Game Preview: TCU – University of Houston Athletics

Football
9/15/2023 9:00:00 AM

Houston opens its Big 12 Conference slate with defending National Championship runner-up TCU

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HOUSTON – University of Houston Football begins a brand new era when it welcomes TCU to TDECU Stadium at 7 p.m., Saturday, for the Cougars’ Big 12 Conference debut and first league game of the 2023 season.
 

Houston (1-1, 0-0 Big 12) vs. TCU (1-1, 0-0 Big 12)

Saturday, Sept. 16 | 7 p.m. CT 

TDECU Stadium | Houston, Texas

Broadcast: FOX

Radio: KPRC 950 AM

Tailgating | 8 a.m.

Fan Fest at Cougar Alley | 3 p.m.

Cougar Walk | 4:45 p.m.

Stadium Opens / Happy Hour Begins | 5:30 p.m.

Happy Hour Ends | 6:15 p.m.

Spirit of Houston Takes Field | 6:45 p.m.

Kickoff | 7 p.m.
 

COOG FEST – PREGAME ACTIVITES

• Grab your folks and revel in all the fun at Fan Fest in Cougar Alley. This space options an enormous LED TV, interactive games and activities. Don’t miss James Kennedy preforming previous to the sport at 5:45 p.m.!
  

  • Cougar Alley includes:

    • The Bud Light Backyard
    • Fan Fest on Cullen
    • 1989 Heisman Trophy picture booth – cease and meet Andre Ware
      
       

• Join the staff for the Cougar Walk at 4:45 p.m.
  
   
• Arrive early as benefit from the expanded Kids’ Zone close to Schroeder Gate 1.
  
   
• The student tailgate, sponsored by H-E-B, Dean of Students Office and SGA: All students are invited to cease by the scholar tailgate exterior Gate 2. Spend time with associates and revel in tailgating games, TVs, video video games, food and giveaways.

• Performances by the Spirit of Houston!
  
   
• Get your Video Done on the 360 Video Booth behind Section 138.
  
   
• On field recognitions include Houston Swimming & Diving, Men’s Basketball and the 2023 Hall of Honor inductees.
  
   
• Cheerleaders and Cougar Dolls readily available to entertain you!
  
   
• DJ Yobi Yobz mixin’ it up in the student section!
  
   
• Join the Light Show in the 4th Quarter with Cougar Lights in the Houston Athletics app!

• UH’s 99 wins since the begin of the 2011 season are tied with TCU for probably the most among Texas FBS applications. The colleges are also deadlocked at 81 wins since 2013. The Cougars are 25-10 in the month of September since 2013 and 25-12 in opposition to in-state opponents since 2011.
  
   
• Houston has a historical past of early success in new leagues. Houston received three of four Southwest Conference Championships when it entered the leagues together with capturing the 1976 title throughout its first yr in the conference. The Cougars additionally gained the Conference USA Championship throughout their inaugural 1996 season. Houston entered The American in 2013, going 17-7 in league play throughout its first three seasons including taking home the convention title throughout Year 3 as a part of its magical 2015 season.
  
   
• Houston and TCU have competed in three different leagues: the Southwest Conference (1976-95), Conference USA (2001-04) and Big 12 Conference (2023-present). UH was 13-7 vs. TCU as co-Southwest Conference members. Houston had dropped eight straight within the collection (1993-present) with the last matchup coming in a 2007 Texas Bowl which featured quarterbacks Case Keenum and Andy Dalton.
  
   
• Houston is looking for its fifth consecutive victory in conference debuts. The Big 12 is the seventh league during which Houston has accomplished. 

• Despite its first season within the Big 12, UH has no shortage of league experience. Current Cougars have performed in a combined 220 video games at Big 12 programs – DL David Ugwoegbu (51 video games; Oklahoma), TE Mike O’Laughlin (32 video games; West Virginia), RB Tony Mathis Jr. (31 games; West Virginia), QB Donovan Smith (21 games; Texas Tech), LB Jamal Morris (20 games; Oklahoma), DB Alex Hogan (18 video games; Texas Tech), DB Noah Guzman (16 games; West Virginia), WR Stephon Johnson (10 games), WR Samuel Brown (9 games; West Virginia); DB Latrell McCutchin (9 games; Oklahoma), Ol Jaylen Garth (2 video games; Texas) and OL Tyler Johnson (1 games; Texas).
  
