Houston Cougars Preview...

[rrj_gamz]

Actually, it's from Fox, 117 teams in 117 days...Good Stuff...Go Coogs!!!

Cougars (http://www.foxsports.com/content/view?contentId=2384710)

Houston appears to be a program on the rise winning seven games last year and getting to a bowl game. More importantly, the Cougars have become exciting with several fantastic young players to get pumped up about. with that said, there's still a ton of work to be done.

Look at Houston's seven wins last year: Rice, UL Lafayette, Mississippi State, East Carolina, Tulane, Army and UAB. None of the seven were within a hundred miles of a bowl game. The defense made little to no overall improvement from the previous regime allowing a whopping 51.3 points per game in their six losses, all to bowl teams.

The first step, though, was a good one beating the teams they were supposed to beat. After winning five games in three years, a seven win season is nothing to sneeze at. Now it's time for the next phase which is beating a team with a pulse. The potential is there with QB Kevin Kolb leading an exciting offense. The defense finally has the players, and now has to do something to allow the offense to do its thing. No, this isn't a Conference USA championship team, but Houston has become relevant again. That's a great start.

The Schedule: The Cougars will try and follow up a great 2003 season by beating its head against the wall facing Oklahoma and Miami early before going on the road to face Memphis, Southern Miss and TCU in a three game stretch that'll kill all C-USA title hopes. Louisville will be a must win.

Best Offensive Player: Sophomore QB Kevin Kolb. If the Southern Miss or TCU quarterback had put up the numbers Kolb did last year, he'd be the runaway choice for first-team All-Conference USA quarterback. Kolb has it all with an accurate arm, mobility and poise beyond his years. He'll be the signature player in the resurgence of Houston football.

Best Defensive Player: Senior DE Joe Clay. He's big, strong and impressive at getting into the backfield. He's a tackle sized player with a tremendous first step making seven sacks, 16 tackles for loss and 22 quarterback hurries. He also made 87 tackles.

Key player to a successful season: The run defense has to be far, far better after allowing 208.7 yards per game and 33 touchdowns. The defensive line should be better, so the linebacking corps has to do its job. It's not a physical group, and senior MLB Ashley Subingsubing has to become a factor to help out leading tackler Lance Everson.

The season will be a success if ... Houston gets back to a bowl game. It'll be a near-miracle with this schedule, but there's too much experience and too many good athletes to take a step back now.

Key game: Nov. 20 vs. Louisville. If the Cougars can come up with an upset win or two early, the showdown with the Cardinals will be for a shot at a bowl game. Louisville should be the best team in the league, so a win would go a long way to showing how far the Cougar program has come.

2003 Fun Stats:

Opponents' scoring: 1st quarter 102, 2nd 108, 3rd 106, 4th 132, OT 20
Fumbles: Houston 40 (lost 19) - Opponents 20 (lost six)
Penalties: Houston 111 for 942 yards - Opponents 73 for 635 yards.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2004 Recruiting Class
Star of the Class
Ivory Williams Fr. 5-10 175 WR Central HS Beaumont, Texas
Helped lead Central High School to a 10-3 record as a senior.... Was selected to the Port Arthur News Super Team as a defensive back.... Selected First Team, All-District as a defensive back in 2003.... Picked up First Team, All-District honors in 2002 as a kick returner.... Two-time 4A state champion in both the 100- and 200-meters in 2003... At the 2002 5A state meet, took 2nd in the 100-meters and 3rd in the 200-meters... Top times are 10.12 in 100m and 20.62 in 200m.... Also a member of the Junior AAU Track Team and holds the national record in the 4x100-meter relay at 40.54.


Instant Impact Players
Ryan Gilbert Jr. 5-10 206 RB LSU, Dallas, Texas
D.J. Johnson Jr. 6-3 295 DL Garden City CC Houston, Texas

The rest of the college teams will be here...


Everyone else (http://www.foxsports.com/content/view?contentId=1213596)

[The Summit]

It should be an exciting season. Im curious to see how QB Kevin Kolb's sophmore season will be after he had 26 TD's and 5 Ints his freshman year. If U.H.'s defense improves, there will be no reason they wont go bowling next year IMO.

[PhiSlammaJamma]

Most exciting team in the country. Oklahoma and Miami are going to need some fireworks to compete with us.

[DanHiggsBeard]

Originally posted by PhiSlammaJamma
Most exciting team in the country. Oklahoma and Miami are going to need some fireworks to compete with us.



...............................

[ima_drummer2k]

So when does NCAA 2005 come out on PS2?

[AlexVanderpool]

If we can match last year's record with this year's schedule, i'll be happy.

[DanHiggsBeard]

Originally posted by ima_drummer2k
So when does NCAA 2005 come out on PS2?

Mid-Julyish

[Major Malcontent]

Go Coogs!

Non Conference schedule looks rough, we are gonna have to get fat against an improved CUSA.

OU should run us like dogs run deer, but I think we can stay close to Miami in Reliant. Maybe for at least 3 quarters.

[DanHiggsBeard]

The Miami game is here? What are the chances Miami pulls out?

Pretty damn good.

