NCAA 2004: Prestige to Challenge

[Bonez420]

Re: NCAA 2004: Prestige to Challenge

TCU (6-2) at Houston (4-2)
This would prove to be a sure challenge for the Houston Cougars. Going into the game, the coach's main concern was about how well the secondary would perform. On TCU's opening drive, the option worked for an 89 yard score. 7-0 TCU early. The coach's fears appear more than justified. Houston drove down to the 37 of TCU quite efficiently. The drive stalled at the 20 and Varnado's 37 yard field goal madde it 7-3. The Houston D came up big on a 3rd and short by TCU, forcing a 4th down punt. TCU burned Houston deep to go ahead 14-3. Still a minute left in the first quarter... the defense was already starting to break. A nice productive drive put Houston back in it at 14-9 after John Thorburn broke a nice 18 yard TD run. A taunting penalty by Thorburn cost Houston quite a few yards, but Varnado nailed the PAT to make it 14-10. TCU turned it over on downs after a failed 4th down attempt. Good defense kept the score 14-10 and then gave Houston the ball with 1:40 left in the half. Anderson threw an interception, giving them the ball at the Cougars' 39 yard line. The defense held them to a field goal try which was missed. 14-10 was your halftime score. Thorburn rushed for 59 yards in the first half. I opened the third quarter well but threw an interception into the endzone. Anderson was having a very bad day. Webster responded by picking off a deep pass at the 50. Next drive = another INT at the 5 yard line. Nealy started to warm up. Houston did not appear to have any run defense left as they basically watched the TCU tailbacks fly by. They were finally stopped at the 50. Anderson had one more shot. He failed to produce. Should the Cougars get another chance, Nealy would come in. TCU threw a 60+ yard pass to get inside the 5. A touchdown made it 21-10. TE Derrick Barry dropped a 4th down pass. Houston was doomed. On the sidelines, the head coach ripped into his offense for a good ten minutes before refocusing on the game.

FINAL: TCU wins 21-10

PLAYER of the GAME
TE Chance Brown caught 23 receptions for 198 yards.

SURPRISE of the GAME
The Houston Cougars had so many opportunities to tie the game and even win the game, but perpetual turnovers from Anderson killed them late in the game and eventually sealed their fate.

Straight From the Coach - QB Controversy
"Due to the poor play of Aaron Anderson, expect Barrick Nealy to be sharing time with him once again until one of them proves to be solid for a little while. This loss is unacceptable. Practice is going to be extra hard this week."

Houston Cougars: 4-3 - Loss snaps a 4 game win-streak
Next Game: vs Southern Miss (4-4)

NCAA Update
Virginia Tech (9-0) is currently dominating and is ranked #1 in the country.

[Bonez420]

Re: NCAA 2004: Prestige to Challenge

Souther Miss (4-4) at Houston (4-3)
Anderson started the game at quarterback, but Nealy was promised he'd see a nice chunk of playing time. USM got the ball first. Their passing game was on target. USM went 2 of 3 on 3rd downs before settling for a field goal and a 3-0 lead. Anderson threw an INT at the Houston 32. Nealy would be coming in. The score remained 3-0 when the Cougars defense held USM at bay on 4th & 10. The next drive would see Anderson return at quarterback. Lane picked off the ball for his 6th on the year. Early in the 2nd quarter, Varnado tied the game at 3. WR #19 for USM was knocked out of the game with an abdominal strain. With 4:48 left in the first half, Houston recovered a fumble at USM's 33. A good drive led to Thorburn rushing it into the endzone to give U of H a 10-3 lead late in the half. With 22 ticks, USM's WR made a nice move and streaked in for the touchdown. They then got an INT and took at 13-10 lead just before the half. U of H appeared to be breaking down yet again. But if one thing was for sure, it's that this is a 2nd half team. Barrick Nealy was given the entire 3rd quarter at QB. A field goal extended USM's lead to six. As the 3rd quarter ended, the Houston coach let Nealy finish the current drive. I failed to convert 4th and goal from the 4. 16-10 still in the beginning of the last quarter. Safety! 16-12. Houston would be forced to punt with just over 4 minutes to play. They were stopped at the Houston 46. Anderson interception with 1:46 to play returned to the Cougar 30. A touchdown run late sealed the Cougars' fate. Too bad for the coach that the confidence was gone.

