2016 Houston Cougars football team

The 2016 Houston Cougars football team represented the University of Houston in the 2016 NCAA Division I FBS football season. It was the 69th year of season play for Houston. They were led by head coach Tom Herman during the regular season and played their home games at TDECU Stadium in Houston. The Houston Cougars football team is a member of the American Athletic Conference in its West Division. They finished the season 9–4, 5–3 in American Athletic play to finish in a tie for third place in the West Division. They were invited to the Las Vegas Bowl where they lost to San Diego State.

2016 Houston Cougars football
ConferenceAmerican Athletic Conference
DivisionWest Division
2016 record9–4 (5–3 The American)
Head coachTom Herman
(Regular season, 2nd year)
Major Applewhite
(bowl game)
Offensive coordinatorMajor Applewhite (2nd season)
Offensive schemeSpread
Defensive coordinatorTodd Orlando (2nd season)
Base defense3–4
CaptainCameron Malveaux
Tyler McCloskey
Greg Ward Jr.
Brandon Wilson
Home stadiumTDECU Stadium
(Capacity: 40,000)
2016 American Athletic Conference football standings
Conf  Overall
Team W L    W L 
East Division
Temple xy$  7 –1     10 –4  
No. 19 South Florida x  7 –1     11 –2  
UCF  4 –4     6 –7  
Cincinnati  1 –7     4 –8  
UConn  1 –7     3 –9  
East Carolina  1 –7     3 –9  
West Division
Navy xy  7 –1     9 –5  
Tulsa  6 –2     10 –3  
Memphis  5 –3     8 –5  
Houston  5 –3     9 –4  
SMU  3 –5     5 –7  
Tulane  1 –7     4 –8  
Championship: Temple 34, Navy 10
  • $ – Conference champion
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
  • y – Championship game participant
Rankings from AP Poll

On November 26, head coach Tom Herman resigned to become the head coach at Texas.[1] He finished at Houston with a two-year record of 22–4. Houston was led by new head coach Major Applewhite in the Las Vegas Bowl.

Previous season and offseason
Main article: 2015 Houston Cougars football team

In the 2015 season, the Houston Cougars finished 13–1, one of the greatest seasons in school history. The Cougars beat #20 Temple in the AAC Championship game and advanced to beat #9 Florida State 38–24 in the Peach Bowl, one of the New Year's Six bowls. The Cougars were ranked #8 in the final AP poll, which was their first final top-ten ranking since 1990, and their highest final ranking since the 1979 season.

Departures

Coaching departures

After serving as wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator at Houston for one year, Drew Mehringer was named as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for Rutgers on December 14, 2015.[2]

Incoming transfers

2016 recruiting class
US college sports recruiting information for high school athletes
Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight 40‡ Commit date
Overall recruiting rankings:
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "2016 Team Ranking". Rivals.com.

    Walk-on recruits
    US college sports recruiting information for high school athletes
    Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight Commit date
    Overall recruiting rankings:
    • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
    • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

    Sources:

      National signing day was on Wednesday, February 3, 2016.

      Returning starters

      Offense

      Defense

      Special teams

      Spring practice

      The Houston Cougars football team held its annual Red and White Spring Game on Saturday, April 16, 2016, at TDECU Stadium. The defense (White) defeated the offense (Red) 74–72.[3]

      Fall camp

      Personnel

      Roster
      2016 Houston Cougars Football

      Quarterback

      •  1 Greg Ward - Senior (5'11, 190)
      •  3 Kyle Postma - Junior (6'3, 205)
      •  4 D'Eriq King - Freshman (5'10, 170)
      •  8 Hunter McCoy - Senior (6'4, 220)
      • 10 Kyle Allen - Junior (6'3, 210)
      • 12 Bowman Sells - Freshman (6'2, 202)
      • 13 Mason McClendon - Sophomore (5'10, 190)
      • 16 Bear Fenimore - Sophomore (6'1, 215)