   
• The 2023 season is Head Coach Dana Holgorsen’s 17th teaching in the Big 12 Conference. Holgorsen has coached four of the league’s 14 faculties, totaling a combined 74 Big 12 victories at West Virginia (2012-18), Oklahoma State (2010) and Texas Tech (2000-07), including a combined 18-9 convention document over his final three seasons with the Mountaineers. 
  
   
• Houston broad receiver Samuel Brown leads the Big 12 in receptions (15), receptions per recreation (7.5), receiving yards (244) and receiving yards per recreation (122.0). Brown’s 244 receiving yards are essentially the most for a Cougar via the primary two games in the last 20 years. 
  
   
• Excitement for the 2023 season has been palpable – to the tune of 26,500+ season tickets, a TDECU Stadium document – including 7,800 new season tickets. Houston’s fundraising arm, Cougar Pride, has received over $50 million for the Football Operations Center (FOC) which can break floor immediately following Houston’s common season residence finale towards Oklahoma State.
  
   
• Houston continued its pattern of enjoying extra disciplined football final Saturday. The Cougars’ 69 penalty yards and 34.5 penalty yards per game are fewest in Big 12. Houston’s 69 penalty yards are its fewest by way of two video games since 2009 (46 yards). Its 9 penalties are tied for the second fewest by the program via two video games within the final 20 seasons.

• TCU went 6-0 in road games final season with its present six-game road winning streak tying for second nationally.
  
   
• The horned Frogs held an opponent with out an offensive touchdown for the first time since profitable 17-10 at Texas on Nov. 12 of final season. 
  
   
• TCU grew to become the first program from the state of Texas to achieve the College Football Playoff and first from the Big 12 to play in the CFP National Championship. With its 51-45 semifinal victory over Michigan within the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, TCU is one of seven programs nationally to win a CFP recreation. 

• TCU received the 2007 Texas Bowl in Reliant Stadium 20-13 in a matchup of future NFL quarterbacks Case Keenum and Andy Dalton.
  
   
• Houston quarterback Case Keenum completed 23-of-38 for a career best and Texas Bowl report 335 yards and a touchdown. He was sacked 5 instances on the night. He additionally set bowl data for completions (23), makes an attempt (38) and longest landing move (67 yards).
  
   
• Keenum connected with Andre Kohn for a 67-yard touchdown pass to open the scoring. Houston led 10-7 at the half.
  
   
• TCU quarterback Andy Dalton, the Texas Bowl MVP, completed 20-for-30 for 249 yards and an interception. He additionally added 14 yards dashing and was sacked twice.

• Move Houston to 40-19-1 in convention openers all-time and has gained six of its final eight (2015-present).
  
   
• Move Houston to 25-10 in opposition to in-state opponents since the start of the 2011 season.
  
   
• Snap an eight-game dropping streak to TCU and be UH’s first league win in the Big 12.
• Make Houston 26-10 within the month of September because the begin of the 2013 season.

TICKETS ON SALE

It’s the Big 12! Cougar Nation has been wanting this for practically 30 years. Now is the best time to enjoy the Cougars in motion. Specially priced TCU tickets are on sale for just $20. To purchase, click here. Houston Football mini-plans out there beginning as low as $66. 

 

SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE 

Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising marketing campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success within the Big 12 Conference. Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win within the Big 12. Click here to rise and be counted.

 

JOIN The 46ers and The HUDDLE 

Fans are invited to affix the 46ers and the Huddle to immediately assist Houston Football. Members present financial help directly to Houston Football for needs past operating price range. For extra information about the 46ers and the Huddle, name Cougar Pride at 713-743-GoUH (4684) or click here. 

  

STAY CONNECTED  

Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on Twitter and catch up with the newest news and notes on the group by clicking LIKE on the team’s Facebook web page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also comply with the group on Instagram at uhcougarfb.