NCAA 2004: Prestige to Challenge

[Bonez420]

Re: NCAA 2004: Prestige to Challenge

Straight From the Coach
"Our game with North Texas was a little scary actually. We should've been able to put them away and keep them contained. Near the end, we almost let that one slip away from us. This Auburn game is going to be very tough to win, but if we do our best, we have a chance at making a huge upset."

[Bonez420]

Re: NCAA 2004: Prestige to Challenge

#20 Auburn (1-0) at Houston (1-0)
"Uh oh." That's what was running through the mind of the Houston head coach coming into this game against a tough opponent for his fragile offense. He wasn't overly worried about the defense, but he was worried that turnovers might cost them the game. UH won the coin toss but with the fans pumping and the defense eager, they opted to kick. Brilliant start! After UA drove to the fifty, Jason Mullins came up with a big 8 yard sack. On the next play, he came up with another sack and also with a forced fumble which was recovered by the defense at the 42 yard line! Anderson killed the crowd's excitement with his normal interception throwing abilities. Houston's defense forced another punt, and LB Jason Mullins put up ANOTHER two sacks-- four total in the first quarter, alone. This guy was a menace. UH would start at the other 40 this time. Anderson threw another interception brought to UA's 40. Houston's Webber responded with an interception of his own-- brought back to Aurburn's 29 yard line. With under a minute in the first quarter, Houston's John Thorburn punched it in for 6 and the extra point by Varnado made it 7-0 Cougars. UA's receivers kept catching it in triple coverage-- they all looked like Heisman candidates. UA made it to the 32 yard like of UH in what seemed to be record time. The QB of Auburn was unstoppable on their next drive, as they tied the game 7-7. The UH coach felt he had no other choice early in the 2nd and converted a fourth down from UH's own 30 yard line. The fat OL got claustrophobic so they spread out and let the defenders hit QB Anderson as hard as they wanted. Houton forced another punt. Their defense looked like it was getting to a breaking point though. Don't know how he managed, but TE Chance Brown dropped 2 wide open passes. UA was pinned at the 15 and Houston finally stoped them around midfield after a 3rd & 11 conversion on which the FS looked like a ****** as he watched the receiver catch it and run a little ways before he made the tackle. Houston quickly went 3 and out as the OL continued to not block. UA got it at the 41 and with just under two minutes and threw an INT to FS Jeremy Duncan at midfield. Houston threatened but quickly returned to form, badly missing a field goal after Anderson turned back to crap.

HALFTIME: 7-7, Houston actually being competitive against a Top 25 team!

UH got the ball first in the second half, and they made the most of it. They ate up five minutes of clock time on a fifteen play drive that ended with FB Daniel Rojas running in for the score. 14-7. Houston forced a three and out after LB Jason Mullins came up with his fifth sack of the game. Houston got good position on their next drive, starting at Auburn's 46. Houston was still driving and at the 20 yard line when the fourth quarter began. Early in the fourth, Aaron Anderson snuck the ball on 4th & Goal from the inch line and put UH ahead 21-7. On Auburn's first play, Jeremy Duncan grabbed his second interception of the game at UA's 28 yard line. Houston's defense was truly coming on strong now. With 3:45 left to play, Anderson hit TE Chance Brown from 16 yards out to put Houston on top 28-7. The fans were going nuts. UA scored with just over three minutes left, making it 28-14. Houston would recover the following onside kick. Thorburn's running helped burn off the remaining time. An amazing win!

FINAL: Houston upsets #20 Auburn 28-14!

PLAYER of the GAME
LB Jason Mullins with 7 tackles, 5 sacks, and a forced fumble.

SURPRISE of the GAME
Two things: The inspirational play of the defense, led by the fierce LB Jason Mullins. The other thing? The fact that Aaron Anderson was able to put up a somewhat decent day, and didn't allow his turnovers to pile up on him.

Mentionable Performances
QB Aaron Anderson - 105.8, 22/36, 200 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
RB John Thorburn - 27 att, 85 yards, 1 TD
FB Daniel Rojas - 5 att, 13 yards, 1 TD
TE Chance Brown - 9 rec, 91 yards, 1 TD
WR David Gaines - 7 rec, 57 yards, 0 TD
FS Jeremy Duncan - 2 tackles, 1 sack, 2 INT

#25 Houston Cougars: 2-0 - Big upset over #20 UA gives them confidence... and the #25 ranking!
Next Game: at Indiana (0-2)

HOUSTON COUGARS - Ranked #25 in the NCAA!

