppered the Texas Southern goalie in the first half with 20 shots and 11 on goal.

Sami Sackos received a pass from Morgan Vela and struck a hard ball past the keeper in the 18th minute to give the Cougars the lead.
Despite dominating the rest of the half, the Cougars only found the net once more before intermission when Courtney Peacock and Lauri Byrne worked a give-and-go and Byrne found herself all alone inside the penalty box and blasted the ball home.

“It was frustrating that our shots weren’t going in during the first half but at halftime we regrouped and focused on the details of finishing chances and played a great second half.”

Houston picked up right where they left off after the second half started but the shots began to find their way onto the scoreboard.

Sackos scored her second goal of the game and third of the season in a one-one-one with the goalkeeper after an excellent dummy by Jessica Zavalza froze the defense. Sackos dribbled the ball a few paces before beating the keeper with a hard linedrive in the 56th minute.

In the 59th minute, Kylie Cook connected on a ball 30 yards outside and found the upper netting on an amazing shot for her second goal of the season.

A minute later, Sackos crossed the ball in from the right side and Byrne was able to flick the ball past the keeper with her first touch for her third goal of the season.

Houston opened the lead to five within five minutes of the second half but still poured on the pressure. Cami Koski came on as a substitute for goalkeeper Chelsea Meyers but neither goalie was active during the day as the midfield and defense kept the ball from crossing the midline often.

Natalie Vu scored her second goal of the season from long range after Fabi Cirino stole the ball from TSU defense in the 81st minute and set up Vu’s shot a slow rolling pass. Vu teed up on the shot and struck it past the goal keeper who had little chance to defend it.

A minute later, Vu provided the slow, rolling pass to Kaitlin Thulin who blasted a left-footed shot past the diving keeper for the final goal of the afternoon.

On a hot and sunny day in front of a crowd of 456, Houston was able to empty the bench and played 24 players. It was the fourth shutout win for the Cougars and they now hold a +14 goal differential over their opponents.

“It was a good win and I’ll always be happy with a 7-0 result. We have one more game before conference play begins and we’ll work hard during practice this week.”

Former Steelers QB Terry Bradshaw: Ben Roethlisberger Should Not Be A Steeler

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

Former Pittsburgh quarterback and current NFL analyst Terry Bradshaw stated on Fox NFL Sunday that Ben Roethlisberger should have been traded by the Pittsburgh Steelers as a result of his off-season actions that earned him a four-game suspension.

He stated that San Antonio Holmes was traded as a result of his actions and what Roethlisberger did was far worse than Holmes’s indiscretions.

The trade came after Holmes' incident in a nightclub coinciding with Ben Roethlisberger's own legal troubles, and the Steelers wanting to set an example of its players.

Had Holmes not been traded, the Steelers would've simply released him, dealing him a similar fate to that of former first round pick Huey Richardson, who was traded for a 7th round pick one year after going in the first round

Bradshaw also stated that Roethlisberger should strive to be remembered by three letters behind his name: “NFL not TMZ.”

During Roethlisberger’s absence, Dennis Dixon has been given the job of field general by head coach Mike Tomlin.

Dixon has previously started one game for the Steelers, in 2009, going 12 for 26 and 145 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He has a quarterback rating of 60.6.

I remember that game and at the time, I had questions about Dixon’s ability replace Roethlisberger.

He seemed tentative at best, but he did get the job done. In any case, he is definately a better choice than Charlie Batch or Byron Leftwich.

The first four games of 2010 is certainly a make or break situation for Dixon. If he was to quarterback the Steelers to victory in those games, he could be given a competitive shot at the starting job upon Roethlisberger’s return.

It is given that Roethlisberger is the starting quarterback for the Steelers. It is his job when he returns and will be for some time if he can keep his nose clean.

In 2009, Roethlisberger played 15 games for the Steelers, going 337 for 506 and 4,328 yards and 26 touchdowns. His rating was 100.5.

Dixon has a good arm and was a very accurate passer at Oregon, but he needs seasoning before he is going to have the skills to permanently take Roethlisberger’s job.

Atlanta, Tennessee, Tampa Bay, and Baltimore could certainly provide that seasoning, but Dixon had better be ready to mix it up he wants everything to come together in 2010.

