Overtime — UH vs. UAB

THE DAILY COUGAR

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2012 速

OVERTIME

COVER STORY //////////////////////

TACKLING MACHINE Phillip Steward takes hold of the defense in his final season.

//////////////////////// INSIDE

Ashworth steers offensive line // 4 //////////////////////////////////////

Flashback: Klingler, UH oust Aggies // 6 ////////////////////////////////////////

The Daily Cougar

2 \\ Saturday, October 13, 2012

EDITOR’S NOTE

CAREERS IN: JOURNALISM GRAPHIC DESIGN MARKETING ADVERTISING PHOTOGRAPHY PUBLISHING COMMUNICATIONS

FEATURING:

START HERE.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY stadium buffet FREE NY STRIP STEAKS from 12 noon to 5pm MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL SPECIAL 20 for 20! $20 for 20 Buffalo Wings and an Ice cold pitcher of domestic or imported draft beer

Free cover for students and guest with UH ID Always Hiring waitstaff, reception and door personnel

www.RitzHouston.com | 10520 Gulf Freeway Houston Tx, 77034 | 713.944.6445

WE’RE HIRING FOR: STAFF WRITERS OPINION COLUMNISTS COPY EDITORS CARTOONISTS PHOTOGRAPHERS ADVERTISING Fill out an application at thedailycougar.com/apply or visit the Student Publications Office in Room 7, UC Satellite.

Questions? E-mail editor@thedailycougar.com

No. 1 Pizzeria in Houston Ranked on Yelp.com 3700 Almeda Rd. Houston, TX 77004

281-793-3333 As Always...We are BYOB...

Wide open conference up for grabs With back-to-back victories, including a 35-14 win in their conference opener against Rice, the Cougars exemplify why this year in particular, Conference USA could be Andrew anyone’s for the Pate taking.

In the West, UH (2-3; 1-0), SMU (2-3; 1-0) and Tulsa (5-1; 3-0) are the front-runners and undefeated programs in the division while the East could be the most wide-open division in college football. With the exception of UCF (3-2; 1-0), who received a postseason ban from the conference and NCAA for recruiting violations, it’s anyone’s game out East.

At home, this week will be a pivotal stretch of the season for the Cougars’ journey to the championship game. UAB is a program on the rise and a trip to Dallas to take on SMU on Thursday could indirectly decide who wins in the West.

While keeping in mind that the Cougars’ victories came against Rice and North Texas, to be in contention — for now — following the unthinkable loss against Texas State to open the season is exciting.

Last week, UH looked impressive on all three phases of the ball. Offensively, redshirt sophomore quarterback David Piland had time in the pocket resulting in no sacks or interceptions. Defensively, UH picked the ball twice and made stops at key moments. On special teams, redshirt senior kicker Matt Hogan reversed his fortunes from the week before while connecting two-for-two on field goals.

Prior to the first game against Texas State, head coach Tony Levine suggested he would know more about his team around 11 p.m. The same could be said regarding Thursday’s match against SMU.

THE DAILY COUGAR

OVERTIME SECTION EDITORS Andrew Pate Christopher Shelton COPY EDITORS Aryan Baktash Jason Dorn COVER PHOTO Rebekah Stearns PRODUCTION Andres Garcia Farah Hasnie

ABOUT Overtime is produced by The Daily 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 Student Publications Department. To contact Student Publications, call (713) 743-5350.

CONTACT Editorial 713-743-5360 Advertising 713-743-5340 Student Publications Room 7, UC Satellite University of Houston Houston, TX 77204-4015

FOOTBALL SCHEDULE TEXAS STATE

L, 30-13 LOUSIANA TECH

L, 56-49 @ UCLA

L, 37-6 RICE (RELIANT STADIUM)

W, 35-14 NORTH TEXAS

W, 44-21 UAB

Oct. 13 @SMU

Oct. 18 UTEP

Oct. 27 @ EAST CAROLINA

Nov. 3

We misspell on purpose.