      Tailback

      •  2 Duke Catalon - Sophomore (6'0, 210)
      • 20 Kalig Kokuma - Sophomore (5'11, 210)
      • 25 Chandler Smith - Freshman (5'7, 180)
      • 28 Josh Burrell - Freshman (5'10, 247)
      • 32 Kevrin Justice - Freshman (5'11, 190)
      • 34 Mulbah Car - Freshman (5'11, 194)
      • 46 Patrick Carr - Sophomore (5'10, 195)
      • 48 Michael Dunn - Sophomore (5'10, 200)
      • 49 Blake Hirsch - Sophomore (6'0, 220)

      Wide Receiver

      •  5 Ra'Shaad Samples - Junior (5'11, 190)
      •  7 Marquez Stevenson - Freshman (6'0, 175) *
      •  9 Courtney Lark - Freshman (6'1, 163) *
      • 14 Isaiah Johnson - Sophomore (6'4, 205)
      • 15 Linell Bonner - Junior (6'0, 202)
      • 17 Terry Mark - Freshman (6'1, 190)
      • 18 Keith Corbin - Freshman (6'2, 175)
      • 21 Chance Allen - Senior (6'3, 215)
      • 23 Kinte Hatton - Junior (5'10, 170)
      • 27 Christian Luke - Freshman (6'2, 215)
      • 30 Tristen Gomez - Sophomore (5'6, 166)
      • 39 Keisland Smalls - Freshman (5'9, 185)
      • 80 Tren'Davian Dickson - Freshman (5'11, 175)
      • 83 Derek McLemore - Junior (6'0, 197)
      • 85 John Leday - Junior (6'0, 200)
      • 86 Colton Cerday - Freshman (6'0, 216)
      • 88 Steven Dunbar - Junior (6'3, 200)

      Tight End

      • 45 Tyler McCloskey - Senior (6'2, 245)
      • 82 Romello Brooker - Sophomore (6'4, 240)
      • 84 Chris Johnson - Junior (6'5, 235)
      • 87 Alex Leslie - Junior (6'5, 240)
      • 89 Byron Simpson - Junior (6'5, 260)
      		  

      Offensive Lineman

      • 51 Na'Ty Rodgers - Junior (6'5, 292)
      • 52 Braylon Jones - Freshman (6'3, 278)
      • 53 Alex Fontana - Junior (6'3, 310)
      • 56 Dixie Wooten III - Freshman (6'5, 322)
      • 58 Ryan Hirsch - Freshman (6'2, 280)
      • 60 Kordell Snyder - Freshman (6'3, 265)
      • 61 Ryan Deshotel - Freshman (6'4, 272)
      • 62 Jarrid Williams - Freshman (6'6, 290)
      • 63 Marc Reid - Junior (6'5, 279)
      • 64 Grant Strimple - Freshman (6'2, 277)
      • 65 Colby Brignac - Freshman (6'1, 290)
      • 66 Cole Miller - Freshman (5'11, 298)
      • 69 Will Nobel - Sophomore (6'4, 290)
      • 70 Mac Long - Senior (6'4, 300)
      • 72 Mason Denley - Sophomore (6'4, 305)
      • 73 Marcus Oliver - Junior (6'3, 295)
      • 74 Josh Jones - Freshman (6'5, 280)
      • 75 Jacoby Morrison - Freshman (6'2, 251)
      • 76 Kameron Eloph - Sophomore (6'3, 294)
      • 77 Keenan Murphy - Freshman (6'2, 295)
      • 79 Josh Thomas - Junior (6'6, 332)

      Defensive Line

      • 10 Ed Oliver - Freshman (6'2, 290)
      • 17 Chauntez Jackson - Senior (6'5, 280)
      • 27 D.J. Jenkins - Freshman (6'2, 260)
      • 50 Aymiel Fleming - Freshman (6'2, 284)
      • 52 Jerard Carter - Sophomore (6'3, 297)
      • 59 Zorrell Ezell - Senior (6'1, 285)
      • 90 Zach Vaughan - Sophomore (6'4, 270)
      • 91 Nick Thurman - Junior (6'4, 290)
      • 93 B.J. Singleton - Senior (6'4, 314)
      • 94 Cameron Malveaux - Senior (6'6, 270)
      • 96 Blaine Medland - Sophomore (6'0, 246)