Houston Cougars Redeemed: Down UTEP Miners 54-24 At Robertson Stadium

(Case Keenum (7) went 15 for 24 for 279 yards before he left the game in the third quarter after taking an inadvertent blow to his helmet after throwing an interception. Photo by Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loco Photography, Copyright 2010, All Rights Reserved)

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 11, 2010) The Houston Cougars showed they can score points with their ground game in their 54-24 win over Conference USA foe UTEP at Robertson Stadium in Houston on Friday night.

The Cougars scored six rushing touchdowns on 656 yards of total offense in raising their season record to 2-0 and 1-0 in conference.

Bryce Beall and Michael Hayes each scored rushing three touchdowns while running for 195 yards and 77 yards, respectively.

James Cleveland scored one touchdown in the air, with Matt Hogan kicked two field goals and six extra points to round out the scoring.

Quarterback Case Keenum was inured in the third quarter after a pass was intercepted by UTEP’s TraVaun Nixon.

Keenum attempted to make a tackle on the play and was slow to get up. He left the game after going 15 for 24 for 265 yards and one interception.

Backup quarterback Cotton Turner entered the game and quickly took over where Keenum left off.

He went 9 for 10 for 69 yards in the air with one touchdown.

The Miners got on the board early in the first quarter on a 7-yard pass touchdown pass from Trevor Vittatoe to Pierce Hunter.

They continued their scoring with a 22-yard Dakota Warren field goal in the second quarter.

Vittatoe connected with Donavan Kemp at the 7:35 mark of the third quarter for the second Miner touchdown.

He then connected with Kris Adams on a 5-yard pass in the fourth quarter to round out the Miner’s scoring.

Defensively, Houston cornerback Jamal Robinson had five solo tackles and four assists, with linebacker Matt Nicholson and safety Nick Saenz both tallying three solo tackles and five assists.

The game was the second straight home sellout for the Cougars, who are currently 2-0 for the season and 1-0 in conference play.

Houston will next travel to the west coast to take on UCLA at the Rose Bowl. They are 2-2 lifetime against the Bruins, with their last win coming in 1979 where the Cougars downed UCLA 24-16.

Game time is set for 7:30pm in California.

Houston Cougars' McIntyre Out For Season With Torn ACL

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 8, 2010) The University of Houston’s redshirt junior linebacker John McIntyre will miss the rest of the season as a result of the knee injury he received against Texas State.

Head football coach Kevin Sumlin announced at the Tuesday press conference that McIntyre injury was a torn ACL.

The Bryan High School (Texas) product played 26 games for the Cougars in 2008 and 2009 tallying 35 tackles, 12 of which were unassisted.

He was a member of the Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll in 2008-2009 and 2009-2010.

In was one of 29 players to compete in all 14 games during the 2009 season, including the Bell Helicopter Armed Forced Bowl.

He has a career best nine tackles against Rice during the 2009 season.

Sumlin stated in the press conference “John had a great training camp and was a key player on four different special teams units in addition to his role at linebacker. I am disappointed for him but know he will work hard rehabbing to get back and help this team.”

6-2, 210 pound freshman Efrem Oliphant (Langham Creek HS, Houston, Texas) is listed as the replacement for McIntyre.

HOUSTON AEROS SIGN G TORDJMAN AND C KAIP

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 8, 2010) Houston Aeros General Manager Jim Mill announced today that the Aeros have signed goaltender Josh Tordjman and center Rylan Kaip each to one-year contracts, respectively. Per team policy, the terms of the contracts were not disclosed.

Tordjman (TORJ-man), 25, signs a one-year contract with the Houston Aeros after spending the previous four seasons with the San Antonio Rampage of the AHL. Tordjman played in 45 games during the 2009-10 season for the Rampage with a 20-22-2 record, a 2.96 GAA and a .902 save percentage.

During the 2008-09 season, the Montreal native appeared in 51 games for the Rampage with a 25-22-2 record with a 2.61 GAA and a .909 save percentage. Tordjman set AHL career-highs in wins (25) and shutouts (6) while ranking second in the AHL in shutouts and t-12th in wins.

Tordjman was named Reebok X-Pulse/AHL Goaltender of the Month in January 2009 when he recorded a 9-4-0 record with a 2.01 GAA and a .933 save percentage.

Kaip (KIPE), signs a one-year contract with the Houston Aeros after spending the previous two seasons with the Chicago Wolves of the AHL.

Kaip, 26, played in 68 games for the Chicago Wolves during the 2009-10 season totaling 11 points (4-7=11) with 59 PIM. Kaip also played in nine games during the 2010 AHL Calder Cup Playoffs with eight PIM.