Just to keep you alert.

Your welcome.

®

TULSA (HOMECOMING)

Nov. 10 @ MARSHALL

Nov. 17 TULANE

Nov. 24

Saturday, October 13, 2012 // 3

The Daily Cougar

UH offense showcases extensive talent

Dewayne Peace escapes a tackle during a 44-21 victory over North Texas last weekend at Robertson Stadium. Peace is one of 16 players who have caught at least one ball during the first five games. | Rebekah Stearns/The Daily Cougar Christopher Shelton Assistant sports editor

Sophomore quarterback David Piland said UH has injected creativity into the Cougars’ program with the

inclusion of offensive coordinator Travis Bush. “(Bush) has done a great job of utilizing players and putting them in positions where they can excel,” Piland said. “He knows his X’s and O’s

and he’s here all of the time.”

After opening the season with a 30-13 loss to Texas State, former offensive coordinator Mike Nesbitt resigned.

Since Bush inherited the reins of

the offense, Piland is having a big statistical year as fifth in total offense and passing yards per game in the nation.

Piland said he and Bush have a good connection.

“He has a great relationship with me, we’re trying to always be on the same page,” Piland said.

UH has found different ways to get Charles Sims involved. In Bush’s first game calling offensive plays Sims received 32 touches and was a threat out of the backfield, catching 11 balls.

The Cougars have utilized their young offensive players. Sophomore Daniel Spencer is their leading receiver. Freshmen wide receivers Larry McDuffey and Deontay Greenberry have also made an impact.

Head coach Tony Levine said Bush’s inclusion has allowed UH to confuse its opponents.

“Coach Bush has brought a lot of creativity to our offense. We are able to use a lot of misdirections and be multiple with our formations and things of that nature,” Levine said.

“It’s a compliment when people say the flow of the play was going left and the ball ends up going right. He is very good at keeping defenses off balance and being unpredictable. He, as well as our entire offensive staff,

have done a great job this season.”

With a more explosive offense, UH could compete in Conference USA, despite the 0-3 start. The Cougars are undefeated in conference play, and set for second in the West division behind Tulsa, who has had more opportunities. Tulsa is 3-0 in conference with a 5-1 record.

UH has a date with Tulsa on Nov. 10 for its homecoming; a game that could have serious implications and ultimately determine the winner of the western division of the conference.

Where do I get the latest UH news? thedailycougar.com

The Daily Cougar

4 \\ Saturday, October 13, 2012

Redshirt senior Jacolby Ashworth played both football and basketball in high school before ultimately sticking with the pigskin; now he anchors the offensive line. | Rebekah Stearns/The Daily Cougar

Moving Mountains Offensive lineman Jacolby Ashworth anchors ‘Brick Squad’, veteran group up front Christopher Shelton Assistant sports editor

Pancaking a defensive player can conjure the same feelings as dunking a basketball.

Redshirt senior Jacolby Ashworth has done both.

Ashworth boxed out opponents as a center on his high school basketball team in Lufkin.

Ashworth The skills garnered on the basketball court have bettered him on the football field, he said.

“In my background I played a lot of basketball growing up. I try to use that on the field as much as

I can,” Ashworth said.

“Footwork. Just picking my feet up, getting through holes to the linebackers and second level.

I keep my feet in pass blocking.”

Besides his athleticism, Ashworth’s best asset may be his consistency.

After a season-ending ankle injury against UT EP in 2009, he started in 31 consecutive games on the offensive line.

Offensive line coach Lee Hayes said it’s a joy to coach Ashworth and the veteran group, of which he is a leader.

Hayes said Ashworth’s motor keeps opponents off-balanced all night.

“I think I’m closer to this group than I’ve ever been with groups in the past. It’s a joy to come out and coach them. They want to work

hard,” Hayes said.

“They want to pay the price.

I don’t ever have to talk about effort. I have to pull (Ashworth) back a little bit. Sometimes he’s too aggressive.”