[Bonez420]

Re: NCAA 2004: Prestige to Challenge

#20 Auburn (1-0) at Houston (1-0)
"Uh oh." That's what was running through the mind of the Houston head coach coming into this game against a tough opponent for his fragile offense. He wasn't overly worried about the defense, but he was worried that turnovers might cost them the game. UH won the coin toss but with the fans pumping and the defense eager, they opted to kick. Brilliant start! After UA drove to the fifty, Jason Mullins came up with a big 8 yard sack. On the next play, he came up with another sack and also with a forced fumble which was recovered by the defense at the 42 yard line! Anderson killed the crowd's excitement with his normal interception throwing abilities. Houston's defense forced another punt, and LB Jason Mullins put up ANOTHER two sacks-- four total in the first quarter, alone. This guy was a menace. UH would start at the other 40 this time. Anderson threw another interception brought to UA's 40. Houston's Webber responded with an interception of his own-- brought back to Aurburn's 29 yard line. With under a minute in the first quarter, Houston's John Thorburn punched it in for 6 and the extra point by Varnado made it 7-0 Cougars. UA's receivers kept catching it in triple coverage-- they all looked like Heisman candidates. UA made it to the 32 yard like of UH in what seemed to be record time. The QB of Auburn was unstoppable on their next drive, as they tied the game 7-7. The UH coach felt he had no other choice early in the 2nd and converted a fourth down from UH's own 30 yard line. The fat OL got claustrophobic so they spread out and let the defenders hit QB Anderson as hard as they wanted. Houton forced another punt. Their defense looked like it was getting to a breaking point though. Don't know how he managed, but TE Chance Brown dropped 2 wide open passes. UA was pinned at the 15 and Houston finally stoped them around midfield after a 3rd & 11 conversion on which the FS looked like a ****** as he watched the receiver catch it and run a little ways before he made the tackle. Houston quickly went 3 and out as the OL continued to not block. UA got it at the 41 and with just under two minutes and threw an INT to FS Jeremy Duncan at midfield. Houston threatened but quickly returned to form, badly missing a field goal after Anderson turned back to crap.

HALFTIME: 7-7, Houston actually being competitive against a Top 25 team!

UH got the ball first in the second half, and they made the most of it. They ate up five minutes of clock time on a fifteen play drive that ended with FB Daniel Rojas running in for the score. 14-7. Houston forced a three and out after LB Jason Mullins came up with his fifth sack of the game. Houston got good position on their next drive, starting at Auburn's 46. Houston was still driving and at the 20 yard line when the fourth quarter began. Early in the fourth, Aaron Anderson snuck the ball on 4th & Goal from the inch line and put UH ahead 21-7. On Auburn's first play, Jeremy Duncan grabbed his second interception of the game at UA's 28 yard line. Houston's defense was truly coming on strong now. With 3:45 left to play, Anderson hit TE Chance Brown from 16 yards out to put Houston on top 28-7. The fans were going nuts. UA scored with just over three minutes left, making it 28-14. Houston would recover the following onside kick. Thorburn's running helped burn off the remaining time. An amazing win!

FINAL: Houston upsets #20 Auburn 28-14!

PLAYER of the GAME
LB Jason Mullins with 7 tackles, 5 sacks, and a forced fumble.

SURPRISE of the GAME
Two things: The inspirational play of the defense, led by the fierce LB Jason Mullins. The other thing? The fact that Aaron Anderson was able to put up a somewhat decent day, and didn't allow his turnovers to pile up on him.

Mentionable Performances
QB Aaron Anderson - 105.8, 22/36, 200 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
RB John Thorburn - 27 att, 85 yards, 1 TD
FB Daniel Rojas - 5 att, 13 yards, 1 TD
TE Chance Brown - 9 rec, 91 yards, 1 TD
WR David Gaines - 7 rec, 57 yards, 0 TD
FS Jeremy Duncan - 2 tackles, 1 sack, 2 INT

#25 Houston Cougars: 2-0 - Big upset over #20 UA gives them confidence... and the #25 ranking!
Next Game: at Indiana (0-2)

HOUSTON COUGARS - Ranked #25 in the NCAA!

