CONFERENCE USA 5201 N. O’Connor Blvd., Suite 300, Irving, TX 75039 (214) 774-1300
CONTACT: Russell Anderson (rdanderson@c-usa.org) September 12, 2005
Ryan Powell (rpowell@c-usa.org)
2005 CONFERENCE USA FOOTBALL
EAST DIVISION C-USA ALL GAMES
W-L Pct. H A Pts Opp W-L Pct. H A Pts Opp
EAST CAROLINA 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 - - 1-0 1.000 1-0 0-0 24 21
MARSHALL 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 - - 1-1 .500 1-1 0-0 55 45
UAB 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 - - 1-1 .500 0-0 1-1 37 24
SOUTHERN MISS 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 - - 0-1 .000 0-0 0-1 21 30
MEMPHIS 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 - - 0-1 .000 0-1 0-0 6 10
UCF 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 - - 0-1 .000 0-0 0-1 15 24
WEST DIVISION C-USA ALL GAMES
W-L Pct. H A Pts Opp W-L Pct. H A Pts Opp
UTEP 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 - - 1-0 1.000 0-0 1-0 34 17
HOUSTON 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 - - 1-1 .500 1-1 0-0 55 48
SMU 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 - - 1-1 .500 1-1 0-0 44 38
TULANE 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 - - 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 - -
RICE 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 - - 0-1 .000 0-0 0-1 21 63
TULSA 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 - - 0-2 .000 0-1 0-1 25 72
UPCOMING GAMES PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
PAST RESULTS
Friday, September 16 OFFENSE
Houston at UTEP Saturday, September 10 DeMyron Martin, SMU, RB
(ESPN2) 7:00p Martin scored all three of SMU’s touchdowns in the
Kansas State 21, Marshall 19 Mustangs’ 21-10 upset of No. 22 TCU. The redshirt
(16) Oklahoma 31, Tulsa 15 freshman rushed for 118 yards and two scores, while also
Saturday, September 17 Houston 31, Sam Houston State 10 catching two passes for 30 yards and another score. His
SMU at Texas A&M Alabama 30, Southern Miss 21 118 yards were most by a SMU freshman since
(FSN Southwest) 11:30a UAB 27, Troy 7 ShanDerrick Charles had 144 against Nevada in 2001 and
East Carolina at Wake Forest 5:30p he was the first Mustang to score three touchdowns since
SMU 21, (22) TCU 10 that same Nevada game in 2001.
Rice at Texas UCLA 63, Rice 21
(FSN Southwest) 6:00p DEFENSE
McNeese State at Southern Miss 6:00p Monday, September 5 Jamey Harper, SMU, DB
Tulsa at North Texas 6:00p Mississippi 10, Memphis 6 Harper anchored an SMU defense that held No. 22 TCU
Jacksonville State at UAB 6:00p to 253 yards of total offense and no offensive touchdowns
in a 21-10 SMU win. It was SMU's first victory over a
UCF at USF (FSN Florida) 6:00p Saturday, September 3 ranked opponent since 1986. Harper intercepted two
Chattanooga at Memphis 7:00p (3) Tennessee 17, UAB 10 passes (a single-game career high) and also notched
Mississippi State at Tulane (Shreveport, La.) East Carolina 24, Duke 21 seven solo stops. Harper's two picks were the most by an
(CSTV and i network) 7:00p Baylor 28, SMU 23 SMU defender since Kevin Garrett also had two against
UTEP 34, New Mexico State 17 Hawaii in 2002.
C-USA games in bold SPECIAL TEAMS
All times Central Thursday, September 1 Brad DeVault, Tulsa, PK
Oregon 38, Houston 24 DeVault connected on a career-high tying three field goal
Marshall 36, William & Mary 24 attempts against No. 16 Oklahoma to keep Tulsa within
South Carolina 24, UCF 15 striking distance up until the final moments, which equaled
Minnesota 41, Tulsa 10 h is career high. He connected on a career-long field goal
of 52 yards in the second quarter and also had kicks of 22
and 19 yards.
2005 CONFERENCE USA FOOTBALL
POLLING PLACE BIG WIN ON THE HILLTOP STREAKIN’ RECEIVERS
Here’s a look at the Sept. 11 Associated Press and On Saturday night, SMU posted a 21-10 win over No. UTEP wide receiver Chris Francies leads a list of C-
ESPN/USA Today Coaches’ Polls. 22 TCU at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, marking the USA pass catchers, who rank among the nation’s best
program’s first victory over a nationally-ranked team in consecutive games with a reception. Francies, a
Associated Press USA Today Coaches’ since a 27-21 win over No. 13 Baylor on October 11, senior, currently ranks second behind Wyoming’s
1986. The victory also snapped a six-game losing Jovon Bouknight, who leads the nation at 36
1 ---USC (56) 1 --- USC (59)
streak for the Mustangs against their Metroplex rivals, consecutive games. Here is a complete list of active
2 ---Texas (8) 2 --- Texas (3) streaks in Division I football:
3 ---LSU 3 --- LSU as SMU regained possession of the Iron Skillet for the
4 ---Virginia Tech 4 --- Tennessee first time since 1998.
