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
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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
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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
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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.”