[Bonez420]

Re: NCAA 2004: Prestige to Challenge

#20 Auburn (1-0) at Houston (1-0)
"Uh oh." That's what was running through the mind of the Houston head coach coming into this game against a tough opponent for his fragile offense. He wasn't overly worried about the defense, but he was worried that turnovers might cost them the game. UH won the coin toss but with the fans pumping and the defense eager, they opted to kick. Brilliant start! After UA drove to the fifty, Jason Mullins came up with a big 8 yard sack. On the next play, he came up with another sack and also with a forced fumble which was recovered by the defense at the 42 yard line! Anderson killed the crowd's excitement with his normal interception throwing abilities. Houston's defense forced another punt, and LB Jason Mullins put up ANOTHER two sacks-- four total in the first quarter, alone. This guy was a menace. UH would start at the other 40 this time. Anderson threw another interception brought to UA's 40. Houston's Webber responded with an interception of his own-- brought back to Aurburn's 29 yard line. With under a minute in the first quarter, Houston's John Thorburn punched it in for 6 and the extra point by Varnado made it 7-0 Cougars. UA's receivers kept catching it in triple coverage-- they all looked like Heisman candidates. UA made it to the 32 yard like of UH in what seemed to be record time. The QB of Auburn was unstoppable on their next drive, as they tied the game 7-7. The UH coach felt he had no other choice early in the 2nd and converted a fourth down from UH's own 30 yard line. The fat OL got claustrophobic so they spread out and let the defenders hit QB Anderson as hard as they wanted. Houton forced another punt. Their defense looked like it was getting to a breaking point though. Don't know how he managed, but TE Chance Brown dropped 2 wide open passes. UA was pinned at the 15 and Houston finally stoped them around midfield after a 3rd & 11 conversion on which the FS looked like a ****** as he watched the receiver catch it and run a little ways before he made the tackle. Houston quickly went 3 and out as the OL continued to not block. UA got it at the 41 and with just under two minutes and threw an INT to FS Jeremy Duncan at midfield. Houston threatened but quickly returned to form, badly missing a field goal after Anderson turned back to crap.

HALFTIME: 7-7, Houston actually being competitive against a Top 25 team!

UH got the ball first in the second half, and they made the most of it. They ate up five minutes of clock time on a fifteen play drive that ended with FB Daniel Rojas running in for the score. 14-7. Houston forced a three and out after LB Jason Mullins came up with his fifth sack of the game. Houston got good position on their next drive, starting at Auburn's 46. Houston was still driving and at the 20 yard line when the fourth quarter began. Early in the fourth, Aaron Anderson snuck the ball on 4th & Goal from the inch line and put UH ahead 21-7. On Auburn's first play, Jeremy Duncan grabbed his second interception of the game at UA's 28 yard line. Houston's defense was truly coming on strong now. With 3:45 left to play, Anderson hit TE Chance Brown from 16 yards out to put Houston on top 28-7. The fans were going nuts. UA scored with just over three minutes left, making it 28-14. Houston would recover the following onside kick. Thorburn's running helped burn off the remaining time. An amazing win!

FINAL: Houston upsets #20 Auburn 28-14!

PLAYER of the GAME
LB Jason Mullins with 7 tackles, 5 sacks, and a forced fumble.

SURPRISE of the GAME
Two things: The inspirational play of the defense, led by the fierce LB Jason Mullins. The other thing? The fact that Aaron Anderson was able to put up a somewhat decent day, and didn't allow his turnovers to pile up on him.

Mentionable Performances
QB Aaron Anderson - 105.8, 22/36, 200 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
RB John Thorburn - 27 att, 85 yards, 1 TD
FB Daniel Rojas - 5 att, 13 yards, 1 TD
TE Chance Brown - 9 rec, 91 yards, 1 TD
WR David Gaines - 7 rec, 57 yards, 0 TD
FS Jeremy Duncan - 2 tackles, 1 sack, 2 INT

#25 Houston Cougars: 2-0 - Big upset over #20 UA gives them confidence... and the #25 ranking!
Next Game: at Indiana (0-2)

HOUSTON COUGARS - Ranked #25 in the NCAA!

[Bonez420]

Re: NCAA 2004: Prestige to Challenge

Recognition from Sports Illustrated!
The big win over #20 Auburn got Houston a little recognition from SI. In the "Top 25 Polls" section of the magazine, there was an article about how the Cougars were starting off on the right foot with a big out of conference win. Also, when it was talking about outstanding players, it mentioned how LB Jason Mullins earned the C-USA's Defensive Player of the Week in week three. This came as a surprise to many and as a great excitement to Jason Mullins.

[Bonez420]

Re: NCAA 2004: Prestige to Challenge

Recognition from Sports Illustrated!
The big win over #20 Auburn got Houston a little recognition from SI. In the "Top 25 Polls" section of the magazine, there was an article about how the Cougars were starting off on the right foot with a big out of conference win. Also, when it was talking about outstanding players, it mentioned how LB Jason Mullins earned the C-USA's Defensive Player of the Week in week three. This came as a surprise to many and as a great excitement to Jason Mullins.