FINAL: USM wins 23-12

PLAYER of the GAME
No one really deserves this honor.

SURPRISE of the GAME
The pathetic effort put forth by the Houston Cougars against a team actually ranked worse than them

Straight From the Coach
"I am absolutely tired of Anderson's shenanigans. His interceptions keep costing us ball games. Barrick Nealy is going to be the sure starter in this next game when we go on the road against Army. I can't believe that we have fallen back to .500! It's time to pick up the slack and get back on the winning side of things. It starts at the QB position."

Texas Update!

[*]Unranked[*]5-5[*]Lost this week 45-31 to Oklahoma St.[/list]

Houston Cougars: 4-4; 2 game losing streak
Next Game: @ Army (4-6)

[Bonez420]

Re: NCAA 2004: Prestige to Challenge

Souther Miss (4-4) at Houston (4-3)
Anderson started the game at quarterback, but Nealy was promised he'd see a nice chunk of playing time. USM got the ball first. Their passing game was on target. USM went 2 of 3 on 3rd downs before settling for a field goal and a 3-0 lead. Anderson threw an INT at the Houston 32. Nealy would be coming in. The score remained 3-0 when the Cougars defense held USM at bay on 4th & 10. The next drive would see Anderson return at quarterback. Lane picked off the ball for his 6th on the year. Early in the 2nd quarter, Varnado tied the game at 3. WR #19 for USM was knocked out of the game with an abdominal strain. With 4:48 left in the first half, Houston recovered a fumble at USM's 33. A good drive led to Thorburn rushing it into the endzone to give U of H a 10-3 lead late in the half. With 22 ticks, USM's WR made a nice move and streaked in for the touchdown. They then got an INT and took at 13-10 lead just before the half. U of H appeared to be breaking down yet again. But if one thing was for sure, it's that this is a 2nd half team. Barrick Nealy was given the entire 3rd quarter at QB. A field goal extended USM's lead to six. As the 3rd quarter ended, the Houston coach let Nealy finish the current drive. I failed to convert 4th and goal from the 4. 16-10 still in the beginning of the last quarter. Safety! 16-12. Houston would be forced to punt with just over 4 minutes to play. They were stopped at the Houston 46. Anderson interception with 1:46 to play returned to the Cougar 30. A touchdown run late sealed the Cougars' fate. Too bad for the coach that the confidence was gone.

FINAL: USM wins 23-12

PLAYER of the GAME
No one really deserves this honor.

SURPRISE of the GAME
The pathetic effort put forth by the Houston Cougars against a team actually ranked worse than them

Straight From the Coach
"I am absolutely tired of Anderson's shenanigans. His interceptions keep costing us ball games. Barrick Nealy is going to be the sure starter in this next game when we go on the road against Army. I can't believe that we have fallen back to .500! It's time to pick up the slack and get back on the winning side of things. It starts at the QB position."

Texas Update!

[*]Unranked[*]5-5[*]Lost this week 45-31 to Oklahoma St.[/list]

Houston Cougars: 4-4; 2 game losing streak
Next Game: @ Army (4-6)

[Bonez420]