This season, though UH is 2-3, Ashworth has been a stabilizing force along the offensive line through injuries to the other starters, redshirt sophomore Rowdy Harper and redshirt junior Kevin Forsch.

After defeating North Texas 44-21 — now that the squad is fully healthy — the offensive line was named offensive player of the week by the coaching staff. Junior running back Charles Sims rushed for 210 yards and sophomore quarterback David Piland threw 321 passing yards without getting sacked.

He makes my job easier, not because he’s a good football player but because he’s a good man.”

Lee Hayes, UH offensive line coach talking about Jacolby Ashworth

Ashworth and the offensive line were a big part of the team’s success. Last season, he and former offensive lineman Chris Thompson coined the term Bricksquad for the offensive line — a euphemism Ashworth hopes sticks after he moves on.

Hayes said Ashworth flourishes because he works hard during practice.

“He’s a leader in that he leads by example,” Hayes said. “When he talks to the kids about going hard they have to rise to his level on the offensive line because he’s going the hardest.”

“He makes my job easier, not because he’s a good football player but because he’s a good man,” Hayes said.

Redshirt junior Ralph Oragwu — a friend and roommate of Ashworth — said underneath the rough exterior, he’s a gentle giant off the field.

On the field is a different story; Oragwu said Ashworth can talk and back it up.

“He’s more of a sweet guy outside the field. He has manners.

On the field he’s a beast but off the field he’s a normal, cool, laid back guy,” Oragwu said.

Saturday, October 13, 2012 // 5

The Daily Cougar

Love of the game Senior linebacker Phillip Steward’s playmaking ability second only to passion for sport

A season ago, Phillip Steward led all linebackers nationally in interceptions with six total. Last game, Steward recorded at least 10 tackles for the 11th time in his career. | Photo courtesy of UH Athletics

Andrew Pate Sports editor

For college football players across the country, the demand can be physically draining. From summer two-adays and regular-season early morning workouts to team and positional meetings, the enjoyment of the game can be difficult to find at moments — unless you’re UH senior linebacker Phillip Steward.

“I love playing football so when I go out there I’m always having fun,” Steward said. “You always see me smiling and talking because that’s what I like to do. Every weekend I get a chance to play football, I’m excited.”

The outgoing Missouri City native has drawn praise from his coaches and peers for his performance on the field and leadership abilities off it.

“He’s a guy that’s very experienced and made a lot of plays so he needs to be a great leader around here and he’s done a really good job of it,” said defensive coordinator, Jamie Bryant. “He’s a very instinctive player and he’s playing harder than he’s ever played.”

Steward speaks about his admiration for the Baltimore Ravens’ linebacker Ray Lewis, a 17-year NFL veteran known for his physical plays and inspirational speeches, and aspires to replicate his idol.

“I like what he brings to the game, how he gets his team motivated to get ready to play

state championship game. In 2009, UH found the national spotlight following victories over No. 5 Oklahoma State and Texas Tech but it was the disappointing 5-7 season the next year that taught Steward the most.

“That first year we made a bowl game, the championship game and I learned every year you’re not guaranteed to make it to the championship game,” he said. “You’ve got to put in work and keep fighting to get back to the conference championship.”

Steward is also familiar with UH football’s reputation of consistent offensive success and defensive struggles, providing ample motivation for the linebacker.

“There are a lot of people that talk about the offense and that’s all they ever talk about,” Steward said. “I know I heard from some old position players about the ‘Mad Dog Defense’ way back in the day.

De Let’s try to make it our show L around here.” a Heading into the remainder of the season, the kinesiology-sports administration major focuses on his athletic and academic goals equally.

“I want to finish this season healthy and at least get this team to the conference championship game and get us into a bowl game,” Steward said. “After all that is done, I plan to try to get to Phillip Steward // Linebacker the NFL and graduate in May.”

that day,” Steward said. “Just the stuff he says motivates you to want to go out there and play hard.”

