Volume 80 Issue 02 Overtime

WEEKDAY, MONTH XX27 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST

INSIDE PG.XX

Teaser here Headline and here and First, second year players see extensive playing time PG. XX

Teaser Headline

INSIDE PG. 10

3rd Ward Defense joins the party

This is the teaser text. Dolor aut ut ut faciunte et quidus After quia quis explist autesto | PG. 6

Be you. Belong.

years of the Air Raid offense driving the bus at UH, it's the other side of the ball that could lead the Cougars to their goals

WELCOMING ALL PUTTING-IN-THE-WORKTODAY-FOR-A-GREAT-FUTURE COUGARS. New semester, new challenges. You’ve got enough on your plate without worrying about financial stability. We can help. Now that TDECU is partnering with the University of Houston, you can count on us to make all your banking needs pretty much worry-free.

Open your account online today at TDECU.org.

Be YOU and Belong.

Our newest branch will open in the University Center this Fall.

Go Coogs, Go! Join us on Friday, August 29, at 8 p.m. for the opening game at the new TDECU Stadium.

7402_UHDailyCougarSpecialOvertimeEdition_10x2.875_v01.indd 1

TDECU.org Federally insured by NCUA. 5033-COUGAR-0821 0814-A7402

8/18/14 1:43 PM

2 | Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Overtime is produced by The Cougar, the official student newspaper of the University of Houston. No part of the publication in print or online may be reproduced without the written consent of the Director of the Center for Student Media. To contact the CSM, call (713) 743-5350.

EDITORS Christopher Shelton

PHOTOGRAPHERS Justin Tijerina

COPY EDITORS Joshua Cochran Jenae Sitzes Cara Smith Hamza Muhammad

PRODUCTION Andres Garcia Jose Cruz Alex Tomic

WRITERS Jordan Lewis Harrison Lee Andrew Valderas

AD MANAGER Andres Garcia SALES Jose Salazar

ABOUT THE COVER Like his head coach, senior receiver Shane Ros earned a scholarship after walking on with his home town team. | File Photo/The Cougar

Ros returning for final UH act After battling three knee injuries, the senior wide receiver is just happy to have football in his life again ANDREW VALDERAS

STAFF WRITER

@THISISDREW2010

Senior Shane Ros can’t wait until he gets hit on the field.

“I know it sounds weird, but it’s been a long time coming,” he said. “It’s been almost a year and half, and it’s going to feel good.”

Ros, one of the team’s most versatile players, will charge back onto the field Friday against UTSA after suffering a torn ACL to his left SHANE ROS knee during spring RECEIVER practice last April. The injury resulted in him missing the entire 2013 season.

“It was definitely hard watching my buddies out there playing, especially the ones I (entered my freshman year with),” Ros said. “This puts me as one of the older guys on the team.”

Ros earned a valuable role as a walk-on in 2010, recording 12 tackles while starting five different positions on special teams before being added to the receiver rotation a season later.

Ros played in 11 games in 2012 and started the final three. He finished with 23 receptions for 337 yards and three touchdowns, including career-highs in both catches (7) and receiving yardage (114), as well as a touchdown against UAB. He earned a scholarship after the season.

“He’s a guy we know that we can fit into any spot and count on him in any situation,” said offensive coordinator Travis Bush. “He knows how to handle it, and it shows a lot about his character with his comeback.”

Ros has played the role of “Comeback Kid” more times than he would like in his playing career. While playing quarterback for Cinco Ranch High School, he tore his ACL on his right knee his junior season, and again as a senior.

With ACL injuries being some of the most severe in sports, players must go through intense rehabilitation and training before returning.

“A big thing from coming off ACL surgery is getting your confidence back,” said

head coach Tony Levine, who coached Ros on special teams from 2010 to 2011.

“Whether it’s getting hit, cutting or running full speed, he’s shown us — more importantly, showing himself — that he is a full go.”