37 Jovon Bouknight, WR, Wyoming
5. ---Tennessee 4 --- Virginia Tech 34 Chris Francies, WR, UTEP
6 ---Florida 6 --- Georgia
7 ---Georgia 7 --- Florida
LAST WEEK’S STARS 31 Derek Hagan, WR, Arizona State
30 Mark Philmore, WR, Northwestern
Here’s a look at some of the top performers around
8 ---Florida State 8 --- Florida State 29 Garrett Mills, TE, Tulsa
Conference USA in games from September 10:
9 ---Ohio State 9 --- Ohio State 28 Steve Odom, WR, Toledo
10 ---Notre Dame 10 - Louisville 26 Vincent Marshall, WR, Houston
11 ---Louisville 11 - Purdue Rushing Attempts 26 Mark Simmons, WR, Kansas
26 DeMyron Martin, SMU (118 yds.) 25 Cory Rodgers, WR, TCU
12 ---Purdue 12 - Notre Dame
18 Jackie Battle, HOU (56 yds.) 25 Jason Avant, WR, Michigan
13 ---Miaim (Fla.) 13 - Miami (Fla.)
18 Paul Smith, TLS (48 yds.) 24 Antwon Courington, WR, Southern Miss
14. ---Michigan 14 - Michigan 18 Corey White, UAB (96 yds.)
15 ---California 15 - California 24 Trent Shelton, WR, Baylor
16 ---Georgia Tech 16 - Boston College 23 Jeff Webb, WR, San Diego State
Rushing Yards
17 ---Boston College 17 - Oklahoma 127 Ryan Gilbert, HOU (27 car.)
18 ---Arizona State 18 - Georgia Tech 118 DeMyron Martin, SMU (26 car.) A LEAGUE OF
19 ---Texas Tech 19- Texas Tech PRO-TENTIAL
20 ---Clemson 20 - Virginia Rushing Touchdowns Seven NFL starting quarterbacks on opening day
21 ---Oklahoma 21 - Iowa 2 Ahmad Bradshaw, MAR hailed from Conference USA schools. That was
22 ---Iowa 22 - Arizona State 2 DeMyron Martin, SMU more starting quarterbacks from C-USA than any
23 ---Fresno State 23 - Clemson other conference in the nation. The Big Ten and
24 ----Iowa State 24 - Alabama Passing Completions Pac-10 were next with five starting QB’s each.
25 ---Virginia 25 - Fresno State 25 Darrell Hackney, UAB (38 att.)
ARV: ARV: 24 Paul Smith, TLS (36 att.) In addition, Tulane and Marshall were among
UTEP (38) UTEP (35) 19 Kevin Kolb, HOU (31 att.)
only four I-A schools to have a pair of starting
NFL QB’s. Fresno State (David Carr of Houston
TULANE TO RESUME PLAY Passing Yards and Trent Dilfer of Cleveland) and Michigan (Tom
296 Darrell Hackney, UAB (25-of-38)
SATURDAY Brady of New England and Brian Griese of
246 Paul Smith, TLS (24-of-36)
The Tulane Green Wave football team will make their
Tampa Bay) are the others.
emotional return to the football field this Saturday night Passing Touchdowns
when it faces SEC foe Mississippi State. The game will 2 Darrell Hackney, UAB Here is a list of seven former athletes that started
be played in Shreveport, La. at Independence Stadium 2 Kevin Kolb, HOU on the opening weekend of the NFL season
and will be televised live on both CSTV and the I (Sept. 8-12) along with their former C-USA
network. Tickets for the game are $35 for sideline Receptions teams:
general admission seats and $20 for end zone general 13 Garrett Mills, TLS (152 yds.)
admission and will be on sale via Ticketmaster at 8 Antwon Courington, USM (80 yds.) Daunte Culpepper, Minnesota Vikings (UCF)
www.Ticketmaster.com, by calling 800-488-5252 or at 7 Hiram Moore, MAR (85 yds.) Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers (Southern Miss)
Ticketmaster outlets in Louisiana and Mississippi. Gus Frerotte, Miami Dolphins (Tulsa)
Tulane season ticket holders that have not received Receiving Yards Patrick Ramsey, Washington Redskins (Tulane)
their tickets and will be attending the game should 152 Garrett Mills, TLS (13 rec.) J.P. Losman, Buffalo Bills (Tulane)
notify the Green Wave athletic department via e-mail at Chad Pennington, New York Jets (Marshall)
tulane7@c-usa.org. Receiving Touchdowns Byron Leftwich, Jacksonville Jaguars (Marshall)
2 Anthony Perine, USM
Mississippi State Athletics also announced that it would
waive its $200,000 game guarantee and encourage its PICK ME UP
Field Goals After not registering an interception in the final eight
fans who have already purchased tickets but cannot
3 Brad DeVault, TLS (19, 22, 52)
attend the game to forego a refund and have the cost of games of the 2004 season, the UAB defense has
2 Ian O’Connor, MAR (21, 44)
their ticket donated to Tulane Athletics. CSTV has picked off seven passes in the opening two game f the
announced that all commercial proceeds from the game 2005 campaign. With those seven interceptions, UAB
are being donated to specially created funds focused Interceptions ranks in a tie for first nationally with Georgia Tech in
on restoring the area. Monies will be divided between 2 Jamey Harper, SMU that category. The Blazers had four interceptions in
their opener against No. 3 Tennessee and added three
Conference USA's Relief Fund and CSTV's Field & more in their 27-7 victory over Troy last Saturday. DE
Dreams Rebuilding Fund. The evening's programming, Larry McSwain returned his first career interception 23
being called "The Big Game for the Big Easy," will yards for a touchdown against the Trojans.
