University of Houston Athletics
Schedule Change Gives Cougars Seven Home Games
3/1/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
March 1, 2006
HOUSTON, Texas - University of Houston Director of Athletics Dave Maggard announced Wednesday that the Cougars have reached an agreement to play Grambling State University on Saturday, September 16, at John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium, instead of traveling to New Mexico State University.
"By mutual agreement we have cancelled our series with New Mexico State in football," commented Maggard. "This gives us the opportunity for an additional home game this year. We have agreed by letter of intent to play the SWAC Champions last year, Grambling State here at Robertson Stadium on September 16.
"For 2007 and 2008 we are exploring several options including Grambling State. We are excited about bringing this team to Houston and giving our football team and fans another home game and a very entertaining opponent."
The change in the 2006 football schedule gives the Cougars at least seven regular season home games for only the second time in school history. Back in 1966, UH played host to a record eight home games in its second season playing in the Astrodome. In 1971 and 1973, the Cougars played seven games in the Astrodome, but the final game of each season was the Bluebonnet Bowl.
"I am very excited about this opportunity to play seven home games and eight in the city of Houston," added UH head coach Art Briles. "We really get to see where we stand as a football team (in 2006) by not having to leave the city until we play at Miami on September 30. Plus, this gives us an opportunity to make Robertson Stadium a tough place to play.
"Grambling State is a very, very good football team. They will come ready to play and will bring a lot fans in the process."
Last season Grambling State finished 11-1 and captured the Southwestern Athletic Conference regular season and post-season titles. As a matter of fact, the only loss suffered by the Tigers in 2005 was at Division I-A Washington State in early September. The Tigers averaged 44.1 points and 500.7 yards of total offense a year ago.
This encounter between UH and Grambling marks the first time the Cougars and Tigers have met on the gridiron. As a matter of fact, this game is the first-ever clash between Houston and a team from the SWAC.
Houston begins its quest for the 2006 Conference USA title next week, opening up spring practice on Tuesday, March 7.
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