When Ros played a vital role as receiver in the second half of the 2012 season, a large part of it was due to injuries to the players ahead of him on the depth chart.

Now with 85 percent of the team’s receiving yardage returning, including Deontay Greenberry — last season’s American Athletic Conference leading receiver — competition will be high.

“That’s a good problem to have,” Ros said. “Competition is a good thing, and it’s going to be hard to spread the ball around. We have little competition within ourselves, so we’re just trying to get everybody better.”

With the three injuries to his knees, Ros said it affected his psyche when returning to the field, but he has learned to put it behind him.

“In the beginning, I was a little tentative with (the knee), but the more you practice the more it gets back to normal,” Ros said. “I don’t even think about it.” sports@thedailycougar.com

Andre Ware, Case Keenum and Kevin Kolb — prolific quarterbacks — are some of the names synonymous with UH football. But with a turnover-happy defense, UH is hoping you remember Derrick Mathews and Trevon Stewart's name by season's end. — ­ photo by Justin Tijerina

Contact The Cougar thedailycougar.com NEWSROOM (713) 743-5360 editor@thedailycougar.com facebook.com/thedailycougar twitter.com/thedailycougar

EDITOR IN CHIEF Cara Smith

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Wednesday, August 27, 2014 | 3

Department of Campus Recreation

HOURS

INFO

PROGRAMS

713-743-7529 (PLAY) WWW.UH.EDU/RECREATION

Monday 6:00 AM-11:30 PM Tuesday 6:00 AM-11:30 PM Wednesday 6:00 AM-11:30 PM Thursday 6:00 AM-11:30 PM Friday 6:00 AM-8:00 PM Saturday 10:00 AM-8:00 PM Sunday Noon-11:30 PM

AQUATICS Swim Lessons, SCUBA, First Aid/CPR & Lifeguard Certification

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE Trips, Equipment Rentals, Adventure Demos & Resource Guide

FITNESS

Group Fitness, Personal Training & Fitness Assessments

SPORT CLUBS

uhcampusrecreation @uhrecreation

Competition and Leadership

OUR FACILITIES

INTRAMURAL SPORTS

Individual, Dual, Tournaments & Leagues

FACULTY & STAFF s

Indoor Zone & Fitness

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Track

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Learn to Swim & Summer Camp

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MEMBERSHIP!

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FOR YOUR FACULTY, STAFF, OR ALUMNI

Annual Golf Tournament, Memberships & Rentals

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4 | Wednesday, August 27, 2014

2014 SCHEDULE

BYU, UNLV, Cincinnati highlight new season's schedule

VS. UTSA FRIDAY, AUG. 29, 2014 TDECU STADIUM, 8 P.M.

VS. GRAMBLING SATURDAY, SEPT. 6, 2014 TDECU STADIUM, 7 P.M.

AT BYU THURSDAY, SEPT. 11, 2014 LAVELL EDWARDS STADIUM, 8 P.M.

VS. UNLV SATURDAY, SEPT. 20, 2014 TDECU STADIUM, TBA

VS. UCF* THURSDAY, OCT. 02, 2014 TDECU STADIUM, 6 P.M.

AT MEMPHIS* SATURDAY, OCT. 11, 2014 LIBERTY BOWL MEMORIAL STADIUM, TBA

VS. TEMPLE* FRIDAY, OCT. 17, 2014 TDECU STADIUM, 8 P.M.

AT USF* SATURDAY, NOV. 01, 2014 RAYMOND JAMES STADIUM, TBA.

VS. TULANE* FRIDAY, NOV. 01, 2014 TDECU STADIUM, TBA

VS. TULSA* SATURDAY, NOV. 22, 2014 TDECU STADIUM, TBA

AT SMU* FRIDAY, NOV. 28, 2014 GERALD J. FORD STADIUM, TBA

AT CINCINNATI* SATURDAY, DEC. 06, 2014 NIPPERT STADIUM, TBA * DENOTES CONFERENCE GAME

Players and fans alike are excited about the opening of an on-campus football stadium. | Justin Tijerina/The Cougar

Expect food, tailgaiting, touchdowns at TDECU

W

ith its $120 million football stadium set to open on Friday, the Cougars are ready to face UTSA. But are you ready to watch your first game at TDECU Stadium?

