Coogs and Miners On the Move

[Alkie]

BYU leaving the MWC.

MWC looking to replace Utah and BYU with Houston and UTEP.

While I'm so excited about this prospect, I won't be able to sleep tonight, I can't imagine why anyone in Houston would be happy about this.

[Lurch]

In addition to Fresno St and Nevada?

[Alkie]

Just saw that.

I get all my old rivals back except BYU and Utah.   This kicks ass.

[Astroholic]

BYU leaving the MWC.

MWC looking to replace Utah and BYU with Houston and UTEP.

While I'm so excited about this prospect, I won't be able to sleep tonight, I can't imagine why anyone in Houston would be happy about this.

Doubt it on UH's part.  Better to stay in CUSA and wait/continue to position self for better conference.  MWC is dead.

[JackAstro]

Doubt it on UH's part.  Better to stay in CUSA and wait/continue to position self for better conference.  MWC is dead.

Isn't it the WAC that's getting killed here?

[Bench]

McTaggart retweeted somebody who retweeted somebody else who tweeted "If MWC keeps BYU, look for Houston to become 12th team."

[Astroholic]

Isn't it the WAC that's getting killed here?

Yes my bad.  It appears that BYU is being persuaded ($$$) to stay and the conference will add UTEP and UH as Alkie stated.  ESPN is involved.   We shall see.

Or possible just adding UH which would make 12 correct.  Don't look for UH to move if BYU leaves.

[MusicMan]

McTaggart retweeted somebody who retweeted somebody else who tweeted "If MWC keeps BYU, look for Houston to become 12th team."

I guess it's pretty serious.

[Lurch]

I guess it's pretty serious.

Save Houston!

[94CougarGrad]

How is moving to the MWC any better for Houston than staying in the C-USA at this point? Is BYU really UH's Magic Golden Ticket to Respect and Wonderfulness?

[rifraft]

How is moving to the MWC any better for Houston than staying in the C-USA at this point? Is BYU really UH's Magic Golden Ticket to Respect and Wonderfulness?

Its all about frequent flier miles.

[Astroholic]

How is moving to the MWC any better for Houston than staying in the C-USA at this point? Is BYU really UH's Magic Golden Ticket to Respect and Wonderfulness?

MWC with UH, BYU, TCU, Boise St. could have 4 top 20 teams.  CUSA not even close.

[Lurch]

MWC with UH, BYU, TCU, Boise St. could have 4 top 20 teams.  CUSA not even close.

Who is the 4th?

[94CougarGrad]

MWC with UH, BYU, TCU, Boise St. could have 4 top 20 teams.  CUSA not even close.

Okay, when you put it that way, I can understand that. I wasn't thinking that way, so the emphasis on BYU needing to stay in the conference for a UH move there to be good made it seem... well, you know, you already read what I posted earlier.

[94CougarGrad]

Who is the 4th?

Are you just being silly, or do you need a whuppin'?

[Alkie]

No, seriously; who is the 4th?

[Lurch]

Are you just being silly, or do you need a whuppin'?

Are BYU, TCU, or Boise St. available to give it to me?

[Astroholic]

No, seriously; who is the 4th?

UH playing in the CUSA is the 4th.  If they were playing a MWC schedule, then they will need to continue to improve, which they are.  Point is, (and I am sure you are aware of this, just being Alkie) improve conference, facilities, coaching and you awakining the sleeping giant.  All you Haters will see as it is happening.


I am sure I don't have to remind you of the early SWC years, when Houston was brought into that league.


Add 1 more thing.  Season tickets have increased from 6500 to 11500 this year.  I know that aint shit compaired to Texas or Aggie, but it is a vast improvement for 1 yr.  This is on a shoestring marketing budget.

The President of UH and the AD are the best we have had in a long long time.

[chuck]

Add 1 more thing.  Season tickets have increased from 6500 to 11500 this year.

Wait. What? Six home games? That's nearly $2k a ticket per game. Do they not teach math at UH?

[subnuclear]

Wait. What? Six home games? That's nearly $2k a ticket per game. Do they not teach math at UH?

I think that's the number of season ticket buyers.  I hope anyway.

[Astroholic]

I think that's the number of season ticket buyers.  I hope anyway.

correct. 

[chuck]

correct. 

Whew.

