Houston Cougars win Texas Bowl thriller, down LSU 38-35

Houston quarterback Conner Weigman hands off the ball to
running back to DJ Butler in the Cougars win over LSU.
Photo by Darla S Tamulitism La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 27, 2025) The Houston Cougars capped off a big season with a 38-35 win over the LSU Tigers in the Kinder’s Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium on Saturday night. It was a close and exciting game that fans will remember for a long time.

The Tigers jumped out to an early lead and looked strong at first. On the very first play of the game, Barion Brown returned the opening kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown to put the Tigers up 7-0. LSU then added another score to make it 14-0 in the first quarter.

However, the Cougars did not give up. Quarterback Conner Weigman, who was selected the game's MVP, as voted by the media, led a big comeback for the Cougars. He was sharp all night, throwing four touchdown passes and finishing with 236 passing yards. Weigman connected with key receivers like Amare Thomas and Tanner Koziol to help Houston erase the early deficit.

In the post game press conference, the UH quarterback was asked about his favorite moment on the field, from the celebration or in the locker room; something that he thought was goin to stick with him.

Yeah, just some of the seniors; Tanner (Kozios), Dean (Conners), Matt (Wykoff), all those guys; that was the last time I'm going to be able to play football with those guys. It meant a lot to me. Those are my brothers.

Houston took the lead and did not look back. Ethan Sanchez hit a 25-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter to push the Cougars ahead 31-28. Then Dean Connors scored a 20-yard rushing touchdown with just over two minutes left, making it 38-28 and giving Houston a big boost.

LSU tried to rally late, and Zavion Thomas scored a rushing touchdown with about a minute to play, cutting the deficit to 38-35. But Houston recovered the onside kick and ran out the clock to seal the victory.

The win gave Houston a 10-3 final season record with the Tigers finish 7-6,

LSU downs Baylor in Kinder's Texas Bowl

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 1, 2025, All Rights Reserved) The LSU Tigers wrapped up their season in style, defeating the Baylor Bears 44-31 on Tuesday afternoon (December 31, 2024) to win the Kinder’s Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier led the charge, throwing for 313 yards and three touchdowns as LSU ended their year with a strong 9-4 record.

The Tigers wasted no time making their presence felt. On their first drive, Nussmeier connected with freshman tight end Trey’Dez Green for a crucial 5-yard first down on 4th-and-5. A few plays later, Nussmeier found Green again for a 10-yard touchdown, giving LSU a 7-0 lead early in the first quarter.

Baylor tried to respond, but LSU’s defense stepped up. Freshman linebacker Davhon Keys intercepted Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown. That play made Keys just the third LSU player ever to score a pick-six in a bowl game. LSU’s lead quickly grew to 14-0.

The Bears fought back with a 21-yard touchdown pass from Robertson to Josh Cameron, cutting the lead to 14-7. But LSU’s offense wasn’t done. Nussmeier delivered a 40-yard touchdown pass to Chris Hilton Jr., and the Tigers were back in control at 21-7.

Hilton continued to shine, hauling in a 43-yard catch that set up another touchdown. Nussmeier found Green for his second touchdown catch of the game, extending the Tigers’ lead to 28-7. The LSU defense held strong, forcing a turnover on downs when Robertson was sacked by Whit Weeks and Sai’vion Jones.

Baylor showed some life before halftime. They blocked a 36-yard field goal attempt and scored on a Dawson Pendergrass touchdown run, trimming LSU’s lead to 28-14. But LSU answered right back. Zavion Thomas returned the ensuing kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, pushing the lead to 34-14. It was LSU’s second kickoff return touchdown of the season, marking a first in the SEC era.

In the second half, Baylor tried to rally. They scored on a 4-yard pass from Robertson to Ashtyn Hawkins, narrowing the score to 34-24. LSU turned the ball over on back-to-back possessions, but Baylor couldn’t capitalize. A bad snap on 4th-and-1 gave the Tigers the ball back.

LSU’s offense found its rhythm again in the fourth quarter. Running back Josh Williams powered in a 4-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 41-24. Kicker Damian Ramos added a 43-yard field goal, making it 44-24.

Baylor scored one last time with a 3-yard rush from Pendergrass, but it wasn’t enough. The Tigers’ defense stood firm, and LSU secured the win.

This victory capped off an exciting season for LSU, who now looks ahead to their 2025 opener against Clemson on August 30. 

Baylor and LSU set for showdown in Texas Bowl

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 30, 2024) The Baylor Bears and LSU Tigers are gearing up for an exciting clash at NRG Stadium in the Kinder's Texas Bowl on Tuesday, bringing together two teams with plenty of history, talent, and momentum. Both schools are familiar with the Texas Bowl, with Baylor making its third appearance and LSU also visiting for the third time. The Bears defeated Vanderbilt 45-38 in 2018 but lost to Illinois in 2010. LSU's last trip to the Texas Bowl in 2022 ended in a 42-20 loss to Kansas State.

Baylor comes into the game riding a six-game winning streak. After starting the season 2-4, the Bears turned things around with victories over Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, TCU, West Virginia, Houston, and Kansas. Quarterback Sawyer Robertson has been key during this stretch, throwing seven of his 26 touchdown passes. Robertson has 2,626 passing yards this season, completing 199 of 317 passes with just seven interceptions.