Steward competed in 14 games as a freshman with the Cougars in 2009 and recorded a career-best 13 tackles in his first start against Northwestern State. The moment that sticks out most in his mind came from the opening kick.

“The very first kickoff I got hit so ha hard I hurt my ribs,” Steward said. “Coach Sumlin came up to me and said, ‘Welcome to college football.’

The rest of the game after that it was playing football as just playin but I just rememberr that first hit on the kickoff.”

In high school, was Steward wa a part of a 15-1 High-tower team that competed com ted in the

Rebekah Stearns // THE DAILY COUGAR

The Daily Cougar

6 \\ Saturday, October 13, 2012

THEBIGBOARD AP TOP 25 RK

// College football at a glance

C-USA MATCHUPS

TEAM

C-USA

RECORD

PTS

1 Alabama (60)

5-0

1500

2 Oregon

6-0

1435

SMU at Tulane

3 South Carolina

6-0

1359

UTSA at Rice

4 Florida

5-0

1265

Memphis at East Carolina

CSS

3:30 p.m. CT

5 West Virginia

5-0

1260

Southern Miss at UCF

CBSSN

7:00 p.m. CT

6 Kansas State

5-0

1217

7 Notre Dame

5-0

1176

8 Ohio State

6-0

9 LSU

5-1

10 Oregon State

4-0

873

11 USC

4-1

SATURDAY

NETWORK

TIME

EAST

W

L

W

L

CSS

12 p.m. CT

UCF

1

0

3

2

FCS

2:30 p.m. CT

Memphis

1

0

1

4

East Carolina

2

1

3

3

Marshall

1

1

2

4

UAB

0

1

1

4

Southern Miss

0

1

0

5

1053

WEST

W

L

W

L

938

Tulsa

3

0

5

1

Houston

1

0

2

3

812

SMU

1

0

2

3

UTEP

0

2

1

5

Rice

0

3

1

5

Tulane

0

1

0

5

12 Florida State

5-1

800

13 Oklahoma

3-1

756

14 Georgia

5-1

733

15 Texas

4-1

711

16 Clemson

5-1

657

17 Stanford

4-1

587

18 Louisville

5-0

494

19 Mississippi State

5-0

450

20 Rutgers

5-0

331

21 Cincinnati 22 Texas A&M 23 Louisiana Tech

4-0 4-1 5-0

205 153 129

24 Boise State

4-1

114

25 Michigan

3-2

82

Others receiving votes: Ohio 79, Baylor 62, Iowa State 54, TCU 50, Michigan State 49, Arizona State 39, Washington 39, North Carolina State 17, Nebraska 5, Arizona 4, Duke 3, Tennessee 3, Texas Tech 2, Tulsa 2, Northwestern 1, Penn State 1

SAY WHAT?

Statistically it’s a little scary because we’re scoring 29 a game and they’re scoring 29 a game and our defenses are giving up the same amount as well. On paper, this is an extremely even game.”

TV GUIDE SATURDAY, OCT. 13

NETWORK

TIME (CT)

Louisville at Pittsburgh

ESPNU

10 a.m.

Kansas State at Iowa State

FX

11 a.m.

Texas vs. Oklahoma

ABC

11 a.m.

Syracuse at Rutgers

ESPN3

11 a.m.

Iowa at Michigan State

ESPN

11 a.m.

Northwestern at Minnesota Kent State at Army Wisconsin at Purdue

ESPN2 CBSS BTN

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

Auburn at Ole Miss

ESPN3

11:21 a.m.

Duke at Virginia Tech

ESPN3

11:30 a.m..

Temple at Connecticut

ESPN3

12 p.m.

Akron at Ohio

ESPN3

1 p.m.

North Carolina at Miami (Fla.)

ESPNU

1:30 p.m.

Utah at UCLA

FOX

2 p.m.

Maryland at Virginia

ESPN3

2 p.m.

Western Michigan at Ball State

ESPN3

2 p.m.