You're right, though, that's a good number of season ticket holders in a cozy stadium. And whatever your base number is, doubling it over an offseason is no joke.

[Astroholic]

Whew.

You're right, though, that's a good number of season ticket holders in a cozy stadium. And whatever your base number is, doubling it over an offseason is no joke.

Capacity is 32000, but I believe it is actually closer to 30k.  The new stadium proposed is 40k expandable to 50k.

[94CougarGrad]

Are BYU, TCU, or Boise St. available to give it to me?

Last year's UH team is available to give it to you, as long as you ain't dressed like a Miner, a Golden Knight, a Pirate, or a Falcon.

[94CougarGrad]

Capacity is 32000, but I believe it is actually closer to 30k.  The new stadium proposed is 40k expandable to 50k.

I can't wait for Bleachergate 2015.

[Astroholic]

I can't wait for Bleachergate 2015.

If coogs could increase attendance to that level (50is k) in 5 years, I would be ecstatic. 

Pipedream unless Texas, aTm, OU, etc. want to play.

Just keep building the program.

[94CougarGrad]

If coogs could increase attendance to that level (50is k) in 5 years, I would be ecstatic. 

Absolutely.

Pipedream unless Texas, aTm, OU, etc. want to play.

Part of their excuse for not wanting to play us is that we don't have a big enough stadium to fit all their attending fans. A bigger stadium for UH may not change their stances on whether or not they want to play, but at least it'd take away the "you don't have enough room" argument.

Just keep building the program.

Yes, yes, and yes. Ain't gonna happen overnight, but it sure is good to see progress.

[BudGirl]

Absolutely.

Part of their excuse for not wanting to play us is that we don't have a big enough stadium to fit all their attending fans. A bigger stadium for UH may not change their stances on whether or not they want to play, but at least it'd take away the "you don't have enough room" argument.

Yes, yes, and yes. Ain't gonna happen overnight, but it sure is good to see progress.

It's not like they couldn't play at Reliant staduim.

[94CougarGrad]

It's not like they couldn't play at Reliant staduim.

They can, but (a) it costs more money and (b) it isn't on the campus.

[BudGirl]

They can, but (a) it costs more money and (b) it isn't on the campus.

Didn't seem to bother Rice any.  And UH has played games at Reliant before (Miami).

[Lurch]

Didn't seem to bother Rice any.  And UH has played games at Reliant before (Miami).

Forget it, she's rolling

[Duke]

Didn't seem to bother Rice any. 

Doesn't bother Wyoming or UTEP either.

[hostros7]

Part of their excuse for not wanting to play us is that we don't have a big enough stadium to fit all their attending fans. A bigger stadium for UH may not change their stances on whether or not they want to play, but at least it'd take away the "you don't have enough room" argument.

The real issue is not venue.  It's because those schools have nothing to gain by playing UH.  If they wanted to play a team from a non-BCS conference that will likely do nothing to improve their chances to play in a BCS game, they will select one that has zero chance of defeating them (as opposed to UH's small chance).  To further entrench said school's reluctance, they have no desire to give Sumlin the ability to sell recruits with lines like "we only lost to in-state school x by a touchdown, with you, we can win in the 2nd part of our home and home (or neutral whatever)."  

[Astroholic]

The real issue is not venue.  It's because those schools have nothing to gain by playing UH.  If they wanted to play a team from a non-BCS conference that will likely do nothing to improve their chances to play in a BCS game, they will select one that has zero chance of defeating them (as opposed to UH's small chance).  To further entrench said school's reluctance, they have no desire to give Sumlin the ability to sell recruits with lines like "we only lost to in-state school x by a touchdown, with you, we can win in the 2nd part of our home and home (or neutral whatever)."  

Exactly.

[JimR]

The real issue is not venue.  It's because those schools have nothing to gain by playing UH.  If they wanted to play a team from a non-BCS conference that will likely do nothing to improve their chances to play in a BCS game, they will select one that has zero chance of defeating them (as opposed to UH's small chance).  To further entrench said school's reluctance, they have no desire to give Sumlin the ability to sell recruits with lines like "we only lost to in-state school x by a touchdown, with you, we can win in the 2nd part of our home and home (or neutral whatever)."  

to Texas, venue is very much a part of the "real" reason.