The Bears also boast standout players on both sides of the ball. Inside linebackers Matt Jones and Keaton Thomas earned First-Team All-Big 12 honors. Thomas leads the team with 107 tackles, while Jones has 103. Wide receiver Josh Cameron has been a dual threat with 643 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. Cameron’s average of 20.7 yards per punt return is the best in the nation for players with at least 14 returns.

Freshman running back Bryson Washington has been another bright spot for Baylor. He rushed for 1,004 yards this season, setting a school record for a freshman, and scored 12 touchdowns.

LSU’s offense will be led by quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who is having a stellar season. Nussmeier has thrown for 3,739 yards with 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He needs 261 passing yards to become only the second quarterback in LSU history to hit the 4,000-yard mark in a season. Nussmeier has shined against non-conference opponents, throwing for 1,766 yards and 16 touchdowns in five such games since last year.

Freshman running back Caden Durham has contributed 693 rushing yards and six touchdowns, while LSU’s offensive line has been anchored by standout left tackle Will Campbell, a Consensus All-American. However, Campbell and right tackle Emery Jones will both miss the game after opting out.

On defense, LSU has a rich history of success under head coach Brian Kelly and will look to improve their 6-8 record in bowl games against Big 12 opponents.

This will be the first meeting between Baylor and LSU in 39 years. Baylor holds a 2-1 edge in bowl matchups, including a 21-7 victory in the Liberty Bowl in 1985. The game is also part of the Texas Bowl’s tradition of matching SEC and Big 12 teams, a streak that has continued for the past decade.

A win would be historic for Baylor, as the Bears have never ended a season with seven consecutive victories. For LSU, it’s a chance to secure their 31st bowl win and build momentum heading into next season.

Texas A&M falls short against Oklahoma State in thrilling TaxAct Texas Bowl

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2023 All Rights Rights

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 27, 2023) In a heart-pounding battle at NRG Stadium, the Texas A&M football team fought valiantly against No. 22 Oklahoma State, ultimately succumbing to a 31-23 defeat in the TaxAct Texas Bowl on Wednesday night.

The Aggies, entering the game with a depleted roster, faced adversity from the first play when starting quarterback Jaylen Henderson exited the game due to injury. Despite the setback, reserve quarterback Marcel Reed stepped up, showcasing resilience and determination. Reed completed 20-of-33 passes for an impressive 361 yards, adding a rushing touchdown to his name.

Trailing 24-6 at halftime, Texas A&M mounted a spirited comeback in the second half. The defense, led by standout Sam Mathews, forced crucial turnovers, allowing the Aggies to outscore Oklahoma State 17-7 in the final two quarters. Mathews delivered a stellar performance, tallying a career-high 14 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss, one pass breakup, and an interception.

Wide receivers Jahdae Walker, Max Wright, and Moose Muhammad III played pivotal roles in the offensive resurgence. Walker led the receiving corps with eight catches for 137 yards, while Wright contributed four catches for 62 yards, and Muhammad III finished with three catches for 68 yards.

Despite falling short, the Aggies displayed resilience and determination. Reed's connection with Wright on a pair of passes set up a 2-yard rushing touchdown by Amari Daniels, narrowing the score to 24-13 in the third quarter. Reed himself contributed a 20-yard rushing touchdown, keeping the Aggies in the fight.

A late-game surge, featuring a 51-yard field goal by Randy Bond, brought Texas A&M within striking distance at 31-28 with 5:07 remaining. The defense held strong, and with 17 seconds left, the Cowboys' 47-yard field goal attempt went wide right, providing the Aggies with one last opportunity.

In a dramatic final sequence, Reed unleashed a Hail Mary pass that unfortunately ended in an interception as time expired. The Aggies, despite the adversity and a depleted roster, showcased determination and fighting spirit until the very last play.

ESPN Events and Lone Star Sports & Entertainment Cancel Mercari Texas Bowl

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved 

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 29, 2020) ESPN Events and Lone Star Sports & Entertainment announced earlier today that due to an increased number of positive COVID-19 tests and other circumstances within the TCU football program, the 2020 Mercari Texas Bowl has been canceled.

“While we are disappointed in canceling this year’s game, we look forward to hosting both the Texas Kickoff and Texas Bowl next season,” said David Fletcher, executive director. “We appreciate everyone’s support, including our new title sponsor, Mercari.”

The 2020 edition, slated for December 31, was scheduled with the TCU Horned Frogs (6-4, 5-4 Big 12) facing the Arkansas Razorbacks (3-7, 3-7, SEC).

Mercari Texas Bowl to feature Arkansas vs. TCU

By Chris Price
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved 

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 25, 2020) The 15th edition of the Texas Bowl will be held Thursday, December 31, 2020, with a new title sponsor. Mercari, a Japanese e-commerce company founded in February 2013 and currently operating in Japan and the United States, has signed on as the title sponsor of the game.