Where to sit UH reserved 5,000 seats for the student section, but it will be expanded to include 7,500 for the first game. Students can attend the game for free with their Cougar Card.

There are 26 suites, a 12,400 square foot club area, which overlooks the field of play, and 5,000 premium seats in TDECU Stadium.

For those who like fiestas, there are four open-air end zone party decks equipped with 24 armchairs. The $120 million structure will also have two party suites that feature 60 padded armchairs.

What to eat TDECU Stadium will include 171 consession stands—100 more than Robertson had— located across the building.

On the menu: Blitz Burger, Southern Dawg, H-Town Burger, Fried pickles, Grilled Cheese, Bratwurst, Chick-Fil-A.

Tailgaiting The University has reserved space known as Shasta's Square for student tailgaiting along Cullen Boulevard between Holman Street and Cougar Place. The cost is $800 to reserve a 10x20 space for the season.

For UH's Friday contest against UTSA, tailgating will open four hours before kickoff.

New look TDECU Stadium has an east-west orientation that will feature a prominent view of the Houston skyline.

A 38-feet-high and 68-feet-wide Panosonic HD video board will provide highlights, and scores to the fans in the stands.

With #GoCoogs splashed across the sidelines and the Houston skyline in the end zone, John O'Quinn field will have a distinct look designed into its artificial turf.

The Cougars honored Andre Ware by placing his retired No. 11 jersey on the field at the 11-yard mark.

How to park Parking for $10 will be available in Lots

16E, 16J, 16I and 16H down Cullen Boulevard, while lots 17B, 17C, 17D and 18A are offering spaces near Elgin Street and Spur 5. Lots 20A, 20C, 21B and the Welcome Center garage are also parking options.

Cougar Pride members are privy to the 1,467 spaces in surface lots and 2,268 spots in the Stadium Garage.

Amenities Boingo Wireless will provide internet service throughout TDECU Stadium.

There are more than 50 restrooms within the stadium.

Similar to Robertson Stadium, beer, wine and spirits will be sold throughout TDECU Stadium.

Legends Plaza will showcase the Cougars' history of success in football. It is located in the northeast entrance of the stadium.

—Christopher Shelton

What do you think about TDECU Stadium? Tell us at

@thedailycougar

Wednesday, August 27, 2014 | 5

Cougars look to repeat history With experience, depth of playmakers, UH hopes 2014 squad joins its long lineage of potent offenses ANDREW VALDERAS

STAFF WRITER

@THISISDREW2010

The Cougars’ offense has historically put lofty numbers on the scoreboard, but sophomore quarterback John O’Korn said he wants to take it further.

“You should expect us to be a lot more dynamic this year, do a lot more offensively, see a lot more guys getting their hands on the ball and be a lot more up tempo,” O’Korn said. “Last year we went pretty fast, (but) we’re going to take it to another level.”

The unit returns 94 percent of its total offense when it faces UTSA on Friday night, including Deontay Greenberry, last season’s American Athletic Conference

“Last year we went pretty fast, but we're going to take it to another level.”

John O'Korn, starting quarterback for the Cougars leading receiver (1202 yards, 11 touchdowns).

In last season’s matchup, O’Korn threw for 312 yards and four touchdowns, while Greenberry hauled in nine catches for 142 yards in a 59-28 win.

Daniel Spencer (768 yards, six touchdowns) will accompany Greenberry on the inside, with Markeith Ambles and Greg Ward on the outside.

Ward played sparingly at quarterback in the past but will now primarily be at receiver.

“It started building its way through last season,” said head coach Tony Levine. “(He and John) split time, and then John emerged as a guy that can do so much.