Alabama at Missouri

CBS

2:30 p.m.

Tennessee at Georgia

CBS

2:30 p.m.

West Virginia at Texas Tech

ESPN/ABC

2:30 p.m.

Stanford at Notre Dame

NBC

2:30 p.m.

Oregon State at BYU

ESPN/ABC

2:30 p.m.

Fresno State at Boise State

NBCSN

2:30 p.m.

Boston College at Florida State

ESPN2

4:30 p.m.

Florida at Vanderbilt

ESPNU

5 p.m.

USC at Washington

FOX

6 p.m.

South Carolina at LSU

ESPN

7 p.m.

Ohio State at Indiana

BTN

7 p.m.

Southern Miss at Central Florida

CBSSN

7 p.m.

Tennessee at Mississippi State

ESPN2

8 p.m.

Texas A&M at Louisiana Tech

ESPNU

8 p.m.

— Tony Levine, UH head coach talking about the matchup against the UAB Blazers

11 players. 100 yards.

140 characters at a time.

Follow @thedailycougar for live game updates

COUGAR FLASHBACK

1991 Houstonian

#12 HOUSTON 36, #20 TEXAS A&M 31

Cougars oust Aggies On this date in 1990, the Cougars overtook Texas A&M, breaking a five-year losing streak to the Aggies and improving to 5-0.

The Cougars’ defense forced eight turnovers in front of 45, 141 at the Astrodome.

UH running back Chuck Weatherspoon rushed for 131 yards on 27 carries including a game winning one-yard touchdown run.

Quarterback David Klingler passed for 352 yards on 24 for 51 passing and one touchdown.

The Cougars finished the 1990 season at 10-1 and 7-1 in the Southwest Conference.

— Andrew Pate

Saturday, October 13, 2012 // 7

The Daily Cougar

20 Valencia (SS) 2

23 Stewart (FS) 10 McMillian (CB)

Hayden (CB)

42

90

Steward (LB)

Riser (DE)

92

54

Daniels (LB)

Mbu (DT)

95

49 Mathews (LB)

Scypion (DT)

45

Allen (DE)

DEFE ENSE OFFE ENSE 74

64

Harper (LT)

Cloud (LG)

63

8 27

Forsch (C)

76

Ashworth (RG)

69

Oragwu (RT)

Piland (QB)

81 McDuffey (WR)

3 Greenberry(WR)

9 Peace (WR)

Spencer (WR)

5

TEAMLEADERS

Sims (RB)

UNDERTHEHELMET

2012 stats, UH vs. UAB starters

// Getting to know the Cougars

Celebrity Crush

Favorite Video Game

Favorite Movie

Gabrielle Union

NBA 2K13

Soul Men

Blake Lively

FIFA

Taken

PASSING

Player

Cmp Att. Yards Cmp% TD

Int

Rat

David Piland

155

265

1,722

58.5

5

7

119

Austin Brown

61

91

828

67

4

2

153

Derrick Mathews

RUSHING

Player

Att.

Avg.

Yards

TD

Long

Charles Sims

79

6.5

510

6

53

Darrin Reaves

64

3.8

262

4

30

Rec.

Avg.

Daniel Spencer

27

14.7

396

2

74

Jackie Williams

24

16.2

389

0

47

RECEIVING

Player

Yards

TD

Long Shane Ros

The Daily Cougar

8 \\ Saturday, October 13, 2012

THE OPPOSITION

Young UAB squad boasts dynamic duo

Sell your stuff.

Call 713-743-5356 to get started. classifieds@thedailycougar.com

Learning Support Services Room N109 Cougar Village (Building # 563) Schedule available at www.las.uh.edu Mon–Thurs 9:00 am - 9:00 pm Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Sunday 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm

WORKSHOPS FALL 2012

Location: N112 Cougar Village (building 563) Length: 50 minutes. Please be on time.

No admittance after 5 minutes past the hour.

Register: “Workshop Signup” at www.las.uh.edu/lss On-line registration is necessary to obtain a spot.