The New Year's Eve matchup will feature the Arkansas Razorbacks, representing the SEC and the TCU Horned Frogs, representing the Big 12. The former Southwest Conference foes have met 70 times previously, with Arkansas holding a 44–24–2 series lead, though this will be their first postseason meeting. The two teams last met in 2016 and 2017, as part of a home-and-home series, with each team winning their respective away contest.

Arkansas enters the game with a 3–7 record, having played an all-SEC schedule, under first-year head coach Sam Pittman. The Razorbacks are appearing in their first bowl game since the 2016 Belk Bowl. They are making their second Texas Bowl appearance, with the first coming in a win over Texas in 2014.

TCU enters the game with a 6–4 record, 5–4 in conference play, under 20th-year head coach Gary Patterson. The Horned Frogs are appearing in their first bowl game since the 2018 Cheez-It Bowl. They are making their second Texas Bowl appearance, with the first coming in a win over Houston in 2007.

Punter Michael Dickson named MVP of 2017 Texas Bowl

Photo by Lou Roesch
Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

By Lou Roesch

Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 28, 2017) Since the inception of the Texas Bowl eleven years ago, all ten previous MVP awards went to offensive players including nine quarterbacks. Not until 2017 did someone other than an offensive player make an argument for MVP. Enter University of Texas Longhorns punter Michael Dickson (shown above right and below left)) . Yes, a punter earned the 2017 Academy Sports & Outdoors Texas Bowl MVP award, but rest assured Michael Dickson is not just any ordinary punter.  His right foot has been terrorizing opposing special teams coaches for the better part of two seasons. This is a punter who had 48 of 73 punts sail for more than 50 yards. A punter who led the nation in yards per kick and net yards per kick in 2017 and threatened to rewrite the FBS record for punters. This is Michael Dickson.  The kicker who singlehandedly put Missouri on their heels all night long beginning with his first kick at 10:23 of the first quarter that was downed at the Tigers three yard line.

Photo by Lou Roesch
Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

Not many would realize that they were in for a treat from a very special kicker as they watched one punt after another continue to pin Missouri down. Ten of the junior punter’s kicks were downed inside the 20 and the one to the three in the opening quarter was the first of five first half punts inside the 10 yard line. Thanks to Dickson’s foot, the Tigers started six of their 10 first half possessions inside the ten yard line.

Before the Longhorns kicker’s record setting performance, undrafted free agent Florida State punter now NFL placekicker Graham Gano was all alone in the record books. The unanimous All-American kicker (first Longhorns punter to do so) by way of Sydney, Australia had more yards punting (452) then the Tigers had on  offense (390). With eight Missouri’s 17 drives starting on or inside their own 10 yard line, it is a wonder they didn’t lose by more than the count of 33-16. The Longhorns kicker, averaging 41.1 yards per boot, left his final punt of the game at the Missouri four yard line.

Coming into the game, the 2017 Ray Guy Award winner (first for UT) as the nation’s best punter had landed nearly thirty percent of his kick’s inside the opponents 10 yard line. On this record setting night, he would nestle a staggering 47 percent inside the Missouri 10 yard line. It should have come as no surprise that the two-time Big 12 Conference Special Teams Player of the Year (2016 & 2017) would have no touchbacks and no return yards in this contest considering that in 2017 only 12 of his 73 punts coming into the game had positive yardage returns and nine of those were for three yards or less. The numbers are even more staggering when you consider that 32 of his 73 regular season punts landed inside the 20 yard line and then add in 10 of 11 bowl game punts meaning that 50 percent of his punt total for 2017 were downed on or inside the opponents 20 yard line in 2017. The 6-3, 205-pound kicker made sure that the last tape scouts might see of him was memorable as he declared for the 2018 NFL draft six days earlier.

“I’ve never seen one affect the game the way he did tonight, and I’m glad he’s on our team.,” said Longhorns head coach Tom Herman stated following the game.

Kansas States overcome Texas Aggies for 33-28 Texas Bowl win

Jesse Ertz (16) tallied three touchdowns
and the game MVP award.
Photo by Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2016, All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2016 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 28, 2016) The Kansas State Wildcats used a potent offense to keep the Texas A&M Aggies in check in route to a 33-28 win in the AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl in Houston, Texas on Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at NRG Stadium in Houston. The win raised the Wildcats record to 9-4 for the season while the Aggies dropped to 8-5.

Kansas State head coach Bill Snyder discussed the win with the press after the game.

“You know, I’ve been impressed with the spirit of our players on this trip.  It goes back to the, what is the event they have here, the little rodeo deal.  What I was so impressed with, not the fact of who wins or loses, but the spirit that our players, unsolicited, that they showed during that period of time.  I’m don’t know if any of you were out there.  I enjoyed watching our players show that passion for the competitiveness of it and the spirit.  I kind of had a feeling it would carry over to this ballgame, and I think for the most part it did.”