      Long Snappers

      • 31 Jon Letter - Freshman (6'3, 191)
      • 48 Zach Faires - Senior (6'2, 235)
      • 57 Payton Pardee - Freshman (5'10, 190)
      • 97 Nick Wildberger - Sophomore (6'1, 210)

      Placekicker

      • 41 Joel Scarbrough - Freshman (5'10, 182)
      • 44 Luke Hogan - Freshman (6'1, 192)
      • 47 Ty Cummings - Senior (6'0, 185)
      • 95 Mason Tobola - Freshman (6'2, 205)
      		  

      Linebacker

      •  8 Emeke Egbule - Sophomore (6'3, 230)
      •  9 Matthew Adams - Junior (6'1, 230)
      • 12 D'Juan Hines - Junior (6'1, 225)
      • 20 Roman Brown - Sophomore (6'0, 220)
      • 21 Ralph Harvey Jr. - Senior (6'2, 245)
      • 32 Khari Dotson - Sophomore (6'1, 210)
      • 33 Ja'Von Shelley - Sophomore (6'1, 230)
      • 36 Nomluis Fruge - Junior (6'0, 225)
      • 41 Steven Taylor - Senior (6'1, 225)
      • 43 Leroy Godfrey - Freshman (6'3, 240)
      • 46 Jordan Milburn - Freshman (6'1, 225)
      • 51 Rasheed Tynes - Junior (5'11, 220)
      • 54 Cameron Doubenmier - Junior (5'11, 220)
      • 55 Davonte Thomas - Senior (6'1, 220)
      • 81 Tyus Bowser - Senior (6'3, 240)
      • 86 Kobe Idumwonyi - Freshman (6'2, 245)

      Cornerback

      •  4 Ka'Darian Smith - Freshman (6'0, 172)
      •  6 Howard Wilson - Sophomore (6'1, 185)
      •  7 Patrick Rosette - Freshman (6'1, 195)
      • 13 Joeal Williams - Sophomore (5'10, 185)
      • 19 Javian Smith - Freshman (6'1, 165)
      • 24 Jeremy Winchester - Sophomore (6'0, 190)
      • 25 Dillon Birden - Junior (5'9, 172)
      • 26 Brandon Wilson - Senior (5'11, 200)
      • 30 Andrew Robertson - Sophomore (5'9, 176)
      • 35 Andrew Mathis - Sophomore (6'0, 204)
      • 40 Alexander Myres - Junior (5'10, 184)

      Safety

      •  1 Garrett Davis - Sophomore (6'1, 200)
      •  2 Khalil Williams - Junior (6'0, 200)
      •  5 Collin Wilder - Freshman (5'11, 175)
      • 18 Michael Eke - Freshman (6'2, 205)
      • 22 Austin Robinson - Junior (6'3, 220)
      • 23 Terrell Williams - Junior (6'3, 210)
      • 29 Darius Gilbert - Freshman (6'2, 195)
      • 31 D'Aundre Holmes-Wilfork - Freshman (5'10, 183)
      • 37 Caemen Mayfield - Sophomore (5'10, 204)
      • 42 Grayson Thorburn - Freshman (6'2, 205)

      Punter

      • 38 Dane Roy - Freshman (6'7, 230)

      Coaching staff

      Depth chart

      The list of starters is to be announced.

      Schedule

      Houston played UCF, UConn, Tulane and Tulsa at home and Cincinnati, Memphis, Navy and SMU on the road. The conference schedule was released February 9.[4]

      DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendance
      September 311:00 a.m.vs. No. 3 Oklahoma*No. 15
      		ABCW 33–2371,016
      September 1011:00 a.m.Lamar*No. 6
      		ASNW 42–039,402
      September 156:30 p.m.at CincinnatiNo. 6
      		ESPNW 40–1640,015
      September 246:00 p.m.at Texas State*No. 6
      		ESPNUW 64–333,133
      September 297:00 p.m.UConnNo. 6
      • TDECU Stadium
      • Houston, TX
      		ESPNW 42–1440,873
      October 82:00 p.m.at NavyNo. 6
      		CBSSNL 40–4634,531
      October 156:00 p.m.TulsaNo. 13
      		ESPN2W 38–3138,221
      October 226:00 p.m.at SMUNo. 11
      		ESPN2L 16–3832,000
      October 2911:00 a.m.UCF
      • TDECU Stadium
      • Houston, TX
      		ESPNUW 31–2435,846
      November 122:30 p.m.Tulane
      • TDECU Stadium
      • Houston, TX
      		CBSSNW 30–1836,552
      November 178:00 p.m.No. 3 Louisville*
      • TDECU Stadium
      • Houston, TX
      		ESPNW 36–1042,822
      November 2511:00 a.m.at MemphisNo. 18
      		ABCL 44–4836,527
      December 172:30 p.m.vs. San Diego State*
      		ABCL 10–3429,286
      • *Non-conference game
      • Homecoming
      • Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game
      • All times are in Central time
      Schedule Source:[5]

      Game summaries

      vs. Oklahoma
      See also: 2016 Oklahoma Sooners football team and Texas Kickoff
      Overall record Last meeting Result
      0–2 2004 OKLA, 63–13
      #3 Oklahoma Sooners vs #15 Houston Cougars  – Game summary [6]
      1 2 34Total
      #3 Oklahoma 10 7 0623
      #15 Houston 3 16 14033

      at NRG Stadium • Houston,TX Texas Kickoff

      • Date: September 3, 2016
      • Game time: 11:07 a.m. CDT
      • Game weather: Temperature: 72 °F (22 °C) • Wind: Calm • Weather: Indoor
      • Game attendance: 71,016
      • Referee: Cooper Castleberry
      • TV announcers (ABC): Dave Pasch (Play-by-play), Greg McElroy (color) & Tom Luginbill (sideline)
      Game information

      Lamar
      See also: 2016 Lamar Cardinals football team
      Overall record Last meeting Result
      3–0 1983 HOU, 42–35
      Lamar Cardinals vs #6 Houston Cougars  – Game summary [7]
      1 2 34Total
      Lamar 0 0 000
      #6 Houston 14 14 7742

      at TDECU Stadium • Houston,TX

      • Date: September 10, 2016
      • Game time: 05:25 p.m. CDT
      • Game weather: Temperature: 88 °F (31 °C) • Wind: N 3 mph• Weather: Cloudy and Humid
      • Game attendance: 39,402
      • Referee: Rick Loumiet
      • TV: ESPN3
      • Sources:UHCougars.com[8] LamarCardinals.com[9]
      Game information

      at Cincinnati
      See also: 2016 Cincinnati Bearcats football team
      Overall record Last meeting Result
      14–10 2015 HOU, 33–30
      #6 Houston Cougars at Cincinnati Bearcats  – Game summary [10]
      1 2 34Total
      #6 Houston 7 3 22840
      Cincinnati 7 3 0616

      at Nippert Stadium • Cincinnati, OH

      • Date: September 15, 2016
      • Game time: 07:34 p.m. CDT
      • Game weather: Temperature: 80 °F (27 °C) • Wind: Calm • Weather: Sunny
      • Game attendance: 40,015
      • Referee: Adam Savoie
      • TV: ESPN
      • Sources:UHCougars.com[11]
      Game information

      at Texas State
      See also: 2016 Texas State Bobcats football team
      Overall record Last meeting Result
      2–4 2015 HOU, 59–14
      #6 Houston Cougars at Texas State Bobcats – Game summary [12]
      1 2 34Total
      #6 Houston 16 27 14764
      Texas State 0 3 003

      at Bobcat Stadium • San Marcos, TX

      • Date: September 24, 2016
      • Game time: 06:02 p.m. CDT
      • Game weather: Temperature: 85 °F (29 °C) • Wind: SE 13 mph • Weather: Clear
      • Game attendance: 33,133
      • Referee: Charles Lewis
      • TV: ESPNU
      • Sources:UHCougars.com[13]
      Game information