CATCH UP

S

FREE TUTORING

ideas from t h

LA

Learning Assessment Services

Bri g

THE DAILY COUGAR

Learning Support Services r 1FFS UVUPSJOH r -FBSOJOH 4USBUFHJFT DPVOTFMJOH r 4UVEFOU 4VDDFTT 8PSLTIPQT

Problems registering? Call Dr. Laura Heidel at 713-743-5439 or Lorraine Schroeder at 713-743-5463

www.las.uh.edu

WEEK

TOPIC

TIME #1

TIME #2

7

Learning beyond memorizing

Tues. 10/16 @ 3pm

Fri. 10/19 @ 4pm

8

Building organizational skills

Mon. 10/15 @ 4pm

Wed. 10/17 @ 3pm

8

Giving professional presentations

Mon. 10/22 @ 2pm

Thurs. 10/25 @ 11am

9

Effective study groups

Tues. 10/23 @ 1pm

Fri. 10/26 @ 3pm

9

Studying for natural science courses

Mon. 10/29 @ 3pm

Fri. 11/2 @ 1pm

10

Studying for Math/Statistics/Accounting

Tues. 10/30 @ 1pm

Fri. 11/2 @ 3pm

10

Time management–School/Life balance

Mon. 11/5 @ 11am

Tues. 11/6 @ 3pm

11

Analytical Reasoning

Wed. 11/14 @ 11am

Thurs. 11/15 @ 1pm

12

Boosting memory

Tues. 11/20 @ 2pm

Tues. 11/20 @ 4pm

13

Reducing test anxiety

Tues. 11/27 @ 5pm

Fri. 11/30 @ 4pm

14

Overcoming procrastination

Mon. 12/3 @ 3pm

Thurs. 12/6 @ 4pm

ONLINE FACULTY/ COURSE EVALUATION

15

Coping with finals

Tues. 12/4 @ 3pm

Wed. 12/5 @ 1pm

http://accessuh.uh.edu

STAY ON TARGET Retention Programs r $IBMMFOHFS 1SPHSBN

GET AHEAD University Testing Services r "DDVQMBDFS r $SFEJU CZ FYBN r "EWBODFE 1MBDFNFOU r *OUFSOBUJPOBM #BDDBMBVSFBUF r (3& r 1MBDFNFOU UFTUT

GET INVOLVED Parent Education Project

6TF ZPVS NZ6) 1FPQMF4PŦ *% PS $PVHBS/FU *% UP MPHJO

UH’s defense will look to slow down UAB who is coming off a 52-3 victory. | Rebekah Stearns/The Daily Cougar

Christopher Shelton Assistant sports editor

Despite the Cougars defeating UAB 56-13 last season, the past eight games between them have been split 4-4.

Head coach Tony Levine said the Blazers will present a unique competition.

“One thing that stands out more than anything is that they play very hard,” Levine said. “They are extremely young, which shows how well they’ve done recruiting.

They play extremely hard in all phases of the game.”

UAB is coming off its first victory of the season, 52-3 against Southeastern Louisiana. UAB features redshirt freshman quarterback Austin Brown, who led the Blazers to victory in his first collegiate start.

After putting up 337 yards in UAB’s previous game, Brown threw 266 yards and a touchdown, all before the half against Southeastern Louisiana.

Levine said the Blazers twoquarterback system is a challenge.

“Offensively they’ve been playing with two quarterbacks and the statistics are deceiving,” Levine said. “They’re throwing for 303 yards a game and not running effectively, but they’ve had some big negative plays that have hurt their rushing statistics. Young quarterback Austin Brown has done a good job of utilizing his weapons on the outside.”

Sophomore line backer Derrick Mathews said stopping the Blazers running game is paramount.

“We try to eliminate the big plays, then you limit the yards or the touchdowns you give up,” Mathews said. “They have a very effective running game. Every week we look to stop the running, so that will be a great goal for us this week.”