Josh Reynolds caught 12 passes for 154 yards and
two touchdowns for the Aggies.
Photo by Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2016, All Rights Reserved

The Aggies tallied the first score of the game, receiving the initial kickoff and driving 75 yards in 10 plays for the score. Tailback Keith Ford took the handoff from quarterback Trevor Knight and rambled the final seven yards of the drive for the score. Daniel La Camera kicked the extra point to give Texas A&M an early 7-0 lead. A bit less than seven minutes later, the Wildcats received an Aggie punt and began their drive on their own 21-yard line. Quarterback Jesse Ertz connected with wide receiver Bryon Pringle on their first play of the possession, with a 79-yard pass, for Kansas State’s first score. Ian Patterson evened the score at seven points with his successful conversion.  The Wildcats then took the lead when Ertz rushed the final five yards of a 55-yard drive, on a quarterback keeper, for Kansas State’s second touchdown of the game. The Aggies limited the Wildcat score to six points when Patterson’s extra point attempt was blocked by Myles Garrett to make the score 13-7 at the 12:19 mark of the second quarter.

Texas A&M wasted no time in getting back the lead when they capped their next possession with a three-yard pass from Knight to wide receiver Ricky Seals-Jones for the Aggies’ second TD and the La Camera kicking conversion. The Aggies then held a slim 14-13 lead over the Wildcats. K-State took back the lead with a 40-yard field goal by Patterson with 6:13 left in the first half. They increased their lead to 23 points when Dominique Heath took a handoff from Knight on a second-and-five play and carried the ball 52 yards for the Wildcats’ third touchdown of the game. Patterson added the obligatory extra point to give Kansas State a 23-14 to close out the first half.

Head coach Kevin Sumlin discussed the Aggies’ season performance after the game.

"Oh, we’re not happy.  Just like I said last week at the press conference.  The message in there was, you know, I was thankful to these guys, to the seniors.  Really wanted it to be different tonight and send them out on a really good note because of how they’ve represented this program.  Didn’t get that done.  The message really was for the young players that this feeling that they have in that locker room right now, basically, don’t forget that.  Anytime and how we go to work from here on out, the guys that are coming back, this feeling should drive you even more throughout the spring.  We’ve got a bunch of guys that are coming in here mid-year too.   The guys who are here, the returning guys, they’ve got to be leaders in this program.  That feeling that you have right now should help motivate us even more throughout the spring and into next year.”

The Aggies began a comeback in the second half, beginning at drive with 10:56 on the clock in the third quarter. The Aggies moved the ball 90 yards in 10 plays and capped the drive with a four-yard pass from Knight to wide receiver Josh Reynolds for the touchdown. LaCamera added the extra point to cut the Wildcats’ lead to 23-21. Kansas State responded three minutes later with a Patterson 25-yard field goal to increase their lead to 26-21. The Wildcats increased their lead six minutes into the fourth quarter when Ertz carried the ball again on another quarterback keeper for another touchdown. As previously, Patterson kicked the conversion to give Kansas State a 33-21 lead. The Aggies scored with 7:50 left in the game on a 15-yard pass from Knight to Reynolds. 

Syracuse wins 2013 Texas Bowl with 21-17 win over Minnesota

Syracuse quarterback Terrel Hunt was selected the MVP
of the 2013 Texas Bowl.
Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2013 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2013 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 29, 2013) Regaining the lead on a 12-yard run by game quarterback Terrel Hunt with 1:14 remaining in the game, the Syracuse Orange held on the defeat the Minnesota Golden Gophers by the score of 21-17 in the Texas Bowl held at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas on Friday evening, December 27, 2013.

The Orange went into the fourth quarter with a 14-3 lead, but Minnesota scored two touchdowns within three minutes of each other to take the lead for the first time in the game.

The first score of the game occurred at the 10:04 mark in the second quarter when Jerome Smith scampered one-yard to cap off an 11 play, 80 yard drive to give Syracuse a 7-0 lead.

Minnesota came back with no time remaining in the first half with a Chris Hawthorne 41-yard field goal to make the score 7-3.

Syracuse upped the score to 14-3 at the 2:57 mark in the third quarter on a Hunt five-yard run and a Ryan Norton extra point.

Minnesota then scored their two fourth quarter touchdowns to make the score 17-14 prior to Hunt’s late fourth quarter score.

Members of the Syracuse Orange hoist the
2013 Texas Bowl trophy.
Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2013 All Rights Reserved

With the win, Syracuse lifted its season record to 7-6, while the Golden Gophers fell to 8-5.

Hunt, who was selected the game’s MVP by a vote of the media, passed for 188 yards, while competing 19-of-29 passes and one touchdown.

In addition, he rushed for 89 yards on 15 carried and scored tow touchdowns on the grown.

For Minnesota, quarterback Mitch Leidner completed 11-of 22 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns.

David Cobb carried the ball 18 times for 91 yards for the Golden Gophers.

Minnesota became the first team to appear in the Texas Bowl twice. The Golden Gophers met Texas Tech in the 2012 Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas, where they lost by the score 34-31 to the Red Raiders.

The total paid attendance for the game was 32,327.

The 2014 edition of the game will feature teams from the SEC and the Big 12 facing off at Reliant Stadium.

The date for the 2014 game has yet to be determined.

TEXAS BOWL TICKET SALES SURPASS 60,000

Less than 10,000 tickets remain with a week to go until the game

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 21, 2010) Ticket sales for the 2010 Texas Bowl have surpassed 60,000, the Texas Bowl Committee announced today. With the game eight days away, less than 10,000 tickets remain available for purchase.

