University of Houston Athletics
Houston Named FWAA Team of the Week
9/6/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
HOUSTON -- During a season-opening holiday weekend with what many considered a best-ever opening slate of games, the Houston Cougars scored perhaps the biggest statement win with a 33-23 defeat of No. 3 Oklahoma. Quarterback Greg Ward Jr. rallied his team three times in the first half, and the defending American Athletic Conference champions took over in the second half to earn the Football Writers Association of America National Team of the Week honor for games of the weekend of Sept. 3.
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The announcement was made on "Playbook," hosted by Chris Carlin and Gino Torretta on SiriusXM Radio's "College Sports Nation." Each Monday during the season, the FWAA National Team of the Week will be unveiled during the program, which airs from 12-3 p.m. CT.
Ward threw for 321 yards and two touchdowns for the Cougars (1-0). But the game's key play came midway through the third quarter on Brandon Wilson's 100-yard field goal return for a touchdown. Austin Seibert's 54-yard field goal attempt fell just short, Wilson caught the ball with his heels just inside the end line before sprinting to the right side of the field and virtually untouched to the end zone.
Instead of giving up a go-ahead field goal, Houston turned the play into a 26-17 advantage. The UH defense did the rest, sacking Oklahoma's Baker Mayfield five times and forcing a fumble as the Cougars won their fifth straight game against a ranked opponent.
"We were prepared to win. We expected to win. We train to win," Houston coach Tom Herman said. "It wasn't about making a statement, it was about going 1-0 the first week of the season."
This is the fourth time for Houston to earn National Team of the Week honors and the first time since 2011.
Houston returns to action Saturday at 11 a.m. when it hosts Lamar in its 2016 home opener at TDECU Stadium.
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2016 SEASON TICKETS
New season ticket holders looking to get the best deal can catch all six 2016 Houston Football games at TDECU Stadium with season tickets starting at just $140. To purchase 2016 season tickets, please visit UHCougars.com/2016.
2016 MINI PLANS
Houston fans also have the opportunity to purchase three-game mini-plans starting at just $79. Mini-plans include tickets to Houston's games vs. No. 23 Louisville, Lamar and a third game of fan's choice (UConn, Tulsa, UCF, Tulane) at the following link.
2016 SINGLE GAME TICKETS
Houston fans interested in purchasing single-game tickets starting at just $22 can do so at the following link. Single-game tickets for five of Houston's six home games are available with tickets to the Nov. 17 showdown vs. No. 23 Louisville currently only available with season tickets or mini plans.