include specially produced features and entertainment
elements designed to share the stories of the hope and
rebirth of the region.
2005 CONFERENCE USA FOOTBALL
PRESEASON HONORS Chris Beckman, P, Tulane MAXWELL (Top Player)
Ryan Dougherty, P, East Carolina Darrell Hackney, QB, UAB
Several Conference USA teams and student-
Kevin Kolb, QB, Houston
athletes have received preseason accolades: DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis
PRESEASON NATIONAL
PRESEASON ALL-AMERICANS UNIT RANKINGS NAGURSKI (Top Defensive Player)
Athlon Sports John Eubanks, CB, Southern Miss
First Team Phil Steele’s Thomas Howard, LB, UTEP
Ashlan Davis, KR, Tulsa Top Quarterback Units Larry McSwain, DE, UAB
Second Team 10-UAB
DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis RIMINGTON (Top Center)
17-Houston
Third Team Doug Legursky, Marshall
John Eubanks, DB, Southern Miss Top Running Back Units
Stephen Gostkowski, K, Memphis THORPE (Defensive Back)
5- Memphis John Eubanks, CB, Southern Miss
Travis Williams, PR, East Carolina 14- Houston Wesley Smith, S, Memphis
Blue Ribbon Top Receiving Units UNITAS (Senior Quarterback)
First Team 25-UTEP Darrell Hackney, UAB
DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis
Top Special Teams Units WALTER CAMP (Player of the Year)
College FootballNews.com 10-Southern Miss Ashlan Davis, WR/KR, Tulsa
Second Team 28-East Carolina DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis
DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis
Honorable Mention WINNING WAYS
WATCH OUT
Several C-USA players have been named to Thanks to the addition of Rice and UTEP to the
Lindy’s Sports league, Conference USA now boasts two of the
First Team official award watch lists. Here’s a look at those
winningest active head coaches in Division I-A
DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis players (as of Sept. 6):
Football. Here is a look at the breakdown of that
list entering the 2005 season:
NationalChamps.net BEDNARIK (Top Defensive Player)
First Team Nick Bunting, LB, Tulsa
(Minimum five years as Division I-A head coach;
John Eubanks, CB, Southern Miss
DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis Record at four-year colleges only)
Third Team
BILETNIKOFF (Wide Receiver)
Stephen Gostkowski, K, Memphis 1. Bobby Bowden, Florida State 351
Vincent Marshall, Houston
2. Joe Paterno, Penn State 343
Phil Steele’s 3. Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech 177
BUTKUS (Linebacker)
First Team 4. Jim Tressel, Ohio State 175
Nick Bunting, Tulsa
DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis 5. Ken Hatfield, Rice 167
Anthony Cannon, Tulane
Ashlan Davis, KR, Tulsa 6. Dennis Franchione, Texas A&M 166
James Cook, UCF
7. Fisher DeBerry, Air Force 161
Thomas Howard, UTEP
8. Dick Tomey, San Jose State 158
Playboy Chris Moore, East Carolina
9. Mack Brown, Texas 156
First Team
10. Steve Spurrier, South Carolina 142
DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis DAVEY O’BRIEN (Quarterback)
11. Mike Price, UTEP 137
Darrell Hackney, UAB
12. Bill Snyder, Kansas State 131
The Sporting News Kevin Kolb, Houston
13. Howard Schnellenberger, Fla. Atlantic 126
Jordan Palmer, UTEP
Second Team 14. John L. Smith, Michigan State 123
John Eubanks, CB, Southern Miss Phillip Fulmer, Tennessee 123
DOAK WALKER (Running Back)
Ahmad Bradshaw, Marshall
Street & Smith’s Tyler Ebell, UTEP RENEWED ACQUAINTANCES
Second Team Anthony Evans, Houston The newly realigned Conference USA will feature
DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis Uril Parrish, Tulsa schools that have been members of the same
Honorable Mention DeAngelo Williams, Memphis conferences before in the past. Here is a look back
Darrell Hackney, QB, UAB at those conferences that once shared a home to
Jordan Palmer, QB UTEP HENDRICKS (Defensive End) the new league membership:
Vincent Marshall, WR, Houston Alex Obomese, UTEP