Greg was just too talented to be backup, so we started to filter him in at receiver.

When we went to spring, we realized he needs to be on the field at all times.”

UH is loaded on offense, and offensive coordinator Travis Bush, who led the Cougars to the 15th ranked offense in the nation in 2012, said the biggest challenge will be distributing the ball evenly to his playmakers.

“The hardest part right now is trying to find a way to get everyone the football and keep them all happy,” Bush said. “We feel good about putting the ball in the hands of all four starting wideouts. It’s not a bad problem to have, but we are excited to get out there and find ways to get these guys the football.” sports@thedailycougar.com

PLAYER TO WATCH: UH RETURNS VERSATILE WEAPON IN GREG WARD Greg Ward fielded punts, threw and rushed for touchdown passes while also playing receiver last year. This season, Ward has found a home at receiver, where he is a projected starter on the outside.

6

TDs

GREG WARD, Receiver Like us on Facebook

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Register for University Career Services’ new

ALUMNI SUBSCRIPTION! Below is a breakdown of the beneets of subscribing to Alumni Career Services.

Whether you are looking for an entry-level or management role, changing careers, continuing your education, or just want to network at events, we have the tools, services, and resources that can make your transition seamless and successful!

BENEFITS OF A SIX MONTH SUBSCRIPTION: • Sessions with an Alumni Career Counselor • VIP Access at Alumni Career Fairs • Access to Career Development Workshops/Seminars • Access to Online Jobs database • Access to Campus Recruitment for Alumni • Access to Resume Critique Services • Access to CareerShift Online Job Search Tool • Access to Online Career Assessment Tests • Access to Coog Careers Alumni Newsletter

*Total = $50.00 for six months access!

Visit uh.edu/ucs under the Alumni Tab to learn more and register!

AlumniWednesday, CareerDec.Fair 10th

4:00 pm-7:00 pm UH Campus Recreation Center Register for a 6-month Alumni Subscription to gain VIP access to this event!

6 | Wednesday, August 27, 2014

STARTING LINE-UP

STEWART (FS)

OLIPHANT (SLB)

WALKER (CB)

BOWSER (DE)

MATHEWS (MLB)

MBU (DT)

MCDONALD (SS)

TAYLOR (WLB)

MARK (DT)

JACKSON (CB)

HARRIS (DE)

DEFENSE OFFENSE PARRIS (LT)

WARD JR (WR)

OKAFOR (LG)

REDMAN (C)

SPENCER (WR)

HARPER (LG)

O'KORN (QB)

COOPER (LT)

GREENBERRY (WR)

AMBLES (WR)

MBU (DT)

@

TEAM LEADERS

Tell us who would you start using the hashtag #TDCUHvsRice or tweet us @thedailycougar

POLL

2013 stats, UH vs. UTSA starters

Who is your favorite Coog?

PASSING PLAYER

CMP

ATT

YARDS

CMP%

TD

INT

AVG

John O'Korn

259

446

3,117

58.1

28

10

239.8

Tucker Carter

23

33

190

69.7

1

2

38

PLAYER

YPA

ATT

YARDS

LONG

TD

G

AVG

Ryan Jackson

4.76

139

661

37

6

13

50.8

David Glasco II

5.2

95

496

47

5

10

49.6

Tell us who by using hashtag #myfavoritecoogis or tweet us @thedailycougar

RUSHING

Joey Mbu

RECEIVING PLAYER

REC

YARDS

TD

YPC

RPG

LONG

AVG

Deontay Greenberry

82

1202

11

14.6

6.8

83

100.2

Kam Jones

34

345

1

10.1

3.1

35

31.4

@

Daniel Spencer

Trevon Stewart

John O'Korn

Who do you want to see next? use hashtag #tdcunderhelmet or send your suggestions to @thedailycougar

Wednesday, August 27, 2014 | 7

THE BIG BOARD AP TOP 25 RK

TEAM

1 2

AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE RECORD

PTS

Florida State (57)

0-0

1499

Tulane at Tulsa (Thursday)

Alabama (1)

0-0

1438

Temple at Vanderbilt (Thursday)

3

Oregon

0-0

1352

BYU at Connecticut (Friday)

4

Oklahoma

0-0

1330

UTSA at Houston (Friday)

5

Ohio State

0-0

1242

Penn State vs. UCF (Saturday)

ESPN2

7:30 p.m.