[HudsonHawk]

to Texas, venue is very much a part of the "real" reason.

I have a feeling that if UH could provide a top notch venue and fill it with 100,000 people, and have it shown on ABC, Texas wouldn't hesitate to schedule them once in a while.  They are not, however, interested in playing where there are 30,000 and the game is shown on local cable access.

[HudsonHawk]

Didn't seem to bother Rice any.  And UH has played games at Reliant before (Miami).

And they played at the Astrodome for many years.  It's better playing on campus.

[HudsonHawk]

Doesn't bother Wyoming or UTEP either.

Wyoming and UTEP don't play at Reliant.

[Astroholic]

I have a feeling that if UH could provide a top notch venue and fill it with 100,000 people, and have it shown on ABC, Texas wouldn't hesitate to schedule them once in a while.  They are not, however, interested in playing where there are 30,000 and the game is shown on local cable access.

Maybe, but I still feel they have nothing to gain and everything to loose by playing UH non-conference.

[hostros7]

to Texas, venue is very much a part of the "real" reason.

Do you think that UT would agree to play a game at Reliant against UH?  That's an honest question; I know UT has issues with Robertson for a variety of reasons, and Reliant would be close(r) to a home game for the Horns. 

I think UT would decline.  The 5% chance that UH has of winning the game would be such a boost to the program (with little downside) that I can't imagine that such a game hasn't been proposed already but maybe I'm wrong. 

[Bench]

I think UT would decline.  The 5% chance that UH has of winning the game would be such a boost to the program (with little downside) that I can't imagine that such a game hasn't been proposed already but maybe I'm wrong. 

Exactly.  The *REAL* reason is that UT is scared to play a few specific teams that are also in Texas.

NO ONE DENIES THIS!

[hostros7]

Exactly.  The *REAL* reason is that UT is scared to play a few specific teams that are also in Texas.

NO ONE DENIES THIS!

I wasn't saying scared - just not worth UT's time.  They have nothing to gain.

[JimR]

Do you think that UT would agree to play a game at Reliant against UH?  That's an honest question; I know UT has issues with Robertson for a variety of reasons, and Reliant would be close(r) to a home game for the Horns.  

I think UT would decline.  The 5% chance that UH has of winning the game would be such a boost to the program (with little downside) that I can't imagine that such a game hasn't been proposed already but maybe I'm wrong.  

UT's issues with UH have nothing to do with the possible outcome of the game, as much as you'd like to think that. the last time UT went to UH to play will be the last time for some time.

[Ebby Calvin]

Exactly.  The *REAL* reason is that UT is scared to play a few specific teams that are also in Texas.

NO ONE DENIES THIS!

Is this the part where we start talking about TCU football again?  I'd like that.

[MRaup]

UT's issues with UH have nothing to do with the possible outcome of the game, as much as you'd like to think that. the last time UT went to UH to play will be the last time for some time.

Weren't there some really questionable actions in that last UH game? Like a UH player stomping on a UT player on the ground?

[HudsonHawk]

Weren't there some really questionable actions in that last UH game? Like a UH player stomping on a UT player on the ground?

I don't remember anything like that.  The beef UT had was with the facilities and the way the UH responded to the concerns.

[Bench]

I don't remember anything like that.  The beef UT had was with the facilities and the way the UH responded to the concerns.

Bleachergate is the only thing I know about, football program-wise.

[JimR]

I don't remember anything like that.  The beef UT had was with the facilities and the way the UH responded to the concerns.

Mark may be right about on field stuff, i do not know, but what you have stated here is what i do remember.

[BudGirl]

Mark may be right about on field stuff, i do not know, but what you have stated here is what i do remember.

Not that it matters, but I do not believe any administrator from that time is at UH anymore.

[JimR]

Not that it matters, but I do not believe any administrator from that time is at UH anymore.

that may matter; i do not know. Penders is gone, too.

[BudGirl]

that may matter; i do not know. Penders is gone, too.

I lied, there is one left, but he would not make any decisions in that regard.  But his wife, would do her best to say something on camera.

[Bench]

I lied, there is one left, but he would not make any decisions in that regard.  But his wife, would do her best to say something on camera.

Ah yes, the most dangerous place in Houston:  standing between Sheila and a camera.