The 2010 Texas Bowl will kick off at 5 p.m. CT, Wednesday, Dec. 29. It will be televised on ESPN and can be heard nationally on ESPN Radio and locally on ESPN 97.5 FM. The game will feature Baylor and Illinois in the first year of the bowl’s new matchup between the Big 12 and Big Ten.

Baylor finished the year 7-5 and will be making its first bowl appearance since 1994, while Illinois returns to postseason play for the first time since the 2007 season after a 6-6 season.

The Texas Bowl, which is owned and operated by ESPN Regional Television (ERT), Inc., a subsidiary of ESPN, held the fifth choice among non-BCS bowls in each conference. Baylor will be the designated home team for the game.

Tickets went on sale to the general public on November 1 following an exclusive pre-sale window for those who bought tickets to the 2009 Texas Bowl. Tickets, which start at $30, may be purchased online at TicketMaster.com, on the phone at 832-667-2390 or in person at the Reliant Stadium box office inside Budweiser Plaza.

Game tickets will also grant fans admittance to TexFest, a Texas-sized pregame party featuring a live performance by popular Texas country artist Roger Creager on the Bud Light Stage, as well as “Spirit Walks” when the teams arrive.

The Texas Bowl has been a tremendous success both on and off the field over its first four years. The bowl has generated an average of $25 million per year for the Houston economy. The bowl has over 25,000 season ticket holders and sold over 50,000 tickets before its teams were announced last year.

Over its four-year history, the Texas Bowl has donated over $300,000 and more than $5 million in promotional support and publicity to DePelchin Children’s Center, the bowl’s official charitable beneficiary.

Rice Routs Western Michigan 38-14 in Texas Bowl

(Rice quarterback Chase Clement threw 307 yards and rushed for 72 more in Rice's rout of Western Michigan. Photo by Darla Tamulitis-Copyright 2008 La Vita Loca Photography)

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 30, 2008) During the lead up to the 2008 Presidential election, candidate Ron Paul’s supporters were considered the most vocal and highly spirited around.

The Western Michigan Broncos could have used the support of fans of that caliber in their 38-14 thrashing by the Rice Owls in the 2008 edition of the Texas Bowl.

Rice quarterback Chase Clement threw three touchdown passes, ran for another and caught a TD pass from Jarett Dillard to lead the Owls to their first bowl win since 1949.

Clement’s performance earned him the Most Valuable Player award and showed the talent that should make him a high round draft pick for the NFL.

He threw for 307 yards, completing 33-of-44 passes, and ran for and additional 72 yards, leading the Owls to their first recorded double-digit wins since the 1949 season.

The game was Western Michigan second straight bowl game, but just the fourth in the school's history.

Unfortunately for WMU, all four of the Broncos' postseason appearances ended in defeat, including 2007 in the International Bowl, as WMU was beaten by Cincinnati by the score of 27-24.

Bronco’s quarterback Tim Hiller completed 19-og 42 passes for 198 yards and two Brandon West led the way on the ground with 56 yards on 15 touches. Jamarko Simmons had 92 yards on six catches, while Schneider Julien and Kirk Elsworth recorded touchdown catches.

Clement has praise for everyone around and stated he felt this season would inspire the younger players to achieve higher goals.

“When you sit down and look back and see how everything has unfolded, it’s a special opportunity and just what we’ve been able to accomplish. It really sets this program in the right direction. Hopefully, those guys that are younger than us have seen what it takes to win and what it takes to be successful and hopefully they can get that going,” Clement was quoted in the post-game press conference.

There was a bit of gold in the dark cloud that hovered over the Broncos the entire game. Before the contest, Western Michigan announced that Head Coach Bill Cubit agreed to a new five-year contract.

Rice Take 24-0 Lead at Half in 2008 Texas Bowl

(Rice quarterback Chase Clements rushed for 61 yards in first quarter action at the 2008 Texas Bowl. Photo by Darla Tamulitis-Copyright 2008 La Vita Loca Photography)

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 30, 2008) Rice’s Chase Clement (Alamo Heights/Alamo Heights, Texas) continued to dominate the field, throwing for two touchdowns to extend the Owls lead to 24-0 over the Western Michigan Broncos.

Clement connected with Toren Dixon (Robinson/Robinson, Texas) on a six-yard pass with 6:53 left in the half to extend Rice’s lead to 17-0 with the conversion by Fangmeier.

Clement again found the air to his liking by finding wide receiver James Casey on a 46-yard pass to take the score to 23-0. Fangmeier’s conversion was again good to make the score 24-0 to round out scoring for the half.

Defensively, Rice held the Broncos to 90 total yards offensively on only six first downs. Western Michigan was 1 for 7 on third down conversions and was held to 8 minutes 58 seconds for possessions.

Clemens completed 16 of 24 passes for 169 yards and rushed for 61 yards (250-yards total) on offense.

Texas Bowl 2008: 1st Quarter Recap

(The Rice Owls take the field before the kickoff of the 2008 Texas Bowl. Photo by Darla Tamulits, Copyright 2008 La Vita Loca Photography)

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 30, 2008) After 15 minutes of play in the 2008 Texas Bowl, Rice quarterback Chase Clement (Alamo Heights/Alamo Heights, Texas) showed the form that got Rice to their second owl bowl appearance in three years by giving the Owls a 10-0 lead over Western Michigan University.

