University of Houston Athletics
University of Houston
UTSA
Game Primer: UTSA
9/2/2022 9:45:00 AM | Football
No. 24/25 Houston opens season from Alamodome
No. 24/25 Houston at UTSA
Sept. 3 | 2:30 p.m. CT | Alamodome | San Antonio, Texas
Broadcast: CBS Sports Network
Radio: KPRC 950 AM
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
» The Cougars shined in all three phases of the game in 2021. Houston led the nation in third down conversion percentage defense (.257) and was sixth in total defense (301.2). Its offense ranked 15th in scoring (35.9) and its special teams paced the country in blocked kicks (6) while ranking eighth in average punt return yardage (14.62).
» Houston returns 13 starters between its offense (7) and defense (6). The Cougars return 61.4% of receiving yards and 62% of tackles. Fourteen players, all returners, were named to Athlon Sports' preseason 2022 American All-Conference Team including six First Teamers.
» The Cougars were quick to pounce on opponents a season ago. Houston outscored teams 147-52 in the first quarter and shut out opponents in the opening frame during nine of its 14 contests. In the Birmingham Bowl against Auburn, Houston did not allow a first down until 1:42 to play in the first quarter and held the Tigers to 13 total points – the most in a bowl game since the 1980 Garden State Bowl.
» Houston took advantage of the transfer portal during the offseason. The Cougars added nine players from Power 5 conferences including four wide receivers, two linebackers, one quarterback, one running back and one offensive lineman.
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW» Houston begins its 77th season of football and fourth under Head Coach Dana Holgorsen when it faces UTSA from the Alamodome on Saturday. The Cougars are 40-34-2 all-time in season openers including a 10-4 mark dating to 2008. Houston is 15-10-2 against in-state programs in season openers all-time.
» Houston enters a season nationally ranked for the first time since 2016. The Cougars have been ranked in the AP preseason poll 12 times in program history. Houston, which is currently No. 24 in the AP poll, has been ranked in eight straight polls dating to Oct. 31, 2021.
» Houston and UTSA are meeting for the third time in the history of the programs and first since 2014. The Cougars are making their second trip to the Alamodome. Houston defeated UTSA, 59-28, on Sept. 28, 2013, in San Antonio, highlighted by five forced turnovers.
» Houston is the preseason favorite to win The American Athletic Conference for the first time since 2016. The Cougars are in search of their second American Athletic Conference title and first since 2015. A season ago, the Cougars posted an 8-0 record in league play, marking just the second undefeated conference season in program history.
» The 2022 season will be Houston's final in The American Athletic Conference before leaving for the Big 12 Conference. The Big 12 will be the seventh league in which Houston Athletics competes during its award-winning history.
SCOUTING UTSA» UTSA head coach Jeff Traylor was named the 2021 Conference USA Coach of the Year.
» UTSA has been picked to finish first in the C-USA preseason poll.
» Quarterback Frank Harris has been named to the Walter Camp, Wuerffel Trophy, Davey O'Brien, Maxwell Award and Earl Campbell Tyler Rose award watch list. Last season, Harris guided UTSA to the most successful season in program history, helping lead the Roadrunners to a 12-2 record, their first conference championship and top-25 ranking en route to their second straight and third overall bowl game.
» Senior Rashad Wisdom has been named to multiple watch lists as well as being named CUSA Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.
LAST TIME AGAINST UTSA
» Deontay Greenberry recorded 149 receiving yards. With his 149 yards, Houston has had a 100-yard receiver for the fourth straight game this season after Greenberry's 146 yards vs. Rice, 165 receiving yards at Temple and Daniel Spencer's 102 receiving yards vs. Southern.
» The Cougars forced five turnovers (4 interceptions, 1 fumble) in Saturday's win at UTSA. It was the most turnovers forced by the Cougars since posting five takeways (4 interceptions, 1 fumble) vs. Tulsa in a 70-30 win on Nov. 15, 2008, inside Robertson Stadium
» Greenberry's notched his third-straight 100-yard receiving game with his 149 yards in today's game. With that he became the first Cougar since Patrick Edwards reeled off four straight 100-yard receiving games in 2011.
A HOUSTON WIN WOULD
» Improve Houston to 118-43-2 when competing as a ranked team.
» Move Houston to 2-1 all-time against UTSA including a 2-0 mark in the Alamodome.
» Move Houston to 8-2 in its last 10 road openers dating to 2013 and 11-3 in its last 14 season openers.
PREGAME TAILGATECougar Pride and UHAA will host a tailgate on game day in San Antonio from noon-2 p.m. The tailgate will be held at The Espee – Banking Hall (1174 E. Commerce Street) and fans can register for the tailgate here.
SEASON TICKETS ON SALE
Your Houston Football program is fresh off a 12-win campaign and Birmingham Bowl title and fans are encouraged to act quickly to purchase 2022 season tickets while supplies last. Season tickets are available for as low as $99.
First-time season tickets holders can click here to purchase tickets or call the Houston Athletics Ticket Office at 713-GO-COOGS (462-6647).
Houston Athletics is excited to introduce our new "Family Four-Pack" seats that offer a fun and affordable entertainment option for families to come enjoy Houston Cougar Football starting as low as $80 per ticket (based on minimum of 4 tickets on select seating locations). For a full list of prices and TDECU Stadium seating map, click here.
SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference. Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win when we start Big 12 competition in July 2023. Click here to rise and be counted.
JOIN The 46ers and The HUDDLE
Fans are invited to join the 46ers and the Huddle to directly support Houston Football. Members provide financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond operating budget. For more information about the 46ers and the Huddle, call Cougar Pride at 713-743-GoUH (4684) or click here.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.