6

Auburn

0-0

1137

Auston Peay at Memphis (Saturday)

ESPN3

6 p.m.

7

UCLA

0-0

1105

8

Michigan State

0-0

1077

9

South Carolina

0-0

1017

10

Baylor

0-0

912

11

Stanford

0-0

896

12

Georgia

0-0

849

13

LSU

0-0

824

14

Wisconsin

0-0

749

15

USC

0-0

615

16

Clemson

0-0

590

17

Notre Dame

0-0

383

18

Ole Miss

0-0

380

19

Arizona State

0-0

352

20

Kansas State

0-0

355

21

Texas A&M

0-0

309

22

Nebraska

0-0

264

23

North Carolina

0-0

185

24

Missouri

0-0

156

25

Washington

0-0

153

Others Receiving Votes: UCF 94, Florida 87, Texas 86, Duke 71, Iowa 68, Louisville 48, Marshall 41, Oklahoma State 37, Virginia Tech 26, TCU 23, Mississippi State 22, Michigan 19, Texas Tech 19, Miami (FL) 16, Cincinnati 15, Boise State 10, Oregon State 10, Northwestern 8

SAY WHAT?

"In my opinion of William (Jackson) he's a beast. He's fast, he's long and he's skinny but he's strong for his size. I think he can stick with any receiver. I like playing on his side." Trevon Stewart, on new starting cornerback William Jackson

NETWORK

STANDINGS TIME

AMERICAN

W

L

W

L

CBS

7 p.m.

Houston

0

0

0

0

SEC

8:15 p.m.

Louisville

0

0

0

0

ESPN

6 p.m.

USF

0

0

0

0

ESPNU

8 p.m.

UCF

0

0

0

0

Cincinnati

0

0

0

0

Rutgers

0

0

0

0

SMU

0

0

0

0

Connecticut

0

0

0

0

Memphis

0

0

0

0

Temple

0

0

0

0

TV GUIDE Saturday, Aug. 30

Network

Time

Ohio State at Navy

CBS

11 a.m.

UCLA at Virginia

ESPN

11 a.m.

Delaware at Pittsburgh

ESPN3

11 a.m.

Appalachian State at Michigan

ESPN2

11 a.m.

North Dakota State at Iowa State

FOX Sports 1

11 a.m.

Indiana State at Indiana

ESPNEWS

11 a.m.

Northern Iowa at Iowa

BTN

11 a.m.

Western Michigan at Purdue

ESPNU

11 a.m.

Tennessee-Martin at Kentucky

SEC

11 a.m.

Youngstown State at Illinois

BTN

11:05 a.m.

Wofford at Georgia Tech

ESPN3

11:30 a.m.

Boston College at Massachusetts

ESPN3

2 p.m.

West Virginia vs. Alabama

ABC/ESPN2

2:30 p.m.

Rice at Notre Dame

NBC

2:30 p.m.

Florida Atlantic at Nebraska

BTN

2:30 p.m.

South Dakota State at Missouri

ESPNU

2:30 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

California at Northwestern

ABC/ESPN2

Arkansas at Auburn

SEC

3 p.m.

UC Davis at Stanford

PAC12

3 p.m.

Clemson at Georgia

ESPN

4:30 p.m.

Liberty at North Carolina

ESPN3

5 p.m.

Northern Arizona at San Diego State

CBS

6 p.m.

Idaho at Florida

ESPNU

6 p.m.

Fresno State at USC

FOX

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

Southern Miss at Mississippi State

SEC

Florida State vs. Oklahoma State

ABC/ESPN3

7 p.m.

