University of Houston Athletics
Friday, November 19
Houston, Texas
8 p.m.
University of Houston
vs
Memphis
Game Primer: Memphis
11/16/2021 11:51:00 AM | Football
Cougars, Tigers tangle on Senior Night at TDECU Stadium
GAME 11
Memphis at No. 17 Houston
Nov. 19, 2021 | 8 p.m. CT | TDECU Stadium | Houston, Texas
Broadcast: ESPN2
Radio: KPRC 950 AM
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
« The Cougars enter Friday at 9-1 overall. Houston has won 10-plus games in a season eight times in program history (2015, 2011, 2009, 2006, 1990, 1979, 1976, 1973). The Cougars have won 10-plus games following a losing season twice, going from 2-8 in 1975 to 10-2 in 1976 and jumping from 5-7 in 2010 to 13-1 in 2011.
« Houston and Memphis are meeting for the 30th time in the history of the programs (1963-present). Houston holds a 15-14 lead in the series including a 7-6 mark at home. Since Houston won six straight from 2006-15, Memphis has reeled off five straight victories.
«With a win last Saturday over Temple, Houston locked up its first conference championship game appearance since 2015 when it defeated Temple in The American's inaugural title game. The Cougars have won 11 conference championships. The 2021 AAC Football Championship is set for Saturday, Dec. 4.
« Houston has started conference play 7-0 for the third time in program history (2021, 2011, 1990). The Cougars have started a season 9-1 or better six times in program history (2021, 2015, 2011, 1990, 1979, 1973).
FOR FANS
« During the game, Houston Athletics will recognize the 1990 Houston Football team. That season, the Cougars, led by Heisman Trophy finalist David Klingler, posted a 10-1 overall record and 7-1 mark in the Southwest Conference.
« Fans are encouraged to take part in the Houston Athletics' toy drive. Drop off new or unwrapped toys at the KHOU 11 Secret Santa Toy Drive tent in the tailgating area before the game or at any gate on your way in.
« With staffing shortages affecting business and venue operations around the country, the Houston Athletics Department and its vendors are making every effort to improve service and appropriately accommodate our fans and guests.
« Fans attending Houston Football games this fall at TDECU Stadium are encouraged to arrive early and familiarize themselves with game day procedures and guidelines. Parking, tickets, tailgating, directions, and additional information can be found here.
« Due to the campus construction project on Cullen Boulevard, fans are encouraged to plan ahead and provide extra time while using alternative routes to avoid delays.
« Cougar Pride members giving at the Varsity Level and up are welcome to enjoy food, entertainment and family fun at Cougar Pride's Tailgate Takeover. Located outside of TDECU at Gate 2 – southeast corner, the CP Tailgate Takeover features music provided by DJ Teddi and food by Demeris Bar-B-Q. Cougar Pride members can also taste a wide variety of locally made wines thanks to Haak Vineyards & Winery.
GAMEDAY TIMELINE
9 a.m. – Ticket office opens
4 p.m. – Cash parking lots, kids' zone and tailgating open
5:30 p.m. – Cougar Walk begins
6:30 p.m. – TDECU Stadium opens
7:45 p.m. – Senior Day presentation
8 p.m. – Kickoff vs. Memphis
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW
« Houston running back Alton McCaskill set a new single-season program record for rushing touchdowns by a freshman with his 14th last Saturday at Temple, breaking Bryce Beall's mark of 13 set in 2008. McCaskill is eighth nationally in rushing touchdowns including tied for first among true freshmen. His 15 total touchdowns rank second among true freshmen in program history (Beall, 17, 2008).
« After going 3-5 during its eight-game 2020 season, Houston is 9-1 in 2021. Houston's six-game turnaround in the win column is the fifth-best nationally from 2020-21, trailing only Michigan (+7), Michigan State (+7), Northern Illinois (+7) and Utah State (+7).
« This season the Cougars have scored 38 non-offensive points including two punt return touchdowns (12 points), two interception returns for a touchdown (12 points), two kickoff return touchdowns (12 points) and a safety (2 points).