The Radville, Saskatchewan, native made his professional debut against the Aeros on October 11, 2008 with the Chicago Wolves.

Kaip, played college hockey at the University of North Dakota (WCHA) where he totaled 38 points (15-23=38) and 230 PIM in 143 career games, serving as captain during his senior season.

Kaip was originally selected by the Atlanta Thrashers in the ninth round (269th overall) in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

WHITE NAMED SWAC FOOTBALL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 8, 2010) Prairie View A&M linebacker Marcus White was selected by the Southwestern Athletic Conference as its Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against Texas Southern on Sunday.

Playing in his first-ever collegiate game, the redshirt freshman from Houston (Jones HS) broke a 7-7 tie in the third quarter after picking off a TSU pass and racing 72 yards untouched for his first career touchdown. White also logged a game-high 13 tackles and defended one pass.

In addition to White’s honors, senior punter Pedro Ventura was also recognized by the SWAC with a notable performance during the 26th annual State Farm Labor Day Classic.

The Panthers travel to Hattiesburg, Miss. this weekend to square off against Southern Mississippi at 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Prairie View A&M Edges Texas Southern 16-14 In SWAC Football Action

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 5, 2010) With the score tied at 7-all at halftime, Prairie View A&M scored a touchdown and a safety in the second half to defeat Texas Southern 16-14 in the 26th Annual State Farm Labor Day Classic before 22062 fans at Houston’s Reliant Stadium.

The Panthers hit pay dirt first when quarterback Jonathan Troast connected with Shuan Stephens on a 20-yard touchdown pass at the 9:39 mark in the 2nd quarter.

The touchdown cumulated a 29-yard, four play drive that took only 1:40.

Texas Southern evened the score seven minutes later, when quarterback Arvell Nelson found William Osborne all alone and hit him with 33-yard pass.

The Tigers’ 91-yard scoring drive consisted of nine plays and lasted 3:15.

The teams traded possession for most of the first half with neither team able to gain a substantial offense advantage.

However, TSU came out strong in the second half; driving 61 yards down the field in 11 plays before Nelson’s pass to the end zone was picked off by Odreis Augustus to end the drive

Nelson threw another interception at the 5:04 mark in the 3rd quarter to Marcus White, who returned the ball 72 yards for another Panther touchdown.

The 4th quarter began with Prairie View up by 7 with the Tigers on their own 2-yard line. Troast handed off to Joseph Warren, who was hit for a loss of 2-yard, giving the Panthers a 2 point safety.

Texas Southern narrowed the gap at the 7:56 mark when White rushed nine yards for the final touchdown of the game. The drive lasted 1:32 and consisted of 5 plays on 44 yards.

The Tigers offense tried for a final drive, but was held off by a stingy Panther defense to allow Prairie View to take the win.

Texas Southern managed 373 yards of total offense, as opposed to 148 yards for the Panthers.

Prairie View will travel to Southern Mississippi for a 6:00pm game next Saturday, while Texas Southern heads east to take in Connecticut at 12 noon the same day.

Prairie View and Texas Southern Face Off In 26th State Farm Labor Day Classic

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 5, 2010) On the afternoon of September 5, two of the biggest rivals in college football will meet head-to-head at Houston’s Reliant Stadium as the Prairie View A&M Panthers face off against the Texas Southern Tigers in the 26th edition of the State Farm Labor Day Classic.

For the first time since 1967, both teams enter with winning records.
This year’s classic promises to live up to the hype as the Panthers are the defending SWAC Champion while Texas Southern closed out the 2009 season full of momentum as they amassed a winning record for the first time since 2000.

Both teams feature exciting quarterbacks with Prairie View’s K.J. Black taking the snap for the Panthers and Arvell Nelson playing the roll of field general for Texas Southern.

Both squads are lead by solid head coaches in Prairie View’s Henry Frazier III and TSU’s Johnnie Cole

The last time these two teams met, the Panthers downed the Tigers 17-7 in the 25th edition of the Classic.

The game was played before more than 21,000 fans at Reliant Stadium, which saw Prairie View quarterback Jay Bluford rebounded from an early interception to throw a pair of touchdown passes to secure the win.

TSU’s Demarckus Washington intercepted a Bluford pass and returned
it 55 yards for a touchdown midway through the first quarter to give the Tigers the early lead.