North Texas at Texas

LHN

7 p.m.

Wisconsin vs. LSU

ESPN

8 p.m.

South Dakota at Oregon

PAC12

9:30 p.m.

Washington at Hawaii

CBS

9:30 p.m.

FLASHBACK

File Photo/The Cougar

HOUSTON 34 UCLA 28 Keenum guides UH past UCLA On Sept. 3, 2011, Case Keenum returned for his sixth year of eligibility after tearing his ACL and led the Cougars to a 34-28 victory over UCLA in the season opener, throwing for 310 yards and two touchdowns.

Keenum would finish the season with 5,631 passing yards and throw 48 touchdowns to just five interceptions in the team’s undefeated regular season.

The Cougars ended their season with a 30-14 TicketCity Bowl win over Penn State. Keenum finished the season and his career as the NCCA’s all-time leader in total passing yards, touchdowns and completions.

— Andrew Valderas

8 | Wednesday, August 27, 2014

RECAP

PLAYER TO WATCH:

The Cougars went 8-5 last season, reaching a January bowl. Here are the five games that shaped the season:

O'KORN PRIMED FOR EXPLOSIVE SEASON A season ago there was a quarterback controversy, but after sophomore John O'Korn set UH freshman records for yards and touchdowns there is no longer any discussion about the signal caller.

SEPT. 21, 2013

VS. RICE

31 – 26

Now, O'Korn just has to build on what he accomplished last season—28 touchdowns and more than 3,000 passing yards.

In what could be the final installment of the crosstown rivalry between UH and Rice, the Cougars eeked out a close victory to retain the Bayou Bucket. UH led 31-13 early in the fourth quarter, but two late touchdowns by Rice made for a tight finish.

With a year of experience in the Cougars' Air Raid offense, he'll be expected to improve on his 58 percent completion rate and lead an offense filled wilth playmakers.

OCT. 19, 2013

VS. BYU

47 – 46

Though UH was undefeated headed into its contest against BYU, the team was still doubted after a relatively easy schedule. UH lost a back-andforth shootout, but won some national respect after nearly upsetting BYU.

OCT. 26, 2013

AT RUTGERS

49 – 14

Then-freshman quarterback John O'Korn tossed five touchdowns to lead the Cougars to a dominant victory. UH played well in all three facets of the game, leaving little doubt who was the better team.

KEY COOGS You may not have heard of these three players, but each will be expected to contribute at a high level if UH wants to compete with the best teams of the American Athletic Conference.

WILLIAM JACKSON Cornerback

DAMIEN PARRIS Left tackle

7

3

pass breakups

Following the graduation of veterans Zach McMillian and Thomas Bates, Jackson is expected to step in be a solid starter after finishing last season strong.

SHANE ROS Receiver

TDs

After injuries and graduations, Parris will protect quarterback John O'Korn's blindside. He redshirted last season after transferring from Contra Costa.

Ros, who earned a scholarship after walking on in 2010, will provide depth to a receiving corp. He redshirted last season after a knee injury.

NOV. 09, 2013

AT UCF

19 – 14

The youthful Cougars came seven yards shy of conference title contention. UCF's goal-line stand kept UH from taking charge in the American Athletic Conference, and set the stage for the Golden Knights to win the American.

JAN. 04, 2014

VS. VANDERBILT

41 – 24

Vanderbilt was too big, too fast and too strong for UH. The Commodores jumped out to a 24 point lead, before the Cougars ralied to tie the game in the third quarter. Vanderbilt then put the game away with 17 unanswered points in the fourth quarter.

Games to see UH vs. BYU, The Cougars will look to avenge last season's one-point loss when they travel to Provo, Utah on Sept.

11.

UH vs. UCF, This contest between the Golden Knights and the Cougars could have conference title implications on the line. Plus, UH would like to redeem itself after coming up seven-yards short of the go-ahead touchdown as time expired.