Re: NCAA 2004: Prestige to Challenge

Souther Miss (4-4) at Houston (4-3)
Anderson started the game at quarterback, but Nealy was promised he'd see a nice chunk of playing time. USM got the ball first. Their passing game was on target. USM went 2 of 3 on 3rd downs before settling for a field goal and a 3-0 lead. Anderson threw an INT at the Houston 32. Nealy would be coming in. The score remained 3-0 when the Cougars defense held USM at bay on 4th & 10. The next drive would see Anderson return at quarterback. Lane picked off the ball for his 6th on the year. Early in the 2nd quarter, Varnado tied the game at 3. WR #19 for USM was knocked out of the game with an abdominal strain. With 4:48 left in the first half, Houston recovered a fumble at USM's 33. A good drive led to Thorburn rushing it into the endzone to give U of H a 10-3 lead late in the half. With 22 ticks, USM's WR made a nice move and streaked in for the touchdown. They then got an INT and took at 13-10 lead just before the half. U of H appeared to be breaking down yet again. But if one thing was for sure, it's that this is a 2nd half team. Barrick Nealy was given the entire 3rd quarter at QB. A field goal extended USM's lead to six. As the 3rd quarter ended, the Houston coach let Nealy finish the current drive. I failed to convert 4th and goal from the 4. 16-10 still in the beginning of the last quarter. Safety! 16-12. Houston would be forced to punt with just over 4 minutes to play. They were stopped at the Houston 46. Anderson interception with 1:46 to play returned to the Cougar 30. A touchdown run late sealed the Cougars' fate. Too bad for the coach that the confidence was gone.

FINAL: USM wins 23-12

PLAYER of the GAME
No one really deserves this honor.

SURPRISE of the GAME
The pathetic effort put forth by the Houston Cougars against a team actually ranked worse than them

Straight From the Coach
"I am absolutely tired of Anderson's shenanigans. His interceptions keep costing us ball games. Barrick Nealy is going to be the sure starter in this next game when we go on the road against Army. I can't believe that we have fallen back to .500! It's time to pick up the slack and get back on the winning side of things. It starts at the QB position."

Texas Update!

[*]Unranked[*]5-5[*]Lost this week 45-31 to Oklahoma St.[/list]

Houston Cougars: 4-4; 2 game losing streak
Next Game: @ Army (4-6)

[Bonez420]

Re: NCAA 2004: Prestige to Challenge

UPDATE
The Houston vs Army game was an unexpected one. After taking the lead 7-0, Army's offense shut down. The case was the exact opposite for Houston, as Barrick Nealy led the Houston Cougars to a 38-7 clobbering of Army. The Cougars are now 5-4.

PLAYER of the GAME
Barrick Nealy really took advantage at his chance to steal the starting QB job. He completed 27 of 40 passes for 288 yards, 3 touchdowns, and zero interceptions. On top of that, he had 14 rushing attempts for 57 yards and two more touchdowns!

Mentionable Performances
RB John Thorburn - 35 att, 125 yards, 1 TD - 2 rec, 13 yards
TE Chance Brown - 13 rec, 150 yards, 1 TD
WR Justin Hansen - 6 rec, 55 yards, 0 TD

Straight From the Coach
"It seems we may have finally ended this slump we suddenly fell into. Only problem is the fact that this coming week we have to pay a visit to #12 Louisville (10-1). This is going to be an extremely tough game, and we're definitely going to be practicing a lot this week in preparation. It may be hard, but it won't be impossible to win."

Houston Cougars: 5-4
Next Game: @ #12 Louisville (10-1) - Hey, we'll be on TV at least...

[Bonez420]

Re: NCAA 2004: Prestige to Challenge

UPDATE
The Houston vs Army game was an unexpected one. After taking the lead 7-0, Army's offense shut down. The case was the exact opposite for Houston, as Barrick Nealy led the Houston Cougars to a 38-7 clobbering of Army. The Cougars are now 5-4.

PLAYER of the GAME
Barrick Nealy really took advantage at his chance to steal the starting QB job. He completed 27 of 40 passes for 288 yards, 3 touchdowns, and zero interceptions. On top of that, he had 14 rushing attempts for 57 yards and two more touchdowns!