[94CougarGrad]

Didn't seem to bother Rice any.  And UH has played games at Reliant before (Miami).

You're right that Houston's played games at Reliant before, but with the school's attempts to become all grown-up and stuff, the administration would much rather make our stadium bigger and play on campus.

In case you hadn't noticed, Houston's pretty stubborn. Sometimes, admittedly, to our detriment.

[BudGirl]

You're right that Houston's played games at Reliant before, but with the school's attempts to become all grown-up and stuff, the administration would much rather make our stadium bigger and play on campus.

In case you hadn't noticed, Houston's pretty stubborn. Sometimes, admittedly, to our detriment.

I also know most, if not all, the administrators.  I notice alot about Houston. 

[Astroholic]

I also know most, if not all, the administrators.  I notice alot about Houston. 

According to Denver post BYU is staying in MWC.   Please baby Please!

[Randy Watson]

The issue with UH is not fear, but the size of their stadium.  Hell, UH gave up more points against UTEP last year than Texas did yards.

There is also residual resentment over the joke temporary bleachers UH put up in the 2001 bleachergate incident -- those things looked like they were designed and installed by drunk teenagers.  But since there is a new regime at UH, I would hope Texas is over it now.

Someone asked about a cheap shot.  That was actually from 2000 at the UH game in Austin.  Yes there was, a UH player blatantly stomped on Shaun Rogers' ankle which caused him to miss the Okie State and OU games and limited him throughout the rest of the season.  It also caused his NFL draft status to drop.

[Astroholic]

The issue with UH is not fear, but the size of their stadium.  Hell, UH gave up more points against UTEP last year than Texas did yards.

There is also residual resentment over the joke temporary bleachers UH put up in the 2001 bleachergate incident -- those things looked like they were designed and installed by drunk teenagers.  But since there is a new regime at UH, I would hope Texas is over it now.

Someone asked about a cheap shot.  That was actually from 2000 at the UH game in Austin.  Yes there was, a UH player blatantly stomped on Shaun Rogers' ankle which caused him to miss the Okie State and OU games and limited him throughout the rest of the season.  It also caused his NFL draft status to drop.

There are many questionable football plays on the field in most games I have watched.  Does not matter who the teams are.

Yes Bleachergate was a mistake.  Should have moved to Reliant or the Dome as I can't recall if Reliant was finished.  It was a 2 and 1 agreement, so UH was already making concessions. 

I will admit that UH has made many blunders over the years, but times are changing. 

[MusicMan]

There are many questionable football plays on the field in most games I have watched.  Does not matter who the teams are.

It wasn't questionable.  It was one step short of Albert Haynesworth stomping on Andre Gurode's head.

[Astroholic]

It wasn't questionable.  It was one step short of Albert Haynesworth stomping on Andre Gurode's head.

I am not saying that it was not blatant, because it was.  Inexcusable.  Should a school be held accountable for something that happened 10 years ago.  Do you think that Sumlin would put up with this type of crap?   I also did not see what happened before that play. 

P.S. There are some thugs that play football (even in little league), so this behavior never surprises me.

[Ron Brand]

I am not saying that it was not blatant, because it was.  Inexcusable.  Should a school be held accountable for something that happened 10 years ago.  Do you think that Sumlin would put up with this type of crap?   I also did not see what happened before that play. 

P.S. There are some thugs that play football (even in little league), so this behavior never surprises me.

That play is not the whole reason why UT hasn't played UH recently and probably won't anytime soon. It's just one of many things over a span of time that have already been discussed here. Texas has plenty of more attractive options for them to choose from.

[Astroholic]

That play is not the whole reason why UT hasn't played UH recently and probably won't anytime soon. It's just one of many things over a span of time that have already been discussed here. Texas has plenty of more attractive options for them to choose from.

Agree.  And who knows, maybe UH does not want to play a game in Reliant and/or give Texas a 3 for 1 that they might be asking for. 

Its all Speculation on us fans part.

[JimR]

UT likes playing in the city of Houston. there are a gazillion alums there, and it can be almost like a home game.

[Astroholic]

UT likes playing in the city of Houston. there are a gazillion alums there, and it can be almost like a home game.

So it might be money?  Who knows?  Could be a combination of everything we have discussed.  Maybe UH does not want to play in Houston and not be the home team?  Maybe they sign a contract tomorrow? 