UH vs. Cincinnati, In the final game of the season comes a big road test for the Cougars. The winner of the American Athletic Conference has a shot at reaching a BCS bowl. And the winner of this game will have an advantage in the conference race.

AAC competition

Heisman watch

Along with UH, UCF, Cincinatti and ECU are considered favorites in the American Athletic Conference.

Here are three under-the-radar candidates for college football's top award.

UCF, The Golden Knights lost quarterback Blake Bortles and Storm Johnson to the NFL, but with George O'Leary controlling the program, you can always expect UCF to be competitive.

Cincinnati, The Bearcats lost solid quarterback Brandon Kay graduating, but Cincinnati retooled, adding former 5-star recruit Gunner Kiel behind center.

ECU, The Pirates are newcomers in the AAC, but with an explosive offense and fringe Heisman candidate behind center ECU could compete.

Todd Gurley, After battling the injury bug last season, the Georgia running back is expected to put up big numbers and carry the Bulldogs.

Brett Hundley, The UCLA quarterback is expected to be a top pick in the NFL draft.

But before leaving the college ranks, he could lead the Bruins to a Pac 12 title.

Nick Marshall, The Auburn quarterback burst on the scene after his three touchdowns kept Alabama out of the SEC championship game. If he can continue to develop as a pocket passer, Marshall could be a threat to strike the Heisman pose.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014 | 9

10 | Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Defensive success breeds confident bunch HARRISON LEE

STAFF WRITER

@HARRISONCLEE

So effective were the UH defenses for their turnovers last season that defensive coordinator David Gibbs said that contrary to the game results, the turnovers may have been a bit blinding.

The aspect of confidence — something Gibbs said he places near the top of what makes for a proficient defender — is never far from his mind.

“Any time you have success, it breeds confidence,” Gibbs said.

“The defenses around here have struggled throughout the years. Creating all those turnovers hid a lot of bad things that we didn’t do very well, but because everyone pays attention to the turnovers, there’s a lot of stuff that’s swept under the rug.”

Key starters return Gibbs’ defense posted 43 takeaways, enough for an almost worst-to-first reversal of defensive statistic from two seasons past, set the bar fairly high, which Gibbs acknowledges.

“With Trevon Stewart getting 10 of them and Adrian McDonald intercepting six passes, those guys are back, so hopefully we can continue to get turnovers,” Gibbs said.

“Can you get 43 again?

Probably not, but at the same time, we’ll work on it every day and TREVON continue to get better, STEWART but again we’re fundaDEFENSIVE BACK mentally sound.”

“We do things the right way around here. As long as you keep practicing hard and teaching fundamentals, the kids will continue to get better. They will continue to improve. As far as the football skill, they will continue to get better as we continue through this process,” Gibbs said.

While plying the standard coaching trick of tempering expectations, Gibbs said he was quick to praise the student-athletes themselves for their defensive prowess.

“The good news is all those guys that created the turnovers are back, and a lot of the turnovers are created by the players themselves,” Gibbs said. “There are no fancy drills, there are not master plays; we had 100 coaches come through here asking how did you get so many turnovers. The truth is it’s the players.”

Head coach Tony Levine has previously

After 43 turnovers propelled the Cougars to one of the best defensive turnarounds in the nation, defensive coordinator David Gibbs believes the squad can be just as good even if it secures fewer takeaways in 2014. | File Photo/The Cougar

“Can you get 43 (turnovers) again? Probably not, but at the same time, we’ll work on it every day and continue to get better, but again we’re fundamentally sound. We do things the right way around here.”

David Gibbs, Defensive Coordinator

stated the perks of having so many returning players.

“We’ve got a number of seniors, juniors and even sophomore that have been in our program five, four, three and two years and have played a tremendous amount of football around here in some big games,” Levine said. “They’re focused.”

After legendary coaches Bill Yeoman and Jack Pardee departed, the Cougars have been known more for their Air Raid offense, but under Gibbs the team has again raised its level of defense.