[ima_drummer2k]

Props to Art Briles for not being afraid to take on the big boys for non-conference games. I wish more coaches would have the balls to do that.

UH athletics sure are looking up with Briles and now Penders.

[DanHiggsBeard]

Aren't non-conference games scheduled years ahead of time? Briles likely didn't have anything to do with these games.

[AlexVanderpool]

Originally posted by DanHiggsBeard
The Miami game is here? What are the chances Miami pulls out?

Pretty damn good.

go troll someplace else.:rolleyes:

[DanHiggsBeard]

I'm by no means trolling.

Marquee teams routinely pull out of road games against small schools because they can book a last minute home game against a directional school and make more money. Thems the facts.

[AlexVanderpool]

Originally posted by DanHiggsBeard
Aren't non-conference games scheduled years ahead of time? Briles likely didn't have anything to do with these games.

The OU game was scheduled this offseason.

Props dont go to Briles for scheduling the games (those go to AD Maggard), props go to Briles for the fact that his coog team will make both games interesting.

[Major Malcontent]

Hopefully Miami will play the game as scheduled, they like to recruit Texas kids...and this gives them an opportunity to play in thier home state (without potentially having their butts kicked by the Longhorns.)

[surrender]

Originally posted by Major Malcontent
(without potentially having their butts kicked by the Longhorns.)

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[DonnyMost]

I can't wait for this season.

THINK LIBERTY

EAT 'EM UP!

http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/hou/galleries/m-footbl-hou-122503/Kolb1-122503-lg.jpg

[ima_drummer2k]

The smartest thing Briles did was to let Kolb play all year as a freshman. That could really pay off in another year or two...or even this year.

[DonnyMost]

Originally posted by ima_drummer2k
So when does NCAA 2005 come out on PS2?

Why wait?

I entered the entire 2004 roster and schedule onto the old game :D

We just lost to OU 40-7 but then stunned Miami 16-0 :D

KOLB FOR HEISMAN

[PhiSlammaJamma]

http://americ20.temp.veriohosting.com/CLUTCHCITY%20NET/F54953.jpg

http://americ20.temp.veriohosting.com/CLUTCHCITY%20NET/F54980.jpg

[DonnyMost]

oh dude.. kevin is rockin' the mullet this year.. no one is safe

[underoverup]

Go mullet! Go Coogs! :D

[AlexVanderpool]

Nice pics PSJ

Who here is going to the Miami game?
And when will individual tickets go on sale?

BTW, if any of you Coogs out there are interested, eastbay has a throwback 1983 UH Basketball Warmup marked down to $39.99...

http://www.eastbay.com/catalog/productdetail.cfm?TID=5555-36110408130136080599346-0&module=sideNav&action=keywordSearch&supercat=other&sku=92501071&model_nbr=44709

[rrj_gamz]

Originally posted by DonnyMost
http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/hou/galleries/m-footbl-hou-122503/Kolb1-122503-lg.jpg

K will be lighting them up this year...I can't wait...Tough schedule, yes, but at least some will be nationally televised...

Go Coogs!!!

[rrj_gamz]

2004 Schedule

9/4 at Rice
9/11 at Oklahoma
9/18 Army
9/23 Miami
10/2 at Memphis
10/7 at So Miss
10/23 at TCU
10/30 Tulane
11/6 East Carolina
11/13 at UAB
11/20 Louisville

[DanHiggsBeard]

If you look at the pictures from the spring game or whatever that is and the one from the bowl game you can see more bulk and definition in Kolb's arms. Any word on how much weight he gained over the winter?

Looking good. Fun player to watch.

[rrj_gamz]

Originally posted by DanHiggsBeard
If you look at the pictures from the spring game or whatever that is and the one from the bowl game you can see more bulk and definition in Kolb's arms. Any word on how much weight he gained over the winter?

Looking good. Fun player to watch.

I agree, but don't know the answer...That just shows his dedication and that should spell a better season, even with the tougher schedule...

[AlexVanderpool]

http://americ20.temp.veriohosting.com/CLUTCHCITY%20NET/F54980.jpg

The QB in this pic is Kendall Briles, right?

[DanHiggsBeard]

don't know who it is, but it's not Kolb.

But now that I look closer at the Kolb picture I can't tell if the bulge on his left bicep is actually muscle or his hand.

[AlexVanderpool]

Its Backup QB Matt Stanley

[AlexVanderpool]

www.coogbiz.com/marshall_TD/vmtd.mpg
www.coogbiz.com/marshall_TD/vmtd.mpg (Vincent Marshall TD)

This still gives me goosebumps.

[DonnyMost]

3rd and 11..

over the middle to Marhsall..

Marshall-- LOOK OUT!

VINCENT MARSHALL IN A FOOT RACE-- TO TIE THE GAME!

TOUCHDOWN HOUSTON!

can you believe it?!

http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/hou/galleries/m-footbl-hou-122503/marshall-122503-lg.jpg

[PhiSlammaJamma]

Touch Down!!

[The Summit]

Do you guys think the defense will be improved? That is the last big improvement needed on the team, the offense is already loaded with talent. If the Cougars had an average defense, coupled with their high powered offense, they would be very hard to stop.