« Houston has qualified for its 14th bowl game in the last 17 seasons (2005-present). The Cougars' 13 bowl appearances since 2005 rank second among programs in Texas, trailing only Texas A&M (14). Houston's 87 victories since the start of the 2011 season second among FBS schools in Texas, trailing only Texas A&M (91).
« Houston's nine-game win streak is its longest since its longest since winning 11 consecutive between Jan. 2-Nov. 14, 2015. The streak is the fourth longest active nationally. The streak is the sixth longest in program history.
SCOUTING MEMPHIS
« Memphis linebacker JJ Russell is fifth in the nation with 104 total tackles and fourth in the nation with 64 solo tackles.
» Memphis is looking to become bowl eligible for the eighth season in a row.
« Memphis wide receiver Calvin Austin III is 12th in the nation in receiving with 1,026 yards. Austin III is also on the Fred Biletnikoff watch list, an award given to the best receiver in college football.
« Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan is currently 14th in the nation in passing yards with 2778.
LAST TIME AGAINST MEMPHIS
« The Cougars closed a 21-point gap in the 4th quarter to tie the game before Memphis kicked a field goal as time expired to win 30-27.
« Houston senior linebacker Grant Stuard had a game high 11 combined tackles.
« Junior tight end Christian Trahan led the team in receiving with five catches for a game high 84 yards.
« Senior cornerback Marcus Jones hauled in his first interception at Houston.
A HOUSTON WIN WOULD …
» Move Houston to 8-0 in AAC play. The Cougars have won their first eight conference games just once (2011).
» Move Houston's win streak to 10 consecutive, the program's longest since Jan. 2-Nov. 14, 2015 (11 games).
» Mark the ninth time in program history Houston has won 10-plus games and first since 2015.
» Move Houston to 6-0 on the season at TDECU Stadium -- Houston's first undefeated home regular season since 2016 (6-0).
» Be Houston's seventh consecutive home win, the longest streak since winning 16 straight from Nov. 22, 2014-Sept. 16, 2017.
» Move Houston to 16-14 against Memphis and 8-6 against the Tigers at home.
» Move Houston to 35-12 all-time at TDECU Stadium.
STAY CONNECTED
Follow Houston Football on Twitter and Instagram at @UHCougarFB, and "Like" Houston Cougar Football on Facebook.
Memphis at No. 17 Houston
Nov. 19, 2021 | 8 p.m. CT | TDECU Stadium | Houston, Texas
Broadcast: ESPN2
Radio: KPRC 950 AM
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
« The Cougars enter Friday at 9-1 overall. Houston has won 10-plus games in a season eight times in program history (2015, 2011, 2009, 2006, 1990, 1979, 1976, 1973). The Cougars have won 10-plus games following a losing season twice, going from 2-8 in 1975 to 10-2 in 1976 and jumping from 5-7 in 2010 to 13-1 in 2011.
« Houston and Memphis are meeting for the 30th time in the history of the programs (1963-present). Houston holds a 15-14 lead in the series including a 7-6 mark at home. Since Houston won six straight from 2006-15, Memphis has reeled off five straight victories.
«With a win last Saturday over Temple, Houston locked up its first conference championship game appearance since 2015 when it defeated Temple in The American's inaugural title game. The Cougars have won 11 conference championships. The 2021 AAC Football Championship is set for Saturday, Dec. 4.
« Houston has started conference play 7-0 for the third time in program history (2021, 2011, 1990). The Cougars have started a season 9-1 or better six times in program history (2021, 2015, 2011, 1990, 1979, 1973).
FOR FANS
« During the game, Houston Athletics will recognize the 1990 Houston Football team. That season, the Cougars, led by Heisman Trophy finalist David Klingler, posted a 10-1 overall record and 7-1 mark in the Southwest Conference.
« Fans are encouraged to take part in the Houston Athletics' toy drive. Drop off new or unwrapped toys at the KHOU 11 Secret Santa Toy Drive tent in the tailgating area before the game or at any gate on your way in.
« With staffing shortages affecting business and venue operations around the country, the Houston Athletics Department and its vendors are making every effort to improve service and appropriately accommodate our fans and guests.
« Fans attending Houston Football games this fall at TDECU Stadium are encouraged to arrive early and familiarize themselves with game day procedures and guidelines. Parking, tickets, tailgating, directions, and additional information can be found here.