The power of confidence “A lot of it is just confidence. The guys

started believing. They’ve been beat down for a long time. These offensive guys are really smart, and there are certain plays they run where, if you’re in certain defense, you can’t stop them,” Gibbs said, pointing out the rapid-fire nature of many offenses.

“What happens is if you go to stop every play, you’re not going to be sound on defense,” Gibbs said. “You’re going allow big plays, and that creates lots of points.”

Gibbs said it’s all in the foundation of the defense when it comes to success, noting that he plans to build off last year’s strong points and focus on the little things.

“The overall yardage number was high per game, but per play we were pretty dang good, which is good around here,” Gibbs said.

“If we can do that again, I’ll be as happy as I can be.”

As one of the more visible defenders on the field, senior linebacker Derrick Mathews, responsible for 116 tackles combined between solos and assists, shunned any sort of rowdy leader mentality.

“I really don’t think I have to, but if I do, I talk to people individually,” Mathews said.

Work ethic is key Coming off an 8-5 season with stout defensive numbers, Gibbs hasn’t lost sight of the work ethic that got them this far.

“We have a lot of work to do,” Gibbs said. “But the kids believe in the system, and they believe in the calls coming from the sidelines. Obviously, we’re excited in the second year, but at the same time you have to go out there and do it every week.” sports@thedailycougar.com

Wednesday, August 27, 2014 | 11

UTSA returns 38 seniors, including 19 starters, to TDECU Stadium when it faces UH in both team's opening game on Friday. | File Photo/The Cougar

The Opposition: UTSA brings experienced squad to opener Editors Note: This article was originally published in The Paisano, the student newspaper at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

JONATHON GARZA

SPORTS EDITOR THE PAISANO

What a difference a year makes.

Former Roadrunner quarterback Eric Soza may be at UTSA’s opening game against the University of Houston — but not on the Roadrunners’ sideline. Soza, a recent hire by the Cougars, will be assisting on the University of Houston sideline as a coach.

Soza accounted for 89 percent of UTSA’s passes in his NCAA career, and 88 percent of the Roadrunners’ yards.

Despite this achievement, head coach Larry Coker is confident in his team and assured that this is the year for improvement.

“You can tell this is a veteran team just by watching them practice”, said Coker.

Since UTSA’s induction into the college football spotlight, not much publicity about

the team has made its way out of the Alamo city. However, the Roadrunners’ early success has poised them for a run at the program’s first Conference USA title this fall.

The 2014 squad boasts a nation leading 38 returning seniors, most of who have been with the team since UTSA’s first season.

Nineteen are returning starters; 10 will start on defense.

This senior-laden defense will have a lot to live up to if they wish to repeat last season’s accomplishments when the team held opponents to under 20 points six times. The Roadrunners’ chances look bright with so many familiar faces back in the Alamodome.

Precedents set by past football teams dictate that with so many senior players returning, UTSA won’t have a problem assembling a winning formula and pushing towards the C-USA crown. Last season the Roadrunners’ were a game shy of playing in the conference title game, but optimistically finished with the programs first winning season.

In 2010, UTSA’s aspirations for a football

UTSA's four turnovers in the fourth quarter paved the way for UH's 59-28 win. The two meet again as the Cougars open TDECU stadium on Friday. | File Photo/The Daily Cougar

team were only a dream.

Four years later, the university now boasts a 2014-15 schedule that includes 12 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) teams, such as Houston, Oklahoma State and Arizona.

Not many programs have produced impressive results like UTSA’s in such a short amount of time.

The Roadrunners’ ambitious goal for collegiate football success and relentlessness in

obtaining it has started them on the path for achievement and growth.

With this and so much more, UTSA has locked itself in for a promising year.

The Roadrunners will start their 2014 campaign Aug. 29, when they take on the University of Houston Cougars at John O’Quinn Field at TDECU Stadium. sports@thedailycougar.com

12 | Wednesday, August 27, 2014

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