      UConn
      See also: 2016 UConn Huskies football team
      Overall record Last meeting Result
      0–1 2015 UCONN, 20–17
      UConn Huskies at #6 Houston Cougars – Game summary
      1 2 34Total
      UConn 0 7 0714
      #6 Houston 0 28 14042

      at TDECU Stadium • Houston, TX

      • Date: September 29, 2016
      • Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
      • Referee: C. Lamertina
      • TV: ESPN
      • Sources:UHCougars.com[14]
      Game information
      Second Quarter
      • HOU Greg Ward Jr. 30 yd run; Ty Cummings XP good (HOU 0-7)
      • HOU Dillon Birden 1 yd run; Ty Cummings XP good (HOU 0-14)
      • HOU Tyler McCloskey 3 yd pass from Greg Ward Jr.; Ty Cummings XP good (HOU 0-21)
      • HOU Steven Dunbar 15 yd pass from Greg Ward Jr.; Ty Cummings XP good (HOU 0-28)
      • UCONN Noel Thomas 62 yd pass from Bryant Shirreffs; Bobby Puyol XP good (HOU 7-28)
      Third Quarter
      • HOU Greg Ward Jr. 10 yd run; Ty Cummings XP good (HOU 7-35)
      • HOU Linell Bonner 4 yd pass from Greg Ward Jr.; Ty Cummings XP good (HOU 7-42)
      Fourth Quarter
      • UCONN Bryant Shirreffs 1 yd run; Bobby Puyol XP good (HOU 14-42)

      at Navy
      See also: 2016 Navy Midshipmen football team
      Overall record Last meeting Result
      2–0 2015 HOU, 52–31
      #6 Houston Cougars at Navy Midshipmen – Game summary
      1 2 34Total
      #6 Houston 10 10 71340
      Navy 10 10 21546

      at Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium • Annapolis, MD

      • Date: October 8, 2016
      • Game time: 2:00 p.m. CDT
      • TV: ESPN
      Game information
      First Quarter
      • HOU Steven Dunbar 32 yd pass from Greg Ward Jr.; Ty Cummings XP good (HOU 7-0)
      • NAVY Chris High 12 yd run; B Moehring XP good (TIE 7-7)
      • HOU Ty Cummings 39 yd field goal (HOU 10-7)
      • NAVY B Moehring 24 yd field goal (TIE 10-10)
      Second Quarter
      • HOU Ty Cummings 36 yd field goal (HOU 13-10)
      • NAVY Will Worth 2 yd run; B Moehring XP good (NAVY 13-17)
      • HOU Dillon Birden 19 yd pass from Greg Ward Jr.; Ty Cummings XP good (HOU 20-17)
      • NAVY B Moehring 38 yd field goal (TIE 20-20)
      Third Quarter
      • NAVY Darryl Bonner 17 yd pass from Will Worth; B Moehring XP good (NAVY 20-27)
      • NAVY Josiah Powell 34 yd interception return; B Moehring XP good (NAVY 20-34)
      • HOU Greg Ward Jr. 8 yd run; Ty Cummings XP good (NAVY 27-34)
      • NAVY Brandon Colon 34 yd pass from Will Worth; B Moehring XP good (NAVY 27-41)
      Fourth Quarter
      • HOU Dillon Birden 2 yd run; Ty Cummings XP failed (NAVY 33-41)
      • NAVY Team safety (NAVY 33-43)
      • NAVY B Moehring 40 yd field goal (NAVY 33-46)
      • HOU Chance Allen 17 yd pass from Greg Ward Jr.; Ty Cummings XP good (NAVY 40-46)

      Tulsa
      See also: 2016 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football team and Houston–Tulsa football rivalry
      Overall record Last meeting Result
      22–18 2015 HOU, 38–24
      Tulsa Golden Hurricane at #13 Houston Cougars – Game summary
      1 2 34Total
      Tulsa 3 14 01431
      #13 Houston 10 7 71438

      at TDECU Stadium • Houston, TX

      • Date: October 15, 2016
      • Game time: 6:00 p.m. CDT

      at SMU
      See also: 2016 SMU Mustangs football team
      Overall record Last meeting Result
      20–10–1 2015 HOU, 49–28
      #11 Houston Cougars at SMU Mustangs – Game summary
      1 2 34Total
      #11 Houston 0 7 7216
      SMU 7 21 01038