Toby Bullock, OL, Marshall John Syptak, Rice MISSOURI VALLEY SOUTHWEST
Stephen Gostkowski, PK, Memphis Houston Houston
Ashlan Davis, KR, Tulsa LOMBARDI (Top Down Linemen/TE) Memphis Rice
Travis Williams, KR, East Carolina Larry McSwain, DE, UAB Tulsa SMU
Garrett Mills, TE, Tulsa
Larry McSwain, DL, UAB
Chris Mineo, DT, UTEP MID-AMERICAN WAC
Marcus West, DL, Memphis
John Syptak, DE, Rice Marshall Rice
Chris Moore, LB, East Carolina UCF SMU
Anthony Cannon, LB, Tulane LOU GROZA (Kicker) Tulsa
Thomas Howard, LB, UTEP Stephen Gostkowski, Memphis
Wesley Smith, DB, Memphis Darren McCaleb, Southern Miss
Curtis Keyes, DB, Marshall Reagan Schneider, UTEP
John Eubanks, DB, Southern Miss
2005 CONFERENCE USA FOOTBALL
PRESEASON ALL-C-USA (42 rec., 560 yards, 5 TD) C-USA ON NATIONAL TV
Thomas Howard, LB, UTEP
Here’s a look at the official Conference USA Conference USA and ESPN Inc. are in the first
(62 tackles, 14 TFL's, 8 sacks)
preseason coaches poll: season of a new six-year agreement to televise
Conference USA football. The contract includes
Predicted Order of Finish FIRST IMPRESSIONS exclusive national cable television coverage on
EAST There will be 15 Conference USA games this ESPN and ESPN 2 with a minimum of 10 games
1. Southern Miss (64) season that feature teams who will meet for the annually, including Tuesday and Wednesday night
2. UAB (60) first time on the gridiron. games and select Thursday and Saturday
3. Memphis (55) contests.
4. Marshall (35) Sat., October 1
5. East Carolina (19) SMU at Marshall CSTV SCHEDULE
UCF (19) UTEP at Memphis Sat. Sept. 17 Mississippi State at Tulane 7:00p
Rice at UAB Sat. Sept. 24 New Mexico at UTEP 8:00p
WEST Sat., October 8 Sat. Oct. 1 UTEP at Memphis 7:00p
1. UTEP (68) Rice at East Carolina Sat. Oct. 8 Tulsa at Southern Miss 7:00p
2. Houston (59) Fri., October 14 Sat. Oct. 15 Memphis at Houston 4:00p
3. Tulane (46) UTEP at Tulane Sat. Oct. 22 Marshall at UTEP 8:00p
4. Tulsa (31) Sat., October 15 Sat. Oct. 29 Marshall at Tulane 6:00p
5. Rice (27) East Carolina at SMU Sat. Nov. 5 Tulane at Navy 12:30p
6. SMU (21) UAB at Marshall Sat. Nov. 12 UCF at UAB 3:00p
UCF at Southern Miss Sat. Nov. 19 Memphis at Southern Miss 7:30p
Offensive Player of the Year Sat., October 22 Sat. Nov. 26 Rice at Houston 3:00p
DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis Marshall at UTEP
Sat., October 29 ESPN SCHEDULE
Defensive Player of the Year Marshall at Tulane Fri., Oct. 21 Southern Miss at UAB 7:00p
John Syptak, DE, Rice Sat., November 5 Sat., Dec. 3 C-USA Championship Game TBA
Houston at UCF Tue. Dec. 20 Wyndham New Orleans Bowl 7:00p
Special Teams Player of the Year Tues., November 8 Wed., Dec. 21 GMAC Bowl 7:00p
Ashlan Davis, KR, Tulsa Southern Miss at Marshall Fri., Dec. 23 Fort Worth Bowl 7:00p
Sat., November 19 Sat. Dec. 24 Sheraton Hawaii Bowl 6:00p
Players to Watch UCF at Rice Sat. Dec. 31 AutoZone Liberty Bowl Noon
Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina UAB at UTEP
(561 yards, 5 TD; 32 rec., 2 TD) Sat., November 26 ESPN 2 SCHEDULE
Richard Koonce, LB, East Carolina Marshall at Memphis Fri. Sept. 16 Houston at UTEP 7:00p
(50 tackles, 11 TFL's, 5 sacks) Tue. Nov. 1 UAB at Memphis 6:30p
Kevin Kolb, QB, Houston MANY HAPPY RETURNS Tue. Nov. 8 Southern Miss at Marshall 6:30p
(198-of-353, 2,766 yards, 11 pass TD) Tulsa senior Ashlan Davis, a first-team All-Western Sat. Nov. 26 Tulane at Southern Miss TBA
Wade Koehl, LB, Houston Athletic Conference selection, ranked second
(team-high 115 tackles, 4 sacks) nationally last year in kickoff returns with 37 returns ESPN or ESPN 2
Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, Marshall for 1,131 yards, five touchdowns and a 30.6 average Fri. Oct. 14 UTEP at Tulane 7:00p
(95 att., 462 yards, 3 TDs) per return. He established two NCAA records, one for
Curtis Keyes, SS, Marshall most kickoff returns for touchdowns in a season (5) FOX SPORTS NET