[Bonez420]

Re: NCAA 2004: Prestige to Challenge

Recognition from Sports Illustrated!
The big win over #20 Auburn got Houston a little recognition from SI. In the "Top 25 Polls" section of the magazine, there was an article about how the Cougars were starting off on the right foot with a big out of conference win. Also, when it was talking about outstanding players, it mentioned how LB Jason Mullins earned the C-USA's Defensive Player of the Week in week three. This came as a surprise to many and as a great excitement to Jason Mullins.

[Bonez420]

Re: NCAA 2004: Prestige to Challenge

Update
Houston destroyed Indiana 50-16 in a game where Aaron Anderson looked like a true star. He went 30-46 for 468 yards and best of all-- SIX touchdowns. He also had one interception. But hey-- for one game, at least, he didn't look like a bad quarterback. Against IU, Anderson looked like a leader. A leader who throws six touchdowns. Houston starts off 3-0! Next up is a game at East Carolina. The coach had no comment on how he expected his offense to perform against ECU.

Houston Cougars: 3-0 - Starting off season 3-0 is always good!
Next Game: at ECU (1-2)

UPSET Update!
Washington State sent #4 Louisville packing 30-20 in a huge upset this week!

HOUSTON COUGARS: Bumped up #17 in the NCAA!!

[Bonez420]

Re: NCAA 2004: Prestige to Challenge

Update
Houston destroyed Indiana 50-16 in a game where Aaron Anderson looked like a true star. He went 30-46 for 468 yards and best of all-- SIX touchdowns. He also had one interception. But hey-- for one game, at least, he didn't look like a bad quarterback. Against IU, Anderson looked like a leader. A leader who throws six touchdowns. Houston starts off 3-0! Next up is a game at East Carolina. The coach had no comment on how he expected his offense to perform against ECU.

Houston Cougars: 3-0 - Starting off season 3-0 is always good!
Next Game: at ECU (1-2)

UPSET Update!
Washington State sent #4 Louisville packing 30-20 in a huge upset this week!

HOUSTON COUGARS: Bumped up #17 in the NCAA!!

[Bonez420]

Re: NCAA 2004: Prestige to Challenge

Update
Houston destroyed Indiana 50-16 in a game where Aaron Anderson looked like a true star. He went 30-46 for 468 yards and best of all-- SIX touchdowns. He also had one interception. But hey-- for one game, at least, he didn't look like a bad quarterback. Against IU, Anderson looked like a leader. A leader who throws six touchdowns. Houston starts off 3-0! Next up is a game at East Carolina. The coach had no comment on how he expected his offense to perform against ECU.

Houston Cougars: 3-0 - Starting off season 3-0 is always good!
Next Game: at ECU (1-2)

UPSET Update!
Washington State sent #4 Louisville packing 30-20 in a huge upset this week!

HOUSTON COUGARS: Bumped up #17 in the NCAA!!

[Bonez420]

Re: NCAA 2004: Prestige to Challenge

Update
Staying strong, the #17 Houston Cougars easily defeated ECU 33-10.

Injury Update
MLB Jason Mullins suffered a broken collarbone early and was lost for the season. He finished the year with 23 tackles, 5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles.

Houston Cougars: 4-0 - Lookin' strong...
Next Game: vs Notre Dame (2-3)

HOUSTON COUGARS: Ranked #16 in the NCAA!

[Bonez420]

Re: NCAA 2004: Prestige to Challenge

Update
Staying strong, the #17 Houston Cougars easily defeated ECU 33-10.

Injury Update
MLB Jason Mullins suffered a broken collarbone early and was lost for the season. He finished the year with 23 tackles, 5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles.

Houston Cougars: 4-0 - Lookin' strong...
Next Game: vs Notre Dame (2-3)

HOUSTON COUGARS: Ranked #16 in the NCAA!

[Bonez420]

Re: NCAA 2004: Prestige to Challenge

Update
Staying strong, the #17 Houston Cougars easily defeated ECU 33-10.

Injury Update
MLB Jason Mullins suffered a broken collarbone early and was lost for the season. He finished the year with 23 tackles, 5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles.

Houston Cougars: 4-0 - Lookin' strong...
Next Game: vs Notre Dame (2-3)

HOUSTON COUGARS: Ranked #16 in the NCAA!

