Houston Cougars Return To Action Against Mississippi State At Robertson Stadium

(Terrance Broadway (10) will see his second second start at quarterback for the Houston Cougars against Mississippi State. Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loco Photography, Copyright 2010, All Rights Reserved)

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (October 9, 2010) The Houston Cougars (3-1, 2-0 C-USA) will face off against the Mississippi State Bulldogs (3-2, 1-2 SEC) Saturday evening at Robertson Stadium with the game slated for a 7:00pm kickoff.

The game is the 16th meeting between the two schools, with the Cougars leading the series 9-6 and by a 4-3 margin at home.

Mississippi State will be playing at Robertson Stadium for only the second time, despite playing seven games in Houston. The previous match-ups in 1956, 1961, and 1962 were played at Rice Stadium, while the 1965, 1966, and 1969 games were played in The Astrodome.

In 2003, Houston won 42-35 over the Bulldogs at the Rob.

Last season UH defeated MSU in Starkville, 31-24. With the score tied entering the final period, the Cougars took advantage of two Mississippi State turnovers and converted them into touchdowns for the win.

Bryce Beall rushed for 94 yards and receivers Tyron Carrier and James Cleveland each caught two touchdown passes. Defensively, Marcus McGraw led with 13 tackles.

Unfortunately, Houston will be with the services of Cleveland against MSU. Earlier in the week, Cleveland was suspended from Saturday’s game by head coach Kevin Sumlin for a violation of team rules.

“James made a mistake, which is uncharacteristic of him. I am disappointed because up until now he has done everything we have asked of him. He is very remorseful and hopefully will use this as a learning experience and be ready to go next week,” stated Sumlin in a prepared statement.

The game will also have an added appeal for fans as former Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach will be in the press box at the Rob.

The game will be televised on CBS-College Sports with Leach handling the game analysis as a compliment to the play-by-play of Roger Twibell.

The Cougars are listed as 5 ½ point underdogs going into the game.