University of Houston Athletics
Saturday, September 2
Houston, Texas
6 p.m.
University of Houston
vs
UTSA
Game Preview: UTSA
9/1/2023 4:04:00 PM | Football
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For second straight year, Cougars begin season with non-conference tilt against Roadrunners
HOUSTON – University of Houston Football begins its highly anticipated 2023 season when the Cougars square off against UTSA at 6 p.m., Saturday inside TDECU Stadium.
Houston (0-0, 0-0 Big 12) vs. UTSA (0-0, 0-0 American)
Saturday, Sept. 2 | 6:05 p.m. CT
TDECU Stadium | Houston, Texas
Broadcast: FS1
Radio: KPRC 950 AM
Tailgating | 8 a.m.
Fan Fest at Cougar Alley | 2 p.m.
Cougar Walk | 3:45 p.m.
Stadium Opens / Happy Hour Begins | 4:30 p.m.
Happy Hour Ends | 5:15 p.m.
Spirit of Houston Takes Field | 5:49 p.m.
Kickoff | 6:05 p.m.
TICKETS ON SALE
Hey Cougar Nation, get ready to rep Houston like never before with our exclusive "Love You Houston" ticket package by clicking here! For just $15, you'll score a ticket to this Saturday's game where we unveil our special blue uniforms that are all about H-Town pride. But that's not all: for another $15, you receive parking for the game. And because we love Houston as much as you do, we're turning up the heat.
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
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.
| GAME 1 - UTSA |
Houston (0-0, 0-0 Big 12) vs. UTSA (0-0, 0-0 American)
Saturday, Sept. 2 | 6:05 p.m. CT
TDECU Stadium | Houston, Texas
Broadcast: FS1
Radio: KPRC 950 AM
Tailgating | 8 a.m.
Fan Fest at Cougar Alley | 2 p.m.
Cougar Walk | 3:45 p.m.
Stadium Opens / Happy Hour Begins | 4:30 p.m.
Happy Hour Ends | 5:15 p.m.
Spirit of Houston Takes Field | 5:49 p.m.
Kickoff | 6:05 p.m.
| COOG FEST - PREGAME ACTIVITES |
- Grab your friends and enjoy all the fun at Fan Fest in Cougar Alley. This area features a huge LED TV, interactive games and activities!
- Arrive early as enjoy the expanded Kids' Zone near Schroeder Gate 1.
- The student tailgate, sponsored by H-E-B, Dean of Students Office and SGA: All students are invited to stop by the student tailgate outside Gate 2. Spend time with friends and enjoy tailgating games, TVs, video games, food and giveaways.
- Join us for an epic tailgate with fun, games and cold refreshing Bud Light at The Bud Light Backyard at Cougar Alley. Heisman Trophy winner Andre Ware will be stopping by from 5‑6 p.m. to say hi before the Coogs take on UTSA!
- Greet the team for Cougar Walk at 3:45 p.m.
| IN-GAME ACTIVITIES |
- On field recognition for Houston's 2023 Track and Field All-Americans.
- Recognition and reunion of the 1973 Football Team.
- Performances by the Spirit of Houston!
- Get your Video Done at the 360 Video Booth behind Section 138.
- Cheerleaders and Cougar Dolls on hand to entertain you!
- DJ Yobi Yobz mixin' it up in the student section!
- Join the Light Show in the 4th Quarter with Cougar Lights in the App!
| WHAT TO WATCH FOR |
- On Saturday, Houston's football begins its 78th season (1946-present) and first game as a member in the Big 12 Conference.
- Houston's roster features 50 newcomers including 23 transfers. Approximately 25% of the Cougars' current roster has experience has experience at a Power 5 program and 70% of its roster received at least one Power 5 offer.
- Houston is one of five schools nationally and the only program in Texas with 20+ wins and 2+ bowl wins over the last two seasons. Saturday's game features two of the Top 10 winningest teams over the last two seasons.
- Houston is facing UTSA in the second consecutive season opening matchup between the teams. On Sept. 3, 2022, the programs delivered a game for the ages when Houston overcame a 14-point second half deficit and quarterback Clayton Tune leaped over a defender to score on a 13-yard run as the Cougars outlasted the Roadrunners, 37-35 in triple overtime.
| FIVE THINGS TO KNOW |
- The 2023 season will be Head Coach Dana Holgorsen's 17th coaching in the Big 12 Conference. Holgorsen has coached four of the league's 14 schools, totaling a combined 74 big 12 victories at West Virginia (2012-18), Oklahoma State (2010), and Texas Tech (2000-07), including a combined 18-9 conference record over his final three seasons with the Mountaineers.
- Houston is facing UTSA in the second consecutive season opener matchup between the teams. On Sept. 3, 2022, the programs delivered a game for the ages. Houston overcame a 14-point second half deficit and quarterback Clayton Tune leaped over a defender to score on a 13-yard run as the Cougars outlasted the Roadrunners, 37-35 in triple overtime.
- Following the departure of Shannon Dawson for Miami (Fla.), the Cougars promoted Mike Burchett form Analyst to Quarterback Coach.
- The lone new face on Houston's 2023 coaching staff is Houston-area native Eman Naghavi who joined the Cougars prior to the start of spring practice.
- Houston's matchup against UTSA is the first of seven total games against in-state opponents. The Cougars will play 10 games in Texas – their most since 1990.
| SCOUTING UTSA |
- Over the last three seasons, Head Coach Jeff Traylor has turned UTSA into a Group of Five powerhouse. The Roadrunners are 30-10 under Traylor including a 23-5 mark over the last two seasons, the fourth-best mark among FBS teams during that span.
- UTSA is receiving 64 votes in the AP Top 25 and 59 in the USA TODAY Sports AFCA Coaches Poll. The Roadrunners are 4-2 all-time in games played in the City of Houston. The matchup will serve as a homecoming for 26 current Roadrunners who hail from the Houston area.
| LAST TIME AGAINST UTSA |
- Houston rallied from a 14-point deficit in the second half at the Alamodome to snap UTSA's 10-game home winning streak.
- Quarterback Clayton Tune went 22 of 32 for 206 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 51 yards and a touchdown.
- Per NCAA rules for a third overtime, Tune's winning run was a 2-point conversion that the Roadrunners were unable to match as their attempted final pass floated out of bounds.
| A HOUSTON WIN WOULD ... |
- Move Houston to 3-1 all-time against UTSA and be the Cougars second straight victory against the Roadrunners.
- Move Houston to 47-31 in home openers and be the Cougars eighth home-opening victory in the last nine seasons (2015-present).
- Move Houston to 25-11 against in-state programs since the start of the 2011 season.
- Improve Houston to 13-4 in non-conference home games at TDECU Stadium (2014-present).
- Move Dana Holgorsen to 9-4 in season openers during his tenure as a head coach including 3-2 at Houston.
- Make Houston 25-9 in the month of September since the start of the 2013 season.
TICKETS ON SALE
Hey Cougar Nation, get ready to rep Houston like never before with our exclusive "Love You Houston" ticket package by clicking here! For just $15, you'll score a ticket to this Saturday's game where we unveil our special blue uniforms that are all about H-Town pride. But that's not all: for another $15, you receive parking for the game. And because we love Houston as much as you do, we're turning up the heat.
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
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.
Players Mentioned
QB
/ FootballMedia Availability: Ashton Porter
Monday, April 20
Media Availability: Kentrell Webb
Monday, April 20
Media Availability: Keisean Henderson
Monday, April 20
Media Availability: Conner Weigman
Sunday, April 19