All systems were go for a third successive week as Houston eased past Alabama-Birmingham, 39-17, at Robertson Stadium.
Quarterback David Piland was 32-of-44 for 362 yards in just over three quarters of play and running back Charles Sims broke the 100-yard barrier for a third straight game with 133 yards, and caught three balls for 38 yards,
Slot receiver Shane Ros, who hadn’t caught a pass in his college career before last week, led all receivers with seven catches for 114 yards and Piland’s only touchdown.
“(Ros) won’t be paying for his school much longer,” coach Tony Levine quipped.
The defense gave up 100 rushing yards among 432 overall, allowing only a field goal after the Blazers scored a touchdown on their second possession. The Cougar backups did let in a late touchdown with a little over four minutes left in the game.
“We know that when there’s pressure on the quarterback, he gets uncomfortable and starts throwing the ball everywhere,” said outside linebacker Phillip Steward, who had a banner day. “I think we did a great job tonight doing that.”
Houston’s only apparent problem was red zone offense, which scored only the opening drive touchdown until backup Kenneth Farrow’s one-yard run early in the third quarter.
But that’s where Matt Hogan came in, the senior kicker knocking in six of his seven field goal attempts.
Houston (3-3, 2-0 in the C-USA) takes a three-game winning streak to Southern Methodist for a Thursday Fox Sports nationally televised game.
“It’s going to be a great challenge with the short week ahead,” Levine said Saturday. “Our staff right now is already back at the facility, and I’m headed there as soon as I’m done here.
“I told the team as well after the game. I’m over this win and on to SMU now, and they need to be, too.