(team-high 108 tackles, 5.5 TFL's) and the other for consecutive games with a kickoff Sat. Sept. 17 SMU at Texas A&M 11:30a
Wesley Smith, FS, Memphis return for a TD (4). His kickoff return total also Sat. Sept. 17 Rice at Texas 6:00p
(89 tackles, 3 TFL's, 4 PBU's) established a new single-season school record. In
Joel Armstrong, QB, Rice Tulsa’s opener, Davis had seven kickoff returns for I NETWORK SCHEDULE
(608 rush yards, 5 TD) 131 yards, including a long of 30. Sat., Oct. 8 Houston at Tulane 4:00p
Ryan Kennedy, TE, SMU Sat. Oct. 15 UAB at Marshall 4:00p
(HM All-WAC; 21 rec., 254 yards) C-USA on CSTV Sat. Oct. 22 East Carolina at Memphis 2:30p
Alvin Nnabuife, DB/LB, SMU Conference USA is entering into the first year of a Sat. Oct. 29 UTEP at Rice 5:00p
(team-high 80 tackles, 53-yards INT for TD) six-year agreement to televise football on College Sat. Nov. 5 Houston at UCF 5:00p
Dustin Almond, QB, Southern Miss Sports Television (CSTV). The agreement with Sat. Nov. 12 SMU at Houston 5:00p
(138-of-269, 1,848 yards, 12 TD) CSTV is comprehensive in nature and includes Sat. Nov. 19 UAB at UTEP 5:00p
John Eubanks, DB/KR, Southern Miss significant national and regional exposure for Sat. Nov. 26 TBD TBA
(47 tackles, 9 PBU's, 3 INT; 29.4 KOR avg.) football, men’s and women’s basketball, and all
Lester Ricard, QB, Tulane other Conference USA sports. Additionally, the Below are the regional television games in C-USA:
(143-of-221, 1,881 yards, 21 TD) CSTV agreement includes video-on-demand,
Anthony Cannon, LB, Tulane Internet, broadband, national over-the-air and FSN FLORIDA
(107 tackles, 4 sacks, 4 FF) satellite radio, and wireless distribution as well as Sat. Sept. 17 UCF at USF 6:00p
Garrett Mills, TE, Tulsa corporate marketing rights, and website production
(51 rec, 560 yards, 2 TDs) through CSTV Online, a subsidiary of CSTV. ESPN REGIONAL
Darrell Hackney, QB, UAB Sat. Sept. 24 East Carolina at West Virginia11:00a
(197-of-358, 3,070 yards, 26 TD)
Larry McSwain, DE, UAB All times are Central
(C-USA-best 13 sacks, 56 tackles)
Brandon Marshall, WR, UCF
(returns to WR; led DB’s in tackles in 2004)
Paul Carrington, DE, UCF
(30 tackles, 9.5 TFL's, 4 sacks)
Jayson Boyd, WR, UTEP
2005 CONFERENCE USA FOOTBALL
SCHEDULE BREAKDOWN Rice (UCLA, Texas, Navy) 200 CLUB
Tennessee (UAB, Notre Dame, Memphis)
Conference USA teams never shy away from playing Tulsa (Minnesota, Oklahoma, North Texas) Ten times last season a Conference USA running back
challenging non-conference competition and this rushed for 200 yards or more in a game. DeAngelo
season is no exception. Among the teams on C-USA’s Williams of Memphis accomplished the feat four times,
non-conference slate in 2005 are Oklahoma, Texas, IN A RUSH while Houston’s Anthony Evans and Tulane’s Matt
Texas A&M, Tennessee, Alabama, Virginia Tech, West Four of the seven best individual rushing games in Forte also accomplished the feat.
Virginia, Minnesota, Oregon and UCLA. C-USA history occurred in the 2004 season.
Houston’s Anthony Evans rushed for 282 yards in 200-YARD RUSHERS
Thirteen C-USA opponents played in bowl games last a win over Army on Sept. 18, tied for the third-best 282 Anthony Evans, HOU vs. Army 9-18
season, including BCS bowl game participants all-time mark in C-USA annals. USF’s Andre Hall 275 Andre Hall, USF at UAB 11-3
Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia Tech. notched the fifth-best single-game effort with 275 263 DeAngelo Williams, MEM at USF 11-27
yards at UAB on Nov. 3. Memphis’ DeAngelo 262 DeAngelo Williams, MEM vs. HOU 10-2
Conference USA will face at least one opponent from Williams tallied the sixth and seventh-best efforts 238 Richard Hall, CIN vs. Miami (Ohio) 9-11
all 10 of the other I-A conferences, with the exception against USF and Houston, respectively. Here’s a 225 Carlton Jones, ARMY at USF 10-16
look at the top ground performances in league 225 DeAngelo Williams, MEM at ECU 11-20
of the Mid-American Conference.