Clement scored with 5:21 left in the first quarter on a 26-yard keeper to give the Owls the lead. Clark Fangmeier’s (North Mesquite/Mesquite, Texas) conversion was good to take the score to 7-0.

Fangmeier again found the uprights at the 3:02 mark, kicking a 30-yard field goal to extend Rice’s lead to 10-0 at the quarter.

Clement rushed 50 yards on 4 carries and went 7 for 9 and 69 yards passing.

Western Michigan sputtered on offence, managing a mire 50-yards total offense.

FOX SPORTS HOUSTON SHOWCASES TEXAS BOWL

HOUSTON, TEXAS (Decemeber 26, 2008) FOX Sports Houston provides an in-depth look at the creation and impact of the Texas Bowl in MAKING OF THE TEXAS BOWL, a 30-minute special that premiered on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 7:00 PM CT.

The show chronicles the creation of the game, which replaced the defunct Houston Bowl in 2006. Houston Texans owner Bob McNair, Houston Texans President Jamey Rootes, and current Chairman of the Texas Bowl Board of Directors John Huff discuss the challenges and successes the bowl has experienced in the rapid process from dream to reality.

The program also features the emphasis the Texas Bowl places on the importance of a positive experience for the participating schools and for the Houston community, and explains the team selection process.

Texas Bowl Board Member and FOX Sports Houston Sr. Vice President and General Manager, Steve Tello said, “So many people have worked so hard to make the Texas Bowl a success; it’s turned into a great story. This 30 minute special presentation celebrates the hard work of those involved.”

Bart Enis and Patti Smith also break down this year’s game featuring Rice and Western Michigan in a one-hour 2008 TEXAS BOWL PREVIEW special on Friday, Dec. 26 at 11:00 PM CT. They’ll highlight Rice’s high-powered offense led by quarterback Chase Clement and All-American receiver Jarett Dillard, and recap one of the most productive seasons in school history.

The Texas Bowl is played every December at Reliant Stadium, the home of the Houston Texans, and has partnerships with the Big 12 Conference and Conference USA. The Texas Bowl drew over 50,000 fans in it’s inaugural game in 2006, and drew over 62,000
in 2007. The 2008 game pre-sold over 50,000 tickets before the competing teams were announced. Each year the Texas Bowl makes an economic impact of $25 million into the Houston economy.

FOX SPORTS HOUSTON 2008 TEXAS BOWL PROGRAMMING
(All times listed are Central)

Making of the Texas Bowl
Thursday, December 18, 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 24, 7:30 p.m.

2008 Texas Bowl Preview
Wednesday, December 24, noon
Thursday, December 25, 7:00 p.m.
Friday, December 26, 11:00 p.m.
Sunday December 28, 6:00 p.m.
Monday, December 29, 11:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 30, 11:00 a.m.

Western Michigan Accepts Invite to Play in 2008 Texas Bowl

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 7, 2008) Western Michigan University has accepted an invitation to play Rice University in the third annual Texas Bowl on Tuesday, Dec. 30, in Reliant Stadium, bowl manager Heather Houston announced Sunday evening.

“The Broncos and Owls are two of the most exciting football teams in the nation,” Houston said in making the announcement. “I think that fans can look forward to another thrill-packed Texas Bowl game.”

The Broncos will bring a 9-3 record into the game, their fourth bowl game ever and the second under head coach Bill Cubit. Western Michigan finished second behind Ball State in the Mid-American Conference's tough Western Division.

WMU is led by quarterback Tim Hiller, who ranks 14th nationally with 294.1 total offense yards per game. Receiver Jamarko Simmons is third nationally with 8.17 receptions per game and Brandon West is sixth nationally with 167.6 all-purpose yards per game. Twelve Broncos earned all-MAC honors this season, three as members of the first team.

“We are proud to be able to represent our University and the MAC in one of the best new bowl games in America,” WMU athletic director Kathy Beauregard said in accepting the bid. “Our student-athletes and fans are looking forward to this experience. It’s a great day to be a Bronco.“

Rice University, which tied for the championship of Conference USA’s Western Division, was announced as a bowl participant last week. The Owls, under coach David Bailiff, will also bring a 9-3 record into the game.

“Our game will be one of only five non-BCS games that will match two nine-win teams,” Houston added. “This will be one of the better match-ups of the bowl season.”

The 2008 Texas Bowl will be televised live nationally on NFL Network. The game will also be broadcast nationally by Westwood One radio and locally on KTRH 740 AM.

TCU defeated the University of Houston 20-13 on in the 2007 Texas Bowl before a crowd of 62,097. The audience was the third-largest crowd ever to see a college bowl game in Houston. The 2007 Texas Bowl attracted the eighth-largest crowd among non-BCS bowls last year. The Texas Bowl outdrew matchups such as Tennessee vs. Wisconsin in the Outback Bowl, Texas Tech vs. Virginia in the Gator Bowl and Alabama vs. Colorado in the PetroSun Independence Bowl.

