Game Preview: Baylor

WACO, Texas – Houston Football gets its first crack at the Baylor Bears since 1995 when the Cougars head to Waco for a Saturday Big 12 Conference matchup inside McLane Stadium at 2:30 p.m. on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.

GAME 9 – BAYLOR

Houston (3-5, 1-4 Big 12) at Baylor (3-5, 2-3 Big 12)
Saturday | 2:30 p.m. CT
McLane Stadium | Waco, Texas
Broadcast: Big 12 Now on ESPN+
Radio: KPRC AM 950

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Houston and Baylor are meeting for the 29th time in the history of the programs and first since Oct. 14, 1995. The Bears lead the all-time series 14-13-1. Since Houston won three straight from 1988-90, Baylor has responded by winning four of the last five (1991-95).
When Houston and Baylor's 2020 season openers were each canceled due to COVID, the programs agreed to compete seven days later – Sept. 19, 2020, in Waco. The matchup was slated to be the first of its kind with games typically scheduled 5-10 years in advance. The historic contest was eventually canceled on Friday (Sept. 18) afternoon due to COVID concerns within Baylor's program.
Former West Virginia running back and current Cougar Tony Mathis Jr. registered a career day against Baylor a season ago, rushing 22 times for 163 yards and two touchdowns en route to being named Big 12 Co-Offensive Player of the Week.
Despite not meeting in nearly three decades, Houston's 28 all-time matchups against Baylor rank tied for seventh among all opponents. Among current Big 12 programs, the 28 meetings trail only Houston's 35 against Texas Tech.
Among other notable history against Baylor, UH's Byron Beaver set an NCAA record, still standing today, with five interceptions as part of legendary Head Coach Bill Yeoman's first victory as the Cougars defeated the Bears, 19-0, on Sept. 22, 1962. Houston's inaugural Southwest Conference victory came at Baylor as the Cougars defeated the Bears, 23-5, in Waco, on Sept. 11, 1976. Houston wideout Manny Hazard's five touchdown receptions against Baylor on Oct. 7, 1989, rank tied for the most in program history.

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW

Houston looks to snap its two-game losing streak on Saturday. The Cougars need to win three of their final four games to reach their 31st bowl all-time. Houston's 15 bowl appearances since 2005 rank tied with TCU for the most in Texas.
In their inaugural season in the Big 12, the Cougars are finding out first-hand the challenges of the league. All five of Houston's Big 12 opponents entering Saturday have either been ranked or received votes this season. At the time of the matchup, the Cougars have faced three league opponents receiving votes and another (#8/8 Texas) which was nationally ranked. A season ago, Tulane, which received votes, was the only American competitor receiving votes or ranked at the time of Houston's matchup.
Houston, which led the nation with a combined 10 road victories between 2021-22, is still in search of its first win away from home this season. The Cougars mounted a 28-point fourth quarter comeback in an eventual 43-41 double overtime loss at Rice. UH scored 28 firsthalf points in a 49-28 loss at Texas Tech. Houston was shut out for the first time since Sept. 23, 2000, as part of a 41-0 defeat at Kansas State.
Houston ranks 14th nationally with just seven turnovers lost. The Cougars have lost just two fumbles on the season, which ranks as the 11th fewest nationally. Houston had not lost the turnover battle through its first six games but has done so in each of its last two matchups. Houston senior defensive lineman David Ugwoegbu scooped up Kansas State's first fumble of the season last time out.
Last Saturday at K-State, freshman defensive lineman Justin Benton (16 snaps), sophomore quarterback Ui Ale (12 snaps) and freshman wide receiver Jonah Wilson (12 snaps) made their second appearances of the season. Cougars appearing in their third games included redshirt freshman defensive lineman Cavan Tuley (10 snaps) redshirt freshman center Demetrius Hunter (12 snaps), sophomore offensive lineman David Ndukwe (12 snaps) and freshman wide receiver Ja'Ryan Wallace (9 snaps). Sophomore offensive lineman Jaylen Garth (4 snaps) and freshman wide receiver Ja'koby Banks (6 snaps) made their fourth appearances. Redshirt freshman walk-on wide receiver Dalton Carnes, who has appeared in all eight games, made his first collegiate start at wide receiver.

SCOUTING BAYLOR

The Bears are coming off a 30-18 loss vs. Iowa State last week, with the Cyclones holding off a late Baylor comeback bid to secure their first win in the series over the last three meetings.
Baylor posted a 32-29 win over Cincinnati to improve to 2-0 on the road in 2023. BU produced 316 yards passing from Blake Shapen and a career-high 130 yards receiving from Ketron Jackson Jr. in the win.
The Bears rallied from down 35-7 late in the third quarter to post a 36-35 win at UCF. It marked the largest comeback in program history and the largest for an FBS program since 2019.
On Saturday vs. ISU, junior WR Monaray Baldwin had his third 100+ yard receiving game of the year, going for 117 yards and a score.

LAST TIME AGAINST BAYLOR

Baylor won the last Southwest Conference game 47-7 at the Astrodome in 1995.
The Bears gain 591 yards of total offense to the Cougars' 178.
Randy Clements threw a fourth quarter touchdown to Robbie Wheeler.

A HOUSTON WIN WOULD

Even the all-time series with Baylor at 14-14-1.
Be Houston's first Big 12 road win and second overall league victory.
Be Houston's fourth on the season with three remaining opportunities to reach the six-win mark for bowl eligibility.
Be Dana Holgorsen's fourth consecutive win vs. Baylor as a Head Coach, dating to the 2016 season at West Virginia.
Be the University of Houston's first Big 12 win against Baylor (soccer: 3-2 loss on Oct. 23 in Houston; volleyball: regular-season road finale on Nov. 22 in Waco).

COOGS ON THE ROAD

The UH Alumni Association and Cougar Pride invite you to hit the road with us as we rally to support the Cougars as they take on the Baylor Bears for the first time since 1995. This is your chance to experience the camaraderie, excitement and spirit that comes with being part of the Cougar community.
- Welcome Reception - Friday, Nov. 3
  - Route 77 Food Park and Bar
  - 1425 La Salle Ave., Waco, TX 76706
  - Register
- Game Day Tailgate
  - Texas Sports Hall of Fame
  - 1108 University Parks Dr., Waco, TX 76706.
  - Register
Coogs on the Road game day guide.

TICKETS ON SALEHeaded to Waco for game day? Snag a ticket and cheer on the Coogs by purchasing tickets for the first game at Baylor since 1994 and the first meeting since 1995 by clicking here.

Be part of history this fall by purchasing tickets for Houston Football's inaugural season in the Big 12 Conference. Get a ticket to each of the final two home games for just $31 all together by clicking here and using the promo code "SPOOKY."

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 in the Big 12. 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 
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Ui Ale

Ja’koby Banks

Justin Benton

Dalton Carnes

Jaylen Garth

Demetrius Hunter

Tony Mathis Jr.

David Ndukwe

Cavan Tuley

David Ugwoegbu

Ja’Ryan Wallace

Jonah Wilson

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