      at Gerald J. Ford Stadium • Dallas, TX

      • Date: October 22, 2016
      • Game time: 6:00pm CDT

      UCF
      See also: 2016 UCF Knights football team
      Overall record Last meeting Result
      2–5 2015 HOU, 59–10
      UCF Knights at Houston Cougars – Game summary
      1 2 34Total
      UCF 7 14 3024
      Houston 0 3 141431

      at TDECU Stadium • Houston, TX

      • Date: October 29, 2016
      • Game time: TBD CDT

      Tulane
      See also: 2016 Tulane Green Wave football team
      Overall record Last meeting Result
      15–5 2015 HOU, 42–7
      Tulane Green Wave at Houston Cougars – Game summary
      1 2 34Total
      Tulane 7 3 0818
      Houston 14 14 0230

      at TDECU Stadium • Houston, TX

      • Date: November 12, 2016
      • Game time: TBD CST

      Louisville
      See also: 2016 Louisville Cardinals football team
      Overall record Last meeting Result
      8–8 2015 HOU, 34–31
      #3 Louisville Cardinals at Houston Cougars – Game summary
      1 2 34Total
      #3 Louisville 0 0 7310
      Houston 10 21 0536

      at TDECU Stadium • Houston, TX

      • Date: November 17, 2016
      • Game time: 7:00 p.m. CST

      at Memphis
      See also: 2016 Memphis Tigers football team
      Overall record Last meeting Result
      15–9 2015 HOU, 35–34
      #18 Houston Cougars at Memphis Tigers – Game summary
      1 2 34Total
      #18 Houston 10 7 101744
      Memphis 21 13 01448

      at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium • Memphis, TN

      • Date: November 25, 2016
      • Game time: 11:00 a.m. CST

      vs. San Diego State (Las Vegas Bowl)
      See also: 2016 San Diego State Aztecs football team and 2016 Las Vegas Bowl
      Overall record Last meeting Result
      2–0 1973 HOU, 14–9
      Houston Cougars vs San Diego State Aztecs  – Game summary
      1 2 34Total
      Houston 10 0 0010
      San Diego 0 6 141434

      at Sam Boyd Stadium • Whitney, NV

      • Date: December 17, 2016
      • Game time: 2:30 p.m. CST

      Rankings
      Further information: 2016 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings
      Ranking movements
      Legend: ██ Increase in ranking. ██ Decrease in ranking.
      NR = Not ranked. RV = Received votes. т = Tied with team above or below. ( ) = First place votes.
      Week
      Poll Pre 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Final 
      AP 15 6 6 6 6 6 13 11 RV RV RV RV 18 RV RV RV 
      Coaches 13 7 7 7 7 5 12 11 24 RV RV RV 21 RV RV NR 
      CFP Not released NR NR NR 20 24 NR Not released

      References
      1. http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2016/11/texas_set_to_hire_houstons_tom.html
      2. http://www.scarletknights.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/drew_mehringer_995765.html
      3. Ward Jr., Johnson shine in Houston spring game by Kevin Cook. Cypress Creek Mirror, 19 Apr 2016. Retrieved 2016-05-26.
      4. "American Athletic Conference Athletic Directors Conclude Winter Meetings". American Athletic Conference. SideArm Sports. Retrieved 6 February 2016.
      5. "2016 Houston Cougars Football Schedule". FB Schedules. Retrieved February 6, 2016.
      6. "Oklahoma vs Houston (Sep 3,2016)". University of Oklahoma Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. September 3, 2016. Retrieved September 3, 2016.
      7. "Lamar vs Houston (Sep 10,2016)". Lamar Cardinals. September 10, 2016. Retrieved September 27, 2016.
      8. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2012-12-08. Retrieved 2016-09-27.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
      10. "Houston at Cincinnati(Sep 15,2016)". UHCougars.com. September 15, 2016. Retrieved September 27, 2016.
      12. "Houston at Texas State(Sep 24,2016)". UHCougars.com. September 15, 2016. Retrieved September 27, 2016.
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