University of Houston Athletics
Houston Climbs in USA Today Coaches Poll
11/1/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
HOUSTON - Following its 34-0 win over Vanderbilt Saturday, the Houston Football program climbed one spot to No. 18 in the USA Today Coaches poll, equaling its ranking in the Associated Press poll.
While the Cougars did not move up in the AP poll, they did pick up 55 points from voters to close the gap on No. 17 Florida State.
Houston returns to action this Saturday when it hosts Cincinnati at 2:30 p.m. inside TDECU Stadium for Homecoming. More information on a weeklong schedule of festivities surrounding Houston's 70th Homecoming game can be found at uh.edu/homecoming.
The game will air on ESPN2 and KPRC 950 AM with the radio pregame show hosted by Matt Thomas kicking off at 1 p.m.
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Houston moved to 8-0 with Saturday night's shutout win, giving the SEC its first non-conference shutout since Sept. 5, 2004 when Louisville defeated Kentucky 28-0.
Vanderbilt entered Saturday night ranked 13th nationally in scoring defense, allowing just an average of 16.3 points per game. With 34 points, Houston topped the previous highs scored against the Commodores of 31 (Georgia) and 27 (Ole Miss).
With its win Saturday night, Houston joins Baylor as the only two teams to defeat six opponents by 21 points or more.
Ranking fifth in scoring offense (45.9 points per game) and 18th in scoring defense (17.3 points per game), Houston is the only program in the nation to rank in the top 10 in scoring offense and top 20 in scoring defense.
Herman has vowed Houston will be physical in the trenches and the numbers are reflecting it. The Cougars rank 11th nationally in rushing defense, allowing just 103.6 yards per game, while ranking eighth in rushing offense with an average of 273.9 yards per game. Houston and LSU are the only teams in the nation to rank in the top 11 in both categories.
Houston leads the nation with a +15 turnover margin and 22 turnovers forced, and is 11th with seven turnovers lost.
Junior quarterback Greg Ward Jr. leads the nation with 16 rushing touchdowns. Ward is third nationally in scoring with 96 points while ranking seventh in points responsible for per game with 20.3 per game.
Senior linebacker Elandon Roberts leads the nation in solo tackles (7.9 per game) and is fifth in total tackles (11.3 per game).
Cornerback William Jackson III lives up to his name as he is third nationally with 17 passes defended - 14 PBUs & 3 INTs.
Junior linebacker Steven Taylor is seventh nationally in sacks (1.0 per game) and is 10th in tackles for loss (1.6 per game).
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The only remaining undefeated coach in his first year with a program, Tom Herman has an opportunity to become the first coach in Houston history to start his career 9-0 after joining John Jenkins (1990) as the only coach to start 8-0.
This season is the fourth in Houston history for the Cougars to start 8-0 and the first since 2011. Houston has started 9-0 just once in program history, when it started 12-0 in 2011.
2015 HOUSTON FOOTBALL SINGLE-GAME TICKETS
Single-game tickets for the 2015 Houston Football season are now on sale via the Houston Athletics Fan Experience Headquarters. Single-game tickets to Houston's remaining home games start at just $25 and are available by calling the Fan Experience Headquarters at 713-462-6647 or by clicking here.
2015 HOUSTON FOOTBALL GROUP TICKETS
Single-game group ticket sales for the 2015 Houston Football season are now on sale via Houston Athletics Fan Experience Headquarters. Groups of at least 10 or more can purchase tickets starting at just $17 per person to any of Houston's remaining home games by calling or texting Fan Experience Headquarters at 713-GO-COOGS or by clicking here.