Mentionable Performances
RB John Thorburn - 35 att, 125 yards, 1 TD - 2 rec, 13 yards
TE Chance Brown - 13 rec, 150 yards, 1 TD
WR Justin Hansen - 6 rec, 55 yards, 0 TD

Straight From the Coach
"It seems we may have finally ended this slump we suddenly fell into. Only problem is the fact that this coming week we have to pay a visit to #12 Louisville (10-1). This is going to be an extremely tough game, and we're definitely going to be practicing a lot this week in preparation. It may be hard, but it won't be impossible to win."

Houston Cougars: 5-4
Next Game: @ #12 Louisville (10-1) - Hey, we'll be on TV at least...

[Bonez420]

Re: NCAA 2004: Prestige to Challenge

UPDATE
The Houston vs Army game was an unexpected one. After taking the lead 7-0, Army's offense shut down. The case was the exact opposite for Houston, as Barrick Nealy led the Houston Cougars to a 38-7 clobbering of Army. The Cougars are now 5-4.

PLAYER of the GAME
Barrick Nealy really took advantage at his chance to steal the starting QB job. He completed 27 of 40 passes for 288 yards, 3 touchdowns, and zero interceptions. On top of that, he had 14 rushing attempts for 57 yards and two more touchdowns!

Mentionable Performances
RB John Thorburn - 35 att, 125 yards, 1 TD - 2 rec, 13 yards
TE Chance Brown - 13 rec, 150 yards, 1 TD
WR Justin Hansen - 6 rec, 55 yards, 0 TD

Straight From the Coach
"It seems we may have finally ended this slump we suddenly fell into. Only problem is the fact that this coming week we have to pay a visit to #12 Louisville (10-1). This is going to be an extremely tough game, and we're definitely going to be practicing a lot this week in preparation. It may be hard, but it won't be impossible to win."

Houston Cougars: 5-4
Next Game: @ #12 Louisville (10-1) - Hey, we'll be on TV at least...

[Bonez420]

Re: NCAA 2004: Prestige to Challenge

Pre-Game Interview - Interview with RB John Thorburn prior to game vs Louisville
Reporter Jessica Banks sat down with Houston's running back John Thorburn before they took on #12 Louisville. Here is the transcript:

JB: So, are you guys worried about Louisville?

JT: They look like a solid team. Any time you face a team like that, it's a little tense because they pose a serious threat. It's not like we don't have a chance against them, though.

JB: What about the cameras? Are you looking forward to being on TV?

JT: Definitely. We just have to make sure we don't embarass ourselves.

JB: What about the head coaching change? How do you feel about that?

JT: I have grown to really respect the head coach this year. I think he has been vital to our success. If we had the same coach as last year, who knows if we would be above .500?

JB: Good luck. Got any predictions?

JT: Just that it'll be a tough game.



Coming up...
Recap of the Houston vs Louisville game!

[Bonez420]

Re: NCAA 2004: Prestige to Challenge

Pre-Game Interview - Interview with RB John Thorburn prior to game vs Louisville
Reporter Jessica Banks sat down with Houston's running back John Thorburn before they took on #12 Louisville. Here is the transcript:

JB: So, are you guys worried about Louisville?

JT: They look like a solid team. Any time you face a team like that, it's a little tense because they pose a serious threat. It's not like we don't have a chance against them, though.

JB: What about the cameras? Are you looking forward to being on TV?

JT: Definitely. We just have to make sure we don't embarass ourselves.

JB: What about the head coaching change? How do you feel about that?

JT: I have grown to really respect the head coach this year. I think he has been vital to our success. If we had the same coach as last year, who knows if we would be above .500?

JB: Good luck. Got any predictions?

JT: Just that it'll be a tough game.



Coming up...
Recap of the Houston vs Louisville game!

[Bonez420]

Re: NCAA 2004: Prestige to Challenge

Pre-Game Interview - Interview with RB John Thorburn prior to game vs Louisville
Reporter Jessica Banks sat down with Houston's running back John Thorburn before they took on #12 Louisville. Here is the transcript:

JB: So, are you guys worried about Louisville?