« Due to the campus construction project on Cullen Boulevard, fans are encouraged to plan ahead and provide extra time while using alternative routes to avoid delays.
« Cougar Pride members giving at the Varsity Level and up are welcome to enjoy food, entertainment and family fun at Cougar Pride's Tailgate Takeover. Located outside of TDECU at Gate 2 – southeast corner, the CP Tailgate Takeover features music provided by DJ Teddi and food by Demeris Bar-B-Q. Cougar Pride members can also taste a wide variety of locally made wines thanks to Haak Vineyards & Winery.
GAMEDAY TIMELINE
9 a.m. – Ticket office opens
4 p.m. – Cash parking lots, kids' zone and tailgating open
5:30 p.m. – Cougar Walk begins
6:30 p.m. – TDECU Stadium opens
7:45 p.m. – Senior Day presentation
8 p.m. – Kickoff vs. Memphis
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW
« Houston running back Alton McCaskill set a new single-season program record for rushing touchdowns by a freshman with his 14th last Saturday at Temple, breaking Bryce Beall's mark of 13 set in 2008. McCaskill is eighth nationally in rushing touchdowns including tied for first among true freshmen. His 15 total touchdowns rank second among true freshmen in program history (Beall, 17, 2008).
« After going 3-5 during its eight-game 2020 season, Houston is 9-1 in 2021. Houston's six-game turnaround in the win column is the fifth-best nationally from 2020-21, trailing only Michigan (+7), Michigan State (+7), Northern Illinois (+7) and Utah State (+7).
« This season the Cougars have scored 38 non-offensive points including two punt return touchdowns (12 points), two interception returns for a touchdown (12 points), two kickoff return touchdowns (12 points) and a safety (2 points).
« Houston has qualified for its 14th bowl game in the last 17 seasons (2005-present). The Cougars' 13 bowl appearances since 2005 rank second among programs in Texas, trailing only Texas A&M (14). Houston's 87 victories since the start of the 2011 season second among FBS schools in Texas, trailing only Texas A&M (91).
« Houston's nine-game win streak is its longest since its longest since winning 11 consecutive between Jan. 2-Nov. 14, 2015. The streak is the fourth longest active nationally. The streak is the sixth longest in program history.
SCOUTING MEMPHIS
« Memphis linebacker JJ Russell is fifth in the nation with 104 total tackles and fourth in the nation with 64 solo tackles.
» Memphis is looking to become bowl eligible for the eighth season in a row.
« Memphis wide receiver Calvin Austin III is 12th in the nation in receiving with 1,026 yards. Austin III is also on the Fred Biletnikoff watch list, an award given to the best receiver in college football.
« Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan is currently 14th in the nation in passing yards with 2778.
LAST TIME AGAINST MEMPHIS
« The Cougars closed a 21-point gap in the 4th quarter to tie the game before Memphis kicked a field goal as time expired to win 30-27.
« Houston senior linebacker Grant Stuard had a game high 11 combined tackles.
« Junior tight end Christian Trahan led the team in receiving with five catches for a game high 84 yards.
« Senior cornerback Marcus Jones hauled in his first interception at Houston.
A HOUSTON WIN WOULD …
» Move Houston to 8-0 in AAC play. The Cougars have won their first eight conference games just once (2011).
» Move Houston's win streak to 10 consecutive, the program's longest since Jan. 2-Nov. 14, 2015 (11 games).
» Mark the ninth time in program history Houston has won 10-plus games and first since 2015.
» Move Houston to 6-0 on the season at TDECU Stadium -- Houston's first undefeated home regular season since 2016 (6-0).
» Be Houston's seventh consecutive home win, the longest streak since winning 16 straight from Nov. 22, 2014-Sept. 16, 2017.
» Move Houston to 16-14 against Memphis and 8-6 against the Tigers at home.
» Move Houston to 35-12 all-time at TDECU Stadium.
STAY CONNECTED
Follow Houston Football on Twitter and Instagram at @UHCougarFB, and "Like" Houston Cougar Football on Facebook.
Players Mentioned
CB
/ Football
RB
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LB
/ Football
TE
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