North Texas Mean Green drop non-conference game to Houston Cougars, 44-21





Charles Sims rushed for a career high 210 yards
against North Texas. Photo by Darla Tamulitis-
La Vita Loco Photography, Copyright 2012,
All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2012 TexSport Publications


HOUSTON, TEXAS (October 6, 2012) What a difference a new offense coordinator and four weeks can make.

The Houston Cougars scored 31 points in the first half and running back Charles Sims rushed for 216 yards in three quarters to win their second game of the season by the score of 44-21 over the North Texas Mean Green at Roberson Stadium in Houston.

Four weeks ago, the Cougars suffered a 30-12 loss to Texas State in a game that some predicted would lead to a 0-12 season for the Cougars.

Head coach Tony Levine quickly made changes, including the replacement of his offensive coordinator, and things started happening.

Despite losing their next two games and going 0-3 before their bye week, the Cougars have rallied to beat Rice last week, 37-6 and downing North Texas to raise their season record to 2-3.

The main reason is the improved performance and confidence of quarterback David Piland and his getting the ball into the hands of Sims.

Piland completed 3 1of 41 passes for 321 yards and two touchdowns while handing off to Sims for 21 carries.

Sims rushed for 216 yards while only losing six for a net total of 210 yards and one touchdown.

In addition, he also had five receptions for 55 yards and another touchdown.

However the confidence of Piland, who is looking more and more like a quarterback who enjoys commanding the offense and getting the ball to Sims, is one of the reasons for the Cougars  improved performance five games into the season.

Kenneth Farrow also contributed to the rushing total; carrying the ball eight times for 88 yards and a single touchdown.

Piland also kept the ball on two carries for 13 yards, scoring his own rushing touchdown.

Dewayne Peace scored the other touchdown for the Cougars while rushing for 83 yards on nine carries.

Matt Hogan was 3-for-3 in field goals, contributing nine points, with a game best of 55-yards along five extra points.

On the defensive side of the ball, Phillip Steward and Everett Daniels each had three solo tackles and nine assists to lead the Cougars with 12 each.

Kent Brooks and Chris Cermin both had one interception.

The Cougars will next face the University of Alabama-Birmingham on Saturday, October 13 with an 11:00 a.m. kickoff at Robertson Stadium.