JT: They look like a solid team. Any time you face a team like that, it's a little tense because they pose a serious threat. It's not like we don't have a chance against them, though.

JB: What about the cameras? Are you looking forward to being on TV?

JT: Definitely. We just have to make sure we don't embarass ourselves.

JB: What about the head coaching change? How do you feel about that?

JT: I have grown to really respect the head coach this year. I think he has been vital to our success. If we had the same coach as last year, who knows if we would be above .500?

JB: Good luck. Got any predictions?

JT: Just that it'll be a tough game.



Coming up...
Recap of the Houston vs Louisville game!

[Bonez420]

Re: NCAA 2004: Prestige to Challenge

Houston (5-4) vs #12 Louisville (10-1)
You could really tell that the entire Houston Cougars team was excited about being on television. On the opening drive, Louisville was faced with a 3rd & 8. The quarterback dropped back and was sacked for an 11 yard loss. The Cougar defense had forced a 3-and-out on the opening drive!! On 3rd & 2 at the Cardinal 32, Nealy snuck the ball and fumbled it away. Louisville Kicker Ashley hit a 51 yard field goal to put them up 3-0. First play -- INT to the 18 yard line. Another FG made it 6-0. A bounced pass resulted in another INT. Anderson would be coming in the next drive. Houston forces a punt. Anderson will try to spark the offense. All he did was throw an interception and a touchdown made it 13-0. Goodnight Cougars? A long Cougar drive gave them 6 points. Aaron Anderson scored on a QB sneak. He went a little far on the celebration, punting the ball into the stands. He was flagged. Varnado still nailed the PAT and with 2 minutes left in the first half it was 13-7. A touchdown with 1 minute made it 20-7. Louisville made it 23-7 before the half ended. After forcing a punt from Houston, Lousiville went on a consistent drive, that ended with a field goal attempt that went way left. After a long drive, John Thorburn put the ball in the endzone. Now the Cougars were going for 2. A pass play to the TE was called upon and the result was failure. 23-13. A 3 and out gave Houston the ball back with just over a minute left in the 3rd quarter. On 4th & Inches, Anderson broke a 21 yard run to the Louisville 37. The next 4th down failed. Another 3 and out by the Houston D. Anderson threw and interception and Louisville quickly went up 26-13. Defense endured the rest of the game.

FINAL: Louisville wins 26-13

Game Overview
Not a complete failure by any means. Louisville was ranked #12. Houston only lost by 13 points and had plenty of opportunities to tie the game or make a game of it if nothing else. Houston should be proud they were able to compete with such a team as Louisville. It can only be taken as a good sign.

Houston Cougars: 5-5; Fall back to .500
Next Game: vs UAB (5-6)

Week 15: UAB (5-6) at Houston (5-5) - Will the Cougars finish above or below .500?

[Bonez420]

Re: NCAA 2004: Prestige to Challenge

Houston (5-4) vs #12 Louisville (10-1)
You could really tell that the entire Houston Cougars team was excited about being on television. On the opening drive, Louisville was faced with a 3rd & 8. The quarterback dropped back and was sacked for an 11 yard loss. The Cougar defense had forced a 3-and-out on the opening drive!! On 3rd & 2 at the Cardinal 32, Nealy snuck the ball and fumbled it away. Louisville Kicker Ashley hit a 51 yard field goal to put them up 3-0. First play -- INT to the 18 yard line. Another FG made it 6-0. A bounced pass resulted in another INT. Anderson would be coming in the next drive. Houston forces a punt. Anderson will try to spark the offense. All he did was throw an interception and a touchdown made it 13-0. Goodnight Cougars? A long Cougar drive gave them 6 points. Aaron Anderson scored on a QB sneak. He went a little far on the celebration, punting the ball into the stands. He was flagged. Varnado still nailed the PAT and with 2 minutes left in the first half it was 13-7. A touchdown with 1 minute made it 20-7. Louisville made it 23-7 before the half ended. After forcing a punt from Houston, Lousiville went on a consistent drive, that ended with a field goal attempt that went way left. After a long drive, John Thorburn put the ball in the endzone. Now the Cougars were going for 2. A pass play to the TE was called upon and the result was failure. 23-13. A 3 and out gave Houston the ball back with just over a minute left in the 3rd quarter. On 4th & Inches, Anderson broke a 21 yard run to the Louisville 37. The next 4th down failed. Another 3 and out by the Houston D. Anderson threw and interception and Louisville quickly went up 26-13. Defense endured the rest of the game.