Bluford countered with a scoring pass to Gabe Osaze-Ediae later in the quarter to tie up the game.

Prairie View then took the lead on Brady Faggard’s field goal with 6:42 left in the third quarter.

Bluford again took to the air, connecting with Brandon Bell for a 15-yard touchdown in the final period to complete the scoring.

Kickoff is set for 4:00pm Houston time.

Houston Cougars Down Texas State 68-28 In Season Opener

(Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2010, All Rights Reserved)

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publication

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 4, 2010) Blasting out to a 54-7 lead at halftime, the Houston Cougars racked up 497 yards of total offense in downing the Texas State Wildcats 68-28 in the season opener for both football teams in front of 32,119 fans at Houston’s Robertson Stadium.

The Cougars wasted little time getting on the board, scoring on a 40-yard pass from quarterback Case Keenum to Michael Hayes at the 13:23 mark in the 1st quarter.

They came back less than three minutes later when Keenum found Patrick Edwards on a 63-yard pass play to make the score 13-0 with 10:42 left in the 1st quarter.

Texas State answered back at the 4:26 mark on a 14-yard run by Tyler Arndt on a 10 play, 80-yrd drive that lasted a bit over six minutes.

The Cougars scored again with 1:39 left in the 1st quarter on an 8-yard run by Bryce Beall to make the score 20-7.

The Cougars continued their dominance in the 2nd quarter; scoring five times off one running and three passing plays, along with one interception return.

The first pass play came at 11:31 in the quarter on a 35-yard pass play from Keenum to Kierrie Johnson. He then connected with James Cleveland at 4:29 mark and again with Johnson 11 seconds later.

The second Johnson score came as a result of a Bobcat fumble which was recovered by Matt Nicholson.

Beall again found the end zone on a 3-yard run with 2:52 remaining in the quarter.

The final score of the half came when Matt Nicholson picked off a Tim Hawkins’ pass and scampered 42-yards to give the Cougars a 47 point lead going into the locker room.

Texas State finally got their second score of the game in the 3rd quarter when Arndt connected with Eric Gentry with a 22-yard pass. The score came as a result of a 14-play, 83-yard drive which took seven minutes.

Houston added 14 points to their tally in the 3rd quarter on a 26-yard pass from Cotton Turner to Isaiah Sweeney and a 5-yard run by Michael Hayes.

The Bobcats added two touchdowns in the 4th quarter on a 1-yard run by Frank Reddic and a 5-yard run by Arndt.

Keenum continued his offensive productivity from last year by completing 17 for 22 for 274 yards in the air with five touchdown passes.

Offensively, the Cougars neted 346 yards in the air while rushing for 162 yards.

Cotton Turner showed he has what it takes to eventually take the reins of quarterback upon Keenum’s departure. Staring the 2nd half, he went 8 for 11 for 72 yards and one touchdown.

The 2nd half was virtually a “reserve” festival. The Cougars for the most part, emptied their bench, allowing many players to gain some needed game experience which will be beneficial as the season progresses.

A total of seven players gained rushing yardage while nine saw action on the receiving end of passes.

The Cougars will next face UTEP in a 9:00pm start on Friday, September 10 at Robertson Stadium.

UTEP will be coming off a 31-10 Saturday evening win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

Houston-Texas State Season Opener A Sellout

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 4, 2010) With 2 ½ hours left before the season kickoff between the University of Houston and Texas State University, the Cougars athletic department announced that the game is a sellout; the first for a UH season opener since moving over to Robertson Stadium in 1995.

The Cougars and the Bobcats have faced off three times previously, with the Cougars losing all three games. The games occurred from 1946 to 1948, with Houston dropping the final game 3-0 in San Marcos on November 20, 1948.

The 1946 season was the first year Houston fielded a team.

Saturday’s opener marks the 65th season of football for the Cougars, which post a 32-30-2 record for season openers. They are 36-28 in home openers.

The Cougars begin the 2010 season with two of the nation’s best players; Conference USA preseason Offensive Player of the Year Case Keenum and preseason Special Player of the year Tyron Carrier.

Houston is the reigning NCAA passing, total and scoring offensive champion while Keenum led the national in passing and total offense in 2009.

The Cougars return 42 lettermen and 16 starters from 2009. Seven starters return on both side of the ball, with two more special team starters coming back in 2010.

Kickoff is schedule for 7:00pm in Houston.