history: 216 Matt Forte, TUL vs. Army 11-13
213 Carlton Jones, ARMY vs. Air Force 11-6
Here’s a look at C-USA’s non-league opponents by 200 DeAngelo Williams, MEM vs. LOU 11-4
conference: TOP C-USA RUSHING PERFORMANCES 200 Andre Hall, USF vs. ARMY 10-16
300 Joffrey Reynolds, HOU vs. ECU, 11-9-02
ACC: Duke, N.C. State, Virginia Tech 287 Lonta Hobbs, TCU vs. MEM, 11-30-02
Wake Forest 282 Anthony Evans, HOU vs. ARMY, 9-18-04 DYNAMIC DeANGELO
282 Daryl Royal, CIN vs. Miami (Ohio), 9-26-96 Memphis senior RB DeAngelo Williams set a new Tiger
Big East: USF, West Virginia single-game rushing record with 263 yards on 28 carries at
Big Ten: Minnesota 275 Andre Hall, USF at UAB, 11-3-04
USF on Nov. 27 of last season, it was the second time that
Big 12: Baylor, Kansas State, Oklahoma 269 Michael Wallace, ARMY vs. LOU, 10-7-99
he has established a new Tiger single-game mark (262 vs.
Texas, Texas A&M 263 DeAngelo Williams, MEM at USF, 11-27-04
Houston on Oct. 2). Williams, the all-time leading rusher at
MWC: New Mexico, TCU 262 DeAngelo Williams, MEM vs. HOU, 10-2-04 Memphis, now has 4,062 yards for his career. His yardage
Pac-10: Oregon, UCLA is tops among all rushers entering the 2005 Division I-A
SEC: Alabama, Ole Miss, Miss.State (2) RUNNING UP THE CHARTS season. Last season, Williams ranked third in the country
South Carolina, Tennessee (2) Memphis running back DeAngelo Williams needs averaging 162.3 yards per game.
Sun Belt: La.-Lafayette, North Texas, Troy St. just over 300 yards to become the league’s all-
WAC: New Mexico State time leading rusher. The senior has it sights set on DeOMINATION
Independent: Navy (2) current Minnesota Viking standout Mewelde Moore, Back-to-back C-USA Offensive Player of the Year
who rushed for 4,364 yards in his four seasons at DeAngelo Williams continues to etch his name in the
Tulane. Memphis and Conference USA record books. The senior
MASS RECEIVERS now holds the school and league single-season record for
Houston senior Vincent Marshall is one of 13 Division ALL-TIME C-USA RUSHING YARDS rushing yards at 1,948 and for total touchdowns at 23.
I receivers returning this year after hauling in more than 4,364 Mewelde Moore, TUL (2000-03) Williams’ 22 rushing touchdowns last season is also a new
1,000 yards through the air in 2004. Here is a list of 4,147 DeAngelo Williams, MEM, (2002-) C-USA record.
those 10 receivers (receptions; yards): 3,636 Ketric Sanford, HOU (1996-99)
3,584 Derrick Nix, USM (1998-00, 02) THE CENTURY CLUB
TOP RETURNING 1,000-YARD RECEIVERS 3,487 DeMarco McCleskey, CIN (1998-02) DeAngelo Williams of Memphis is now the leading active
1. Mike Hass, Sr., Oregon State (86; 1,379) 3,089 Leonard Henry, ECU (1998-01) player in terms of 100-yard rushing games in C-USA
2. Greg Lee, Jr., Pittsburgh (68; 1,297) 2,947 Joffrey Reynolds, HOU (1999-02) history with 24, two ahead of former Tulane RB Mewelde
3. Eric Deslauriers, Sr., E. Michigan (84; 1,257) 2,786 Robert Cooper, CIN (1996-99) Moore. Here’s a look at the all-time leaders:
4. Derek Hagan, Sr., Arizona State (83; 1,248) 2,477 Carlton Jones, ARMY (2002-)
5. Jarrett Hicks, Jr., Texas Tech (76; 1,177) 2,378 Gerard Arnold, MEM (1997-99) CAREER 100-YARD GAMES
6. Nichiren Flowers, Sr., Nevada (91; 1,126) 2,335 Lonta Hobbs, TCU, (2002-) 24 DeAngelo Williams, Memphis 2002-
7. Greg Jennings, Sr., W. Michigan (74; 1,092) 2,275 Michael Wallace, ARMY (1998-00) 22 Mewelde Moore, Tulane 2000-03
8. Jovon Bouknight, Sr., Wyoming (63, 1,075) 15 Joffrey Reynolds, HOU 1998-02
14 Ketric Sanford, Houston 1996-99
9. Charles Sharon, Sr., Bowling Green (66; 1,070) FOUR-MIDABLE BACKS 13 Derrick Nix, Southern Miss 1998-02
10. Tres Moses, Sr., Rutgers (81; 1,056) The Tulsa run defense is going to have a tough task 12 DeMarco McCleskey, CIN 1998-02
