The No. 8 Cougars can officially start scratching some of their goals off the list.
With a season’s worth of aspirations on the line, UH delivered a complete performance en route to a 48-16 win against Tulsa on Saturday at H.A. Chapman Stadium.
With the victory, the Cougars (12-0, 8-0) clinched the Conference USA West Division for the second time in three seasons. It is the first time in C-USA history a team has gone undefeated in league play.
Tulsa (8-4, 7-1) led for the majority of the first half until 4:35 remained in the second quarter. Quarterback Case Keenum threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to running back Charles Sims to make it 13-10.
The coaching staff placed trust in the seniors in crucial situations, and it did not go unrewarded.
On the Cougars’ first possession of the second half, Tulsa forced a fourth-and-10 on its 33-yard line. The offense stayed on the field, and the gamble paid off on a 32-yard touchdown pass to receiver Patrick Edwards.
With 8:12 to go in the third quarter, Tulsa kicker Kevin Fitzpatrick drilled a 36-yard field goal. Sims lost a fumble on the ensuing possession leading to a made 51-yard field goal by Fitzpatrick to cut the deficit to four.
UH took a risk again on fourth down with 1:31 remaining in the third quarter. On fourth-and-1 on the Tulsa 38-yard line Keenum went deep to Edwards again for a 38-yard touchdown. The score extended the Cougars’ advantage to 11.
The Cougars had three unanswered touchdowns in the fourth quarter to win by 32.
Keenum completes 33 of 46 passes for 457 yards and five touchdowns. Edwards 181 receiving yards and four touchdowns. The defense forced three turnovers
UH will host the conference championship game at 11 a.m. on Dec. 3 at Robertson Stadium.