The inaugural Texas Bowl was played on Thursday, December 28, 2006 at Reliant Stadium. Rutgers defeated Kansas State 37-10 before a crowd of 52,210, the largest crowd to witness a bowl game in Houston not involving a Texas team since 1972.

Tickets went on sale to the general public on Nov. 8 following an exclusive pre-sale window for those who bought tickets to the 2007 Texas Bowl. Tickets, which start at just $15, may be purchased online at TicketMaster.com, on the phone at 832-667-2390 or in person at the Reliant Stadium box office inside Budweiser Plaza. Game tickets will also grant fans admittance to TexFest, a Texas-sized pregame party featuring a number of well-known local and national Texas music artists as well as “team spirit walks” when the teams arrive.

Rice Accepts Invitation to Play in 2008 Texas Bowl

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 3, 2008) Rice University accepted a bid to play in the 2008 Texas Bowl, the Texas Bowl Committee announced today. Texas Bowl officials offered the Owls a bid to play in the game today and the team accepted on the spot.

The Owls have a 9-3 record this season, including a 7-1 mark in Conference USA action. This is Rice’s second bowl appearance in the last three seasons. Rice’s nine wins are the school’s most since 1953 and the most in regular-season play since 1949.

Rice head coach David Bailiff is in his second season at the helm and has posted a 12-12 record. The Texas Bowl will be Bailiff’s first bowl game as a head coach and the fourth of his coaching career. He coached in the 2001 Galleryfurniture.com Bowl, 2002 Liberty Bowl and 2003 Fort Worth Bowl as an assistant at TCU, and he led Texas State to the semifinals of the Division 1-AA playoffs in 2005 as the Bobcats head coach.

The Owls feature one of the nation’s top offensive attacks. They rank fifth in the nation in passing (327.8 yards per game), eighth in scoring (41.6) and 10th in total offense (472.3). Quarterback Chase Clement is second among active passers with 96 career touchdown passes and he has teamed with wide receiver Jarett Dillard to set an NCAA career record for most touchdown passes by a duo (50). Dillard is the NCAA’s career leader with 59 touchdown receptions and is the Conference USA career record holder in receiving yards (4,052). Tight end James Casey is second in the nation with a conference record 104 receptions.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be able to invite Rice to play in the Texas Bowl,” said Texas Bowl manager Heather Houston. “Rice has had an amazing season and is one of the most exciting teams in the country. It will be a treat for football fans in Houston to see the Owls cap off this tremendous run right here at home.”

PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAMER BRUCE MATTHEWS TO HEADLINE TEXAS BOWL FCA BREAKFAST

HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 21, 2008) Bruce Matthews, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2007, will be the keynote speaker at the Texas Bowl Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Breakfast. The breakfast will be held at the JW Marriott hotel on Saturday, December 27 from 9 – 10:30 a.m. CT.

Tickets for the Texas Bowl FCA Breakfast include a ticket to the game in addition to the breakfast. Fans may purchase a 10-seat table for $500 or $1,000, or individual seats for $50. Guests who purchase a $1,000 table will also be invited to a private reception with Matthews before the breakfast.

Proceeds from the breakfast’s ticket sales will go toward the Texas Bowl’s donation to DePelchin Children’s Center. In 2007, the bowl donated $80,000 to DePelchin. Fans may call 832-667-2390 to purchase tickets.

Matthews starred on the offensive line for Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans from 1983-2001. He was one of the most durable and versatile linemen in football history, playing all five positions on the offensive line and seeing action in a then-record 296 games. Matthews was named to a record-tying 14 consecutive Pro Bowls and was a nine-time All-Pro selection.

The 2008 Texas Bowl will be televised live nationally on NFL Network. The game will also be broadcast nationally by Westwood One radio and locally on KTRH 740 AM.

The Texas Bowl is partnered with the Conference USA and the Big 12 Conference. After the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) pairings have been set, the Texas Bowl holds the third selection among Conference USA-affiliated bowls and the seventh choice among Big 12-affiliated bowls.

TCU defeated the University of Houston, 20-13, on in the 2007 Texas Bowl before a crowd of 62,097. The audience was the third-largest crowd ever to see a college bowl game in Houston. The 2007 Texas Bowl attracted the eighth-largest crowd among non-BCS bowls last year. The Texas Bowl outdrew matchups such as Tennessee vs. Wisconsin in the Outback Bowl, Texas Tech vs. Virginia in the Gator Bowl and Alabama vs. Colorado in the PetroSun Independence Bowl.

The inaugural Texas Bowl was played on Thursday, December 28, 2006 at Reliant Stadium. Rutgers defeated Kansas State, 37-10, before a crowd of 52,210, the largest crowd to witness a bowl game in Houston not involving a Texas team since 1972.

2008 TEXAS BOWL TO BE PLAYED TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30

HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 19, 2008) The 2008 Texas Bowl will be played on Tuesday, December 30 at Reliant Stadium, the Texas Bowl Committee announced today. The announcement was made in front of a crowd of over 200 at a Texas Bowl luncheon held at Reliant Stadium.

December 30 marks the latest date for the Texas Bowl in its three-year history. The bowl was played on December 28 in each of the last two years. The 2008 edition will feature teams from the Big 12 and Conference USA. The game will be broadcast nationally on NFL Network.