11. Todd Watkins, Sr., BYU (52; 1,042) in front of them the opening four weeks of the
12. Vincent Marshall, Sr., Houston (61; 1,040) season. The Golden Hurricane face teams that have
13. Jason Hill, Sr., Washington State (45; 1,007) four of the top nine returning rushers based on
DOUBLE-DIGITS
yards per game including three of the top four. Here Tulsa senior TE Garrett Mills hauled in a career-high 13
passes in the Golden Hurricane’s 31-15 loss to Oklahoma
TOUGH SLATE is a look at the All-America candidates Tulsa will be
on Saturday to join the list of C-USA receivers who have
Rice and Tulsa are just two of seven teams in Division I looking to slow down in September: caught 10 or passes in a game this season. Here is the
football this season that will play their three non- entire list of those athletes:
conference games against teams that reached bowl Sept. 1 – Minnesota’s Laurence Maroney (No. 9)
games in 2004. Only the ACC, with Georgia Tech and (1,348 yards, 12 TDs, 112.3 ypg) Rec. Player (Yardage) Date
North Carolina, had as many as two teams that could Sept. 10 – Oklahoma’s Adrian Peterson (No. 4) 13 Garrett Mills, TLS (152 yds.) 9-10
make the same claim. Here is a look at those seven (1,925 yards, 15 TDs, 148.1 ypg) 10 Aundrae Allison, ECU (163 yds.) 9-3
schools and their non-conference opponents for the 2005 Sept. 17- North Texas’ Jamario Thomas (No. 1) 10 Brandon Marshall, UCF (102 yds.) 9-1
season. (1,801 yards, 17 TDs, 180.1 ypg)
Sept. 24 – Memphis’ DeAngelo Williams (No. 2)
Ball State (Iowa, Auburn, Boston College) (1,948 yards, 22 TDs, 162.33)
Georgia Tech (Auburn, Connecticut, Georgia)
New Mexico State (UTEP, Colorado, Cal)
North Carolina (Wisconsin, Utah, Louisville)
2005 CONFERENCE USA FOOTBALL
WORKING OVERTIME even more impressive is that last year was Davis’ DEFENSIVE MINDED
Here’s a look at C-USA overtimes last year and all- first in Division I-A after he spent his first two Since the beginning of the 1999 season, the Southern
time: seasons at Tyler Junior College. Davis never Miss defense has allowed fewer touchdowns than any
returned a kickoff for a score at Tyler, but he did Division I-A school. This list does not include special
2004 C-USA Overtimes return one punt for a TD. He did have 11 receiving teams or defensive touchdowns by opponents, only
S2 TCU 48, Northwestern 45 (2 OT) touchdowns at Tyler and added one last year at TDs allowed by the defense:
S25 USF 45, TCU 44 (2 OT) Tulsa. School TDs Allowed
O7 Southern Miss 35, Houston 29 (1 OT) 1. SOUTHERN MISS 129
RETURNING RETURNERS 2. Miami (Fla.) 129
Overtime Records - 1996-2004 3. Oklahoma 132
Teams All Games C-USA Games
Conference USA will feature some of the best kick 4. Florida State 135
East Carolina 1-2 1-1 returners in the nation during the 2005 season and a 5. Georgia 146
Houston 3-4 3-2 trio were mentioned in preseason All-American 6. Tennessee 149
Marshall 1-0 N/A hype. Tulsa KR Ashlan Davis earned a pair of 7. Utah 152
Memphis 0-2 0-2 preseason first-team All-America accolades from Virginia Tech 152
Rice 3-3 N/A Athlon Sports and Phil Steele’s after his record- 9. Texas 153
SMU 1-3 N/A breaking 2004 season, while Southern Miss KR/CB 10. Nebraska 155
Southern Miss 2-2 2-1 John Eubanks garnered mention on second and 11. Florida 157
Tulane 1-1 0-1 third-team All-America squads for both his defensive 12. Michigan 160
Tulsa 0-2 N/A back play and kick returning ability. East Carolina
UAB 2-2 2-1 sophomore Chris Johnson was also recognized STACKING SACKS
UCF 0-1 N/A along with Davis and Eubanks as honorable Since the beginning of the 1999 season, one
UTEP 1-1 N/A mention recipients to Street and Smith’s Preseason Conference USA teams are among the top 15 teams in
All-American team for their kick returning skills. Here the nation in quarterback sacks.