FINAL: Louisville wins 26-13

Game Overview
Not a complete failure by any means. Louisville was ranked #12. Houston only lost by 13 points and had plenty of opportunities to tie the game or make a game of it if nothing else. Houston should be proud they were able to compete with such a team as Louisville. It can only be taken as a good sign.

Houston Cougars: 5-5; Fall back to .500
Next Game: vs UAB (5-6)

Week 15: UAB (5-6) at Houston (5-5) - Will the Cougars finish above or below .500?

[Bonez420]

Re: NCAA 2004: Prestige to Challenge

Houston (5-4) vs #12 Louisville (10-1)
You could really tell that the entire Houston Cougars team was excited about being on television. On the opening drive, Louisville was faced with a 3rd & 8. The quarterback dropped back and was sacked for an 11 yard loss. The Cougar defense had forced a 3-and-out on the opening drive!! On 3rd & 2 at the Cardinal 32, Nealy snuck the ball and fumbled it away. Louisville Kicker Ashley hit a 51 yard field goal to put them up 3-0. First play -- INT to the 18 yard line. Another FG made it 6-0. A bounced pass resulted in another INT. Anderson would be coming in the next drive. Houston forces a punt. Anderson will try to spark the offense. All he did was throw an interception and a touchdown made it 13-0. Goodnight Cougars? A long Cougar drive gave them 6 points. Aaron Anderson scored on a QB sneak. He went a little far on the celebration, punting the ball into the stands. He was flagged. Varnado still nailed the PAT and with 2 minutes left in the first half it was 13-7. A touchdown with 1 minute made it 20-7. Louisville made it 23-7 before the half ended. After forcing a punt from Houston, Lousiville went on a consistent drive, that ended with a field goal attempt that went way left. After a long drive, John Thorburn put the ball in the endzone. Now the Cougars were going for 2. A pass play to the TE was called upon and the result was failure. 23-13. A 3 and out gave Houston the ball back with just over a minute left in the 3rd quarter. On 4th & Inches, Anderson broke a 21 yard run to the Louisville 37. The next 4th down failed. Another 3 and out by the Houston D. Anderson threw and interception and Louisville quickly went up 26-13. Defense endured the rest of the game.

FINAL: Louisville wins 26-13

Game Overview
Not a complete failure by any means. Louisville was ranked #12. Houston only lost by 13 points and had plenty of opportunities to tie the game or make a game of it if nothing else. Houston should be proud they were able to compete with such a team as Louisville. It can only be taken as a good sign.

Houston Cougars: 5-5; Fall back to .500
Next Game: vs UAB (5-6)

Week 15: UAB (5-6) at Houston (5-5) - Will the Cougars finish above or below .500?

[Bonez420]

Re: NCAA 2004: Prestige to Challenge

Straight From the Coach
"Our last game of the season this week at home against UAB. We are very capable of winning this game and it would be a good way to close out the season. A win would also put us just over .500 for the year, which I would personally consider a success. Aaron Anderson will get the nod for starting quarterback. Let's hope the Cougars can pull off a victory to go out on!"

[Bonez420]

Re: NCAA 2004: Prestige to Challenge

Straight From the Coach
"Our last game of the season this week at home against UAB. We are very capable of winning this game and it would be a good way to close out the season. A win would also put us just over .500 for the year, which I would personally consider a success. Aaron Anderson will get the nod for starting quarterback. Let's hope the Cougars can pull off a victory to go out on!"