Houston Cougars
vs.
Texas St. Bobcats
7 p.m. Sept. 1, 2012
on Houston campus at Robertson Stadium
Tx St leads overall series 3-1
Houston won last meeting 68-28 in 2010
The Beginning of an Era
If there is one theme to Houston Cougar football, it is "Change." New head coach, new quarterback, whole new set of starting wide receivers not to mention a new conference in 2013 and a new stadium in 2014.
One thing fans hope won't change is the winning ways of the football program. Aside from the 2010 injury to Case Keenum, the Cougars have hummed along smoothly.
The Coogs are coming off a record setting season with multiple players setting school or NCAA records. While the disappointed by dropping the C-USA title game by finishing off on a high note by beating Penn St. in Ticket City Bowl in Dallas.
At quarterback situation is settled with redshirt sophomore David Piland taking the helm. Helping Piland out is an offensive line that started all 14 games last year.
The defense also returns a majority of starters and key back ups. The change on defense will be an adjustment back to the 4-3 attack. DJ Hayden anchors the defensive backs while sophomore Derrick Matthews will patrol the middle for the linebackers. Matthews started last year as a true freshman. Also look for another true freshman, Trevon Stewart, to make an impact. While Stewart won't be starting, he'll probably be first corner off the bench.
One other question I had was how will the fans respond to the new era especially with the loss of Keenum. That question seems to have been answered for at least one game. Houston fans are notoriously fickle and will only show up for winning teams. I figured there might be some attendance drop off. As of Friday afternoon, only 1500 tickets remain. Looks like the game will probably be a sell out.