PEAK PERFORMERS is a look at the trio’s kickoff return yardage from the
Check here throughout the season to track some of 2004 season: School SACKS
the top individual individual offensive performances 1. USC 258
in C-USA: Kickoff Returns 2. California 246
Name No. Yds. Avg. TD 3. Texas 234
300-YARD PASSERS Ashlan Davis 37 1,131 30.6 5 Miami (Fla.) 227
312 Kevin Kolb, HOU vs. Oregon 9-1 John Eubanks 21 618 29.4 1 5. TCU 231
Chris Johnson 37 765 20.7 0 Virginia Tech 231
100-YARD RUSHERS 7. Washington State 228
127 Ryan Gilbert, HOU vs. SHSU 9-10 8. Louisville 226
118 DeMyron Martin, SMU vs. TCU 9-10
SIX PACK 9. New Mexico 215
Tulane’s Lester Ricard tied a Conference USA 10. Nebraska 213
100-YARD RECEIVERS record with six touchdown passes in an Oct. 23 win 11. Auburn 212
163 Aundrae Allison, ECU vs. Duke 9-3 over UAB on Oct. 23, 2004, matching the record set 12. Arizona State 209
152 Garrett Mills, TLS vs. Oklahoma 9-10 by Chris Redman of Louisville at East Carolina on 13. SOUTHERN MISS 205
125 Wibur Hargrove, MAR vs. William & Mary 9-1 Nov. 14, 1998. He was one of six Division I-A 13. Purdue 204
105 Mike Walker, UCF at South Carolina 9-1 quarterbacks to throw for six TDs in a game last 14. Oregon State 200
103 Anthony Alridge, HOU vs. Oregon 9-1 season. 15. Kansas State 199
102 Brandon Marshall, UCF at South Carolina 9-1
100 Donnie Avery, HOU vs. Oregon 9-1 MOST TDs IN A GAME IN 2004 PICKED OFF
6 Lester Ricard, TUL vs. UAB 10-23 Since the beginning of the 1999 season, one
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK 6 Kyle Orton, Purdue vs. Indiana 11-20 Conference USA teams are among the top 21 teams in
Conference USA names Offensive, Defensive and 6 Timmy Chang, Hawaii vs. Idaho 11-20 the nation in interceptions:
Special Teams Players of the Week each Monday 6 Andrew Walter, Ariz. St. vs. UCLA 10-23
during the season. The awards are voted on by a 6 Joshua Haldi, N. Ill. vs. West. Mich. 10-23 School INT
media panel with one representative in each league 6 Bruce Gradkowski, Toledo vs. Ball St. 10-2 1. Oklahoma 115
city. 2. Nebraska 114
3. Virginia Tech 111
STREAKING EAGLES Kansas State 111
Offense Southern Miss had its 13-game winning streak in C- 5. USC 110
S6 James Pinkney, QB, East Carolina USA play snapped with a loss to Cincinnati on Nov. 6. Miami (Fla.) 109
S12 DeMyron Martin, RB, SMU 6. That was the second-longest in C-USA history, 7. Oregon State 108
trailing only USM’s 14-game league winning streak Oregon 108
Defense from Oct., 1998 to Nov. 4, 2000. Here’s a look at 9. Washington State 105
S6 Thomas Howard, LB, UTEP the longest streaks in league history: 10. Fresno State 101
S12 Jamey Harper, DB, SMU 11. Auburn 100
Most Consecutive Victories in C-USA Games 12. Florida 97
Special Teams 14 Southern Miss (Oct. 10, 1998-Nov. 4, 2000) Wisconsin 97
S6 Markeith McQueen, KR/ST, East Carolina 13 Southern Miss (Nov. 30, 2002-Nov. 6, 2004) 14. Louisville 96
S12 Brad DeVault, PK, Tulsa 10 Louisville (Oct. 28, 2000-Nov. 23, 2001) UCLA 96
16. Georgia 94
17. Texas 93
DAVIS CHASING DAVIS 18. Arizona State 92
Former USC kick returner Anthony Davis’ 31-year- 19. Cincinnati 91
old NCAA career record of six kickoff returns for 20. SOUTHERN MISS 90
touchdowns is in serious jeopardy entering the 2005 21. Texas Tech 89
season. The man chasing him is another Davis as
Tulsa’s Ashlan needs to return just one kickoff for a
score this season to tie the record. Making the feat
2005 CONFERENCE USA FOOTBALL
EAST CAROLINA PIRATES SOUTHERN MISS GOLDEN EAGLES
Skip Holtz and the Pirates took the week off to celebrate their season-opening victory over Duke Southern Miss rallied for 21 unanswered points in the first half after falling behind 10-0, however
and prepare for yet another ACC-foe as East Carolina travels to Winston-Salem, N.C., to face Alabama answered with a 20-point rally of its own to post a 30-21 victory over the Golden Eagles’
Wake Forest on Saturday. Holtz won his debut as East Carolina’s head coach and junior QB in their season opener Saturday in Tuscaloosa. Junior Anthony Perine posted the first multiple
James Pinkney found a new favorite target as the Pirates defeated the Blue Devils 24-21 in touchdown game of his career as he hauled in scoring passes of 12 and 37-yards from senior QB
Greenville on Sept. 3. JUCO-transfer Aundrae Allison hauled in 10