[Bonez420]

Re: NCAA 2004: Prestige to Challenge

Notre Dame (2-3) at #16 Houston (4-0)
Despite falling to 35th in the nation, the coach knew Notre Dame posed a very valid threat. Notre Dame's offense took the field first. FS Jake Weese filled in for the injured MLB Jason Mullins. They forced a 3 and out. At the 19 yard line of Notre Dame, Aaron Anderson ran into John Thorburn who was supposed to be blocking and got sacked. It resulted in him hurting his back. They determined back spasms would knock him out for 3 weeks. Adam Varnado made it 3-0. The defense forced a three and out. On the sidelines, the head coach tried to calm his backup quarterback down. On 4th & goal from the 1, John Thorburn rushed it up the gut for 6. Varnado made it 10-0. Cory Cooper had done it. He led a good, consistent drive. UH forced another 3-and-out. Houston had to punt as well but a good punt went out of bounds at the 1 yard line. RB Jenkins broke it for a 99 yard score. 10-7. Unbelievable defense.

HALFTIME: 10-7 - Cooper starts off 10/20 for 119 yards...

Cooper came up big on the first drive of the half on 4th & 7 from the Notre Dame 22. The coach did not want Varnado to give Notre Dame any momentum and Cooper came through in a huge way. They had to try from the 6, however, and Varnado came through making it 13-7. Penalties helped Notre Dame get downfield but a field goal miss kept it 13-7. Cooper quickly handed them the ball with an INT. FS Nix would intercept it back at the 20 yard line. Notre Dame would be allowed one more 3 and out series and the Houston Cougars running game ran out the remaining time by getting first downs.

FINAL: Houston defeats Notre Dame 13-7

PLAYER of the GAME
There were no standout players, but FS Jake Weese was awarded the honor after getting 3 tackles and 2 sacks.

SURPRISE of the GAME
The way the defense held together and the way Cory Cooper didn't break under pressure.

Mentionable Performances
QB Cory Cooper - 89.8, 19/37, 193 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT

Houston Cougars: 5-0 - Looking powerful while being undefeated...
Next Game: at Tulane (3-3)

HOUSTON COUGARS: Ranked #14 in the NCAA

Real Comments
I'm DONE picking goaline formations. They don't work near the endzone, and they ALWAYS give up MASSIVE outside runs. 5-2 formations maybe, but never goaline.

[Bonez420]

Re: NCAA 2004: Prestige to Challenge

Notre Dame (2-3) at #16 Houston (4-0)
Despite falling to 35th in the nation, the coach knew Notre Dame posed a very valid threat. Notre Dame's offense took the field first. FS Jake Weese filled in for the injured MLB Jason Mullins. They forced a 3 and out. At the 19 yard line of Notre Dame, Aaron Anderson ran into John Thorburn who was supposed to be blocking and got sacked. It resulted in him hurting his back. They determined back spasms would knock him out for 3 weeks. Adam Varnado made it 3-0. The defense forced a three and out. On the sidelines, the head coach tried to calm his backup quarterback down. On 4th & goal from the 1, John Thorburn rushed it up the gut for 6. Varnado made it 10-0. Cory Cooper had done it. He led a good, consistent drive. UH forced another 3-and-out. Houston had to punt as well but a good punt went out of bounds at the 1 yard line. RB Jenkins broke it for a 99 yard score. 10-7. Unbelievable defense.

HALFTIME: 10-7 - Cooper starts off 10/20 for 119 yards...

Cooper came up big on the first drive of the half on 4th & 7 from the Notre Dame 22. The coach did not want Varnado to give Notre Dame any momentum and Cooper came through in a huge way. They had to try from the 6, however, and Varnado came through making it 13-7. Penalties helped Notre Dame get downfield but a field goal miss kept it 13-7. Cooper quickly handed them the ball with an INT. FS Nix would intercept it back at the 20 yard line. Notre Dame would be allowed one more 3 and out series and the Houston Cougars running game ran out the remaining time by getting first downs.

FINAL: Houston defeats Notre Dame 13-7

PLAYER of the GAME
There were no standout players, but FS Jake Weese was awarded the honor after getting 3 tackles and 2 sacks.

SURPRISE of the GAME
The way the defense held together and the way Cory Cooper didn't break under pressure.

Mentionable Performances
QB Cory Cooper - 89.8, 19/37, 193 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT

Houston Cougars: 5-0 - Looking powerful while being undefeated...
Next Game: at Tulane (3-3)

HOUSTON COUGARS: Ranked #14 in the NCAA

Real Comments
I'm DONE picking goaline formations. They don't work near the endzone, and they ALWAYS give up MASSIVE outside runs. 5-2 formations maybe, but never goaline.