On this week in 2006 (Dec. 1), the UH football team claimed its second Conference USA Championship with a 34-20 win over Southern Miss in the league’s title game at Robertson Stadium.
Quarterback Kevin Kolb threw for 258 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another score to help the Cougars capture their first C-USA title since 1996 and secure a berth in the Liberty Bowl. UH also improved to 10-3, capturing its first 10-win season since 1990.
It was a momentous occasion for the Cougars and most of the then-record crowd of 31,818, which had waited a decade for another conference championship.
‘A lot of people doubted us and said it couldn’t be done,’ Kolb told the Associated Press. ‘It was done tonight and hopefully, for the program, it will continue to be done.’
Kolb’ received’ tons of help from his supporting cast against the Golden Eagles, who fell to 8-5 and had to settle for a spot in the GMAC Bowl.
Wide receiver Biren Ealy was the recipient of both of Kolb’s touchdown passes.’ He finished with three receptions for 73 yards. Wideout Vincent Marshall’ caught eight passes for 100 yards and rushed for a touchdown.
Running back Jackie Battle added a rushing score, while’ safety Ernest Miller led the defense with 12 tackles.
UH went on to face South Carolina at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tenn. Despite a late rally, the Cougars fell to the Gamecocks, 44-36, to finish their season 10-4.
This year’s UH squad will try to capture the program’s third C-USA title when it faces East Carolina in Saturday’s league championship game in Greenville, N.C.
