Football
The Cougars’ clash with the Bears snaps a 28-year hiatus
WACO, TX – Houston football gets its first win with the Baylor Bears since 1995 when the Cougars head to Waco for a Big 12 Conference game Saturday at McLane Stadium at 2:30pm on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.
Houston (3-5, 1-4 Big 12) vs. 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
- Houston and Baylor meet for the 29th time in program history and the first time since Oct. 14, 1995. The Bears lead the all-time series 14-13-1. After Houston won three straight from 1988-90, Baylor responded by winning four of the last five (1991-95).
- When Houston and Baylor’s 2020 season opener was canceled due to COVID, the programs agreed to compete seven days later on September 19, 2020 in Waco. The match was planned to be the first of its kind with games usually scheduled 5-10 years in advance. The historic contest was ultimately canceled Friday (Sept. 18) afternoon due to COVID concerns within Baylor’s program.
- Former West Virginia running back and current Cougar Tony Mathis Jr recorded a career day against Baylor a season ago, rushing 22 times for 163 yards and two touchdowns en route to being named the Big 12 Co-Offensive Player of the Week.
- Although they haven’t met in nearly three decades, Houston’s 28 games all-time against Baylor ranks seventh among all opponents. Among current Big 12 programs, the 28 meetings trail only Houston’s 35 against Texas Tech.
- Among other notable stories against Baylor, UH’s Byron Beaver set an NCAA record that still stands today with five interceptions as part of legendary head coach Bill Yeoman’s first win as the Cougars defeated the Bears 19-0 on September 22, 1962 d. Houston’s founding Southwest Conference victory came at Baylor when the Cougars defeated the Bears 23-5 in Waco on September 11, 1976. Houston beat Manny Hazard’s five touchdown receptions against Baylor on October 7, 1989, tied for most -a lot in the history of the program.
- Houston looks to snap its two-game losing streak on Saturday. The Cougars need to win three of their last four games to reach their 31st bowl all-time. Houston’s 15 bowl appearances since 2005 are tied with TCU for the most in Texas.
- In their first season in the Big 12, the Cougars are discovering firsthand the league’s challenges. All five of Houston’s Big 12 opponents entering Saturday are either ranked or have received votes this season. During the matchup, the Cougars faced three vote-getting league opponents and another (#8/8 Texas) that was nationally ranked. A season ago, Tulane, who received votes, was the only American athlete to receive votes or be ranked during the Houston game.
- Houston, which led the nation with 10 total road wins between 2021-22, is still looking for its first win away from home this season. The Cougars managed a 28-point fourth-quarter comeback in an eventual 43-41 double-overtime loss at Rice. UH scored 28 first-half 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 rout of Kansas State.
- Houston is 14th in the nation with just seven turnovers. The Cougars have lost just two fumbles on the season, which ranks 11th fewest nationally. Houston hadn’t lost a turnover battle in its first six games, but has done so in each of its last two games. Senior defenseman for Houston David Ugwoegbu picked up Kansas State’s first shutout of the season last time out.
- Last Saturday at K-State, the freshman linebacker Justin Benton (16 snaps), sophomore quarterback Hey, Ale (12 snaps) and freshman wide receiver Jonah Wilson (12 photos) made their second appearance of the season. The Cougars, who appeared in their third games, featured a redshirt freshman linebacker Cavan Tully (10 snaps) redshirt freshman center Demetrius Hunter (12 snaps), sophomore offensive lineman David Ndukwe (12 snaps) and freshman wide receiver Ja’Ryan Wallace (9 photos). Sophomore offensive tackle Jaylen Garth (4 photos) and freshman wide receiver Jacoby Banks (6 pictures) appeared for the fourth time. Redshirt freshman wide receiver Dalton Carneswho appeared in all eight games, made his first collegiate start at wide receiver.
- The Bears are coming off a 30-18 loss against Iowa State last week, with the Cyclones holding off a late comeback bid by Baylor to secure their first win in the series in the last three meetings.
- Baylor recorded a 32-29 win over Cincinnati to improve to 2-0 on the road in 2023. BU got 316 yards passing from Blake Scheipen and a career-high 130 yards receiving from Ketron Jackson Jr. in the win.
- The Bears rallied from a 35-7 deficit late in the third quarter to post a 36-35 UCF victory. It marks the largest comeback in program history and the largest by an FBS program since 2019.
- On Saturday against ISU, junior WR Monaray Baldwin had his third 100+ yard game of the year, posting 117 yards and a score.
- Baylor won the last Southwest Conference game 47-7 at the Astrodome in 1995.
- The Bears gained 591 yards of total offense to the Cougars’ 178.
- Randy Clements threw a fourth quarter touchdown to Robbie Wheeler.
- Even the all-time streak with Baylor at 14-14-1.
- Be Houston’s first Big 12 road win and second overall in the league.
- Be Houston’s fourth of the season with three opportunities remaining to reach the six-win mark for a bowl appearance.
- Will be Dana HolgorsenBaylor’s fourth straight victory as a head coach dating back to the 2016 season at West Virginia.
- Be the University of Houston’s first Big 12 win against Baylor (football: 3-2 loss Oct. 23 at Houston; volleyball: regular-season finale Nov. 22 at Waco).
- The UH Alumni Association and Cougar Pride invite you to hit the road with us as we come together 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 a part of the Cougar community.
- Welcome Reception – Friday, November 3rd
- Game Day Tailgate
- Texas Sports Hall of Fame
- 1108 University Parks Dr., Waco, TX 76706.
- I am registering
- Coogs on the Road Game Day Guide.
TICKETS ARE ON SALE SALEHeading to Waco for game day? Get a ticket and cheer on the Coogs by purchasing tickets to Baylor’s first game since 1994 and first meeting since 1995. click here.
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