This week's spotlight: The University of Houston

[u/SpaceghostLos]

The University of Houston got its start in 1927 as a juco that would train future teachers. By 1933, the college became eligible to become a university and did so in 1934. Since then, the university operates the University of Houston System and other enterprises that include the UH Observatory, Advanced Manufacturing Institute, Subsea Institute, among others. The football program stated in 1946 and started playing in the Lone Star Conference. They subsequently joined the Missouri Valley Conference. They joined the Southwest Conference in 1976 until it broke up in 1996, and became a charter member of Conference USA. They received an invitation to join the Big East before realignment changed them to the AAC, which they stayed until 2023, where they now play in the Big 12.

If you didn't know anything else about Houston, you'd be sorely lacking on history. The coaches won at this school include Kevin Sumlin, Art Briles, Tom Herman, Dana Holgerson (who came here after West Virigina), and Bill Yeoman, the innovator who founded the Veer option offense. The latter is also the winningest coach in Houston Cougar's football history.

The Cougars are no strangers to the polls, ranking as high as #5 at the end of the 1979 season. They have been to 31 bowl games, winning 14 of them (.452), with their last string of wins against Auburn, Lousiana, and LSU in the Texas Bowl, 38-35. Their record in the Big 12 is 17-19, being 5-1 headed into this contest. Their first two years in the Big 12 were abysmal, ending in 4-8 for consecutive years. Last year, they went 9-3. UH is 1-1 against OSU, the last matchup ending in a 39-17 thrashing where Sam Jackson threw for 84 yards and 1 interception.

Houston's conference rivals are Texas Tech and Baylor, to which they play almost every year. Rice is their OOC, much like Tulsa is for us, and play about as regular as possible. As it stands, Houston averages 40 PPG with 162 first downs, a 62.67% 3rd down efficiency, with a balance attack 1511 passing yards and 1380 rushing yards. The Pokes are a little more pass-heavy but I'd argue our competition was a lot harder. 1612 passing yards, 995 rushing yards, 132 first downs, 33.90 3rd down efficiency, and a helluva kicker. OSU has 9 sacks and 4 interceptions heading into this game. Houston has 12 sacks and 5 interceptions. OSU also has played one game less at 4-1.

This is the first time these two teams have played each other as ranked opponents. Houston is -3.5 against us.

[u/osageviper138]

Great write up. It’s going to be an interesting game. Their defense looks to be pretty damn solid. Most of their matchups are low scoring (by Monster Big XII standards) and they’re going to give our O-Line a challenge. I’ll be curious to see how or if we can figure out a rhythm between Mesty passes to Young and running the ball with Hawkins. UH only lost to #10 Tech by 2 points in a 26-28 game and only allowed UCF to score 17 points while we allowed 27. We’re ranked higher but there’s a good chance for an upset with this one.

[u/bohanker]

I didn't realize until this week that OSU and Houston were conference mates before in the 1950s version of the Missouri Valley Conference!