The Texas Bowl also announced an option to select Navy if the Midshipmen are bowl-eligible. Navy boasts a strong nationwide following, including a significant military population in the Greater Houston area. Navy has played in bowls following each of the last five seasons, including an appearance in the Houston Bowl in 2003 vs. Texas Tech.

Speakers at the luncheon included new University of Houston head coach Kevin Sumlin, Houston Texans preseason TV analyst Spencer Tillman and Texans linebacker and Texas Bowl alumnus Zac Diles. Houston played in the 2007 Texas Bowl prior to Sumlin’s arrival, and Diles played in the inaugural Texas Bowl with Kansas State in 2006.

In two years, the Texas Bowl has generated more than $50 million in local revenue and has built a season ticket base of over 20,000. The 2007 Texas Bowl was a rousing success as TCU defeated Houston, 20-13, in front of 62,097 fans—the third-largest crowd ever to see a college bowl game in Houston. Over 35,000 tickets sold before the matchup was announced.

The inaugural Texas Bowl featured a Rutgers team that enjoyed a top 10 ranking for much of the season and a Kansas State squad which closed the season strong under first-year head coach Ron Prince. Rutgers won the inaugural Texas Bowl, 37-10, behind an MVP performance from RB Ray Rice who ran for 170 yards and a touchdown.

TEXAS BOWL WINS AMERICAN MARKETING ASSOCIATION CRYSTAL AWARD

HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 25, 2008) The Texas Bowl was honored by the American Marketing Association’s Houston chapter with the association’s Crystal Award their anaul banquet. The Texas Bowl was recognized as the Outstanding Non-Profit Special Event for 2007.

“This is a great honor for the Texas Bowl, our staff and the hundreds of volunteers who work tirelessly to make the event great,” said Texas Bowl director David Brady. “The bowl is a celebration of the culture, heritage and football tradition of the Lone Star State, and part of that tradition is continually reaching for excellence. We are proud to be recognized by the AMA for the 2007 Texas Bowl, and we are hard at work to make the 2008 Texas Bowl even better.”

“We also want to congratulate our partners who also received Crystal Awards: DePelchin Children’s Center, VT2 Studios and the Houston Zoo,” Brady said.

The Crystal Award nominees were selected by a panel of eight judges, all marketing professionals from outside the Houston area. This year’s field was the most competitive in the history of the award, setting records for the number of entries, up 27 percent over last year, and the number of participating companies/organizations, up by 67 percent.

The 2007 Texas Bowl was a tremendous success, both on and off the field. The bowl boasted over 20,000 season tickets and over 35,000 tickets sold before the matchup was announced. The Texas Bowl has averaged $25 million in local economic impact over the past two years, putting it on par with major conventions such as the Offshore Technology Conference. The Texas Bowl has also donated $130,000 to DePelchin Children’s Center, the official charity beneficiary.

TCU Defeats Houston 20-13 at Texas Bowl

By Robert H. Kelly

(HOUSTON, TX, December 28, 2007) TCU tailback Justin Watts scored a fourth-quarter, go-ahead touchdown as TCU's defense shut down Houston en route to a 20-13 victory in the Texas Bowl on Friday.

The Horned Frogs came close to surrendering a 10-point lead with just over three minutes to play, but defensive end Chase Ortiz capped off an all star night by denying Houston quarterback Case Keenum the end zone with one second to play.

It was TCU’s third straight bowl win while the Cougars dropped their eighth straight bowl game, dating back to the Sun Bowl of 1981.

Trailing, 20-10, with 3:17 left in the game, Houston kicker T.J. Lawrence made it a one-possession game with a 32-yard field goal. But when an onside kick failed and the Horned Frogs downed a punt at the two-yard line with 1:30 remaining, it looked like the Cougars were done for the night..

Not wanting to lay down and die, Houston drove all the way down to the Horned Frogs' 19-yard-line with time left on the clock. The Cougars had three shots at the end zone, with two passes falling short, before Ortiz ended the game.

The Horned Frogs took the lead for the first time when Watts scored on a seven-yard run with 14:28 left in the game. The touchdown culminated a 13-play, 80-yard drive.

Horned Frogs place kicker Chris Manfredini knocked in a pair of second-half field goals to combine with Watts in helping TCU rally from a 10-7 halftime deficit.

Both teams struggled in the first half on the offensive end of the ball with the Houston scoring their only touchdown on a bit of razzle-dazzle. Facing 2nd-and-12 at its 33-yard line, Houston produced the biggest play in Texas Bowl history when Keenum scrambled to his right and when he could not find an open receiver, ran back to his left before connecting with a wide-open Andre Kohn for a 67-yard touchdown.

Kohn freed himself from defenders past the Horned Frog secondary and was not touched until he reached the goal line, giving the Cougars a 7-0 lead with eight seconds left in the first quarter.

TCU, however, answered that score following the Cougars' kickoff. The Horned Frogs marched 75 yards in 11 plays with quarterback Andy Dalton finishing the drive with a 3-yard run.

Dalton completed 21-of-30 passes for 249 yards in the victory, to become TCU's career leader in both pass attempts and completions. He was rewarded at the game's MVP at the post game awards ceremony