[rrj_gamz]

Originally posted by The Summit
Do you guys think the defense will be improved? That is the last big improvement needed on the team, the offense is already loaded with talent. If the Cougars had an average defense, coupled with their high powered offense, they would be very hard to stop.

I hope so...I think the D will be improved, with the recruiting and the development of some young players...

The Coogs can play shoot-out, but if the D can't stop anyone, then we're toast...

[DanHiggsBeard]

The D better get better because their offense is pretty gimmicky and all the C-USA will start game planning it much better. I don't really expect the same numbers from Kolb this season, but I wish him success.

[CoolMann]

:D I work with work and play golf with two of kevin's uncles and they are all fired up for this upcoming season. Kevin reaaly seems to be putting on some mass in the upper and lower body.

Hope to see the Cougars win this year.

[DonnyMost]

Originally posted by DanHiggsBeard
The D better get better because their offense is pretty gimmicky and all the C-USA will start game planning it much better. I don't really expect the same numbers from Kolb this season, but I wish him success.

Originally posted by AlexVanderpool
go troll someplace else.:rolleyes:

[DonnyMost]

here's some cool links pertaining to next season..

http://www.collegefootballnews.com/2004/Players/Houston_KevinKolb.htm

http://www.collegefootballnews.com/Conference_USA/2004_Previews/Houston_Preview_IS.htm

[JamesC]

Originally posted by DanHiggsBeard
The Miami game is here? What are the chances Miami pulls out?

Pretty damn good.


The game is at Reliant Stadium.

[rrj_gamz]

Originally posted by DonnyMost
here's some cool links pertaining to next season..

http://www.collegefootballnews.com/2004/Players/Houston_KevinKolb.htm

http://www.collegefootballnews.com/Conference_USA/2004_Previews/Houston_Preview_IS.htm

Great Reads...I can't wait for the season to start...and it's only May...

Anyway, I didn't know Miami was playing at Reliant...I'll have to make sure I'm in town for that one...

Go Coogs!!!

[AlexVanderpool]

The Rice game is at Reliant as well.

[DonnyMost]

Originally posted by AlexVanderpool
The Rice game is at Reliant as well.

I'm not sure what to think about all these games being at reliant.

I guess if we're making money off of it, it's cool.. cause we need to get out of debt.

But still, the Rice and Miami games could have been two sellouts at Robertson this year..

[Trader_Jorge]

I enjoy watching the Coogs play football. Briles' offense is so wacky and unique that it is entertaining. Obviously there is one game each year on their schedule that I hope they lose, but other than that I generally root for them. Kolb should be improved over last season, and Kendall Briles should make a difference in the secondary. Their schedule will be tougher though.

[Buck Turgidson]

Originally posted by DonnyMost
I'm not sure what to think about all these games being at reliant.

I guess if we're making money off of it, it's cool.. cause we need to get out of debt.

But still, the Rice and Miami games could have been two sellouts at Robertson this year..
After the UT fiasco, and UCLA's complaints (justifiable or not), it'll be very, very hard to get programs like Miami to play at Robertson.

[AlexVanderpool]

Dont get me wrong, i love Robertson, and feel that we should play the majority of our games there, but now as we climb back to respectability we need a top tier venue to both compete and bring in bigger and better opponents.

The move to Robertson in the mid nineties was necessare due to the state of the program. A venue such as the astrodome just didnt make sense for us at that time. Now with our program hopefully growing and progressing by the year, i would like to see anywhere from 1-3 games a year at reliant, depending on the opponent.

[AlexVanderpool]

Originally posted by Buck Turgidson
After the UT fiasco, and UCLA's complaints (justifiable or not), it'll be very, very hard to get programs like Miami to play at Robertson.

I totally agree, but UT had no reason to gripe...when we signed the contract for home and home, it was signed for Robertson. UT expected us to change the venue at the 11th hour to accommodate them...and then to make matters worse, they adamantly perused the idea of adding temp. seating even though it was deemed dangerous by an independent commission...its thinking like that, that causes incidents like the A&M's bonfire catastrophe.

[The Summit]

Originally posted by DonnyMost
I'm not sure what to think about all these games being at reliant.

I guess if we're making money off of it, it's cool.. cause we need to get out of debt.

But still, the Rice and Miami games could have been two sellouts at Robertson this year..
The Miami game was moved because of money reasons, U.H. is projected to make 3 times more for the Miami game than a normal home game at Robertson. But the Rice game is not our home game, it is Rice's this year, and they decided to move it from the craphole that is Rice Stadium. Next year the Rice game is our home game and I would suspect it will still be at Robertson, but who knows...

[rrj_gamz]

Originally posted by Trader_Jorge
Obviously there is one game each year on their schedule that I hope they lose, but other than that I generally root for them.

Which one?

[PhiSlammaJamma]

Are we on national tv this year?

[AlexVanderpool]

Originally posted by PhiSlammaJamma
Are we on national tv this year?

Twice...
Miami and Louisville

and theyre working on getting the OU game on as well.

[The Summit]

U.H. - Southern Miss is on ESPN as well.