[MusicMan]

Why does Rice play the University of Texas?  Not because it is easy, but because it is hard.

[Astroholic]

Why does Rice play the University of Texas?  Not because it is easy, but because it is hard.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[HudsonHawk]

UT likes playing in the city of Houston. there are a gazillion alums there, and it can be almost like a home game.

Exactly.  I think UT *wants* to play in Houston.  They just don't want to play at Robertson.

[Astroholic]

Exactly.  I think UT *wants* to play in Houston.  They just don't want to play at Robertson.

And Maybe UH does not want to play at Reliant.

[Bench]

And Maybe UH does not want to play at Reliant.

Right.  The venue is the issue.  It's fairly well established.

[MusicMan]

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

That's not what JFK had in mind.

[HudsonHawk]

And Maybe UH does not want to play at Reliant.

Right.  They want to play at their home stadium.  Herein lies the rub.

[Astroholic]

Right.  They want to play at their home stadium.  Herein lies the rub.

Right. 

[Randy Watson]

I will admit that UH has made many blunders over the years, but times are changing.

Agreed.  I am a Texas alum and rabid Longhorn supporter.  But I hold no ill-will towards UH over crap that happened 10 years ago.  As a native Houstonian, I would like nothing better than to see UH continue to build its program.  From what I understand season ticket sales are around 12,000 this year -- up 90% from last season.  Sumlin is an excellent coach.

I hope to catch a Cougar game this year, perhaps when Miss State comes in town.

[Astroholic]

Agreed.  I am a Texas alum and rabid Longhorn supporter.  But I hold no ill-will towards UH over crap that happened 10 years ago.  As a native Houstonian, I would like nothing better than to see UH continue to build its program.  From what I understand season ticket sales are around 12,000 this year -- up 90% from last season.  Sumlin is an excellent coach.

I hope to catch a Cougar game this year, perhaps when Miss State comes in town.



That might be a hard ticket to get (like Tech last year).  Have my season tickets, so Im good.

[hostros7]

Miss St. should be a tough ticket depending in how UH plays up to that point.  I don't think it will be as tough as TTU though because a) the team will not have just upset a top 10 ranked team and b) MSU's alum base in Houston is smaller.

Although not an alum, I attend a few UH games this year.  I'm looking forward to the 9:30 pm Friday night UTEP game for starters.  Should be a great, loud, drunk atmosphere.

[Astroholic]

Miss St. should be a tough ticket depending in how UH plays up to that point.  I don't think it will be as tough as TTU though because a) the team will not have just upset a top 10 ranked team and b) MSU's alum base in Houston is smaller.

Although not an alum, I attend a few UH games this year.  I'm looking forward to the 9:30 pm Friday night UTEP game for starters.  Should be a great, loud, drunk atmosphere.

Starting tailgate at 4.  That game probably won't be over until 1:30 am.  Glad I am taking a Designated Driver with me.

[MusicMan]

Horns and Trojans to face off in 2017-18

[Bench]

Horns and Trojans to face off in 2017-18

Will USC still be under suspension by then?

[MusicMan]

Will USC still be under suspension by then?

Depends on how long they keep Kiffin.

[Ebby Calvin]

Depends on how long they keep Kiffin.

Nice.

[Randy Watson]

Miss St. should be a tough ticket depending in how UH plays up to that point.  I don't think it will be as tough as TTU though because a) the team will not have just upset a top 10 ranked team and b) MSU's alum base in Houston is smaller.

Although not an alum, I attend a few UH games this year.  I'm looking forward to the 9:30 pm Friday night UTEP game for starters.  Should be a great, loud, drunk atmosphere.

I definitely will attend that game if I'm in town.  I've always had a soft spot for UH despite some of the beatings they put on Texas in the run and shoot days -- of course the 1990 game in Austin helped.

[Astroholic]

Well it looks like BYU is leaving the MWC, so I am not sure UH wants to go into that conference now.  Apperently, MWC and CUSA are talking about somethings, including a playoff game with the winner recieving an autobid to BCS game (not sure the BCS schools would go for this).  Crazy times.

[94CougarGrad]

Yeah, I can't keep up with it, so I just wait for the higher-ups to chit their chatter and make their decisions and announce the new rules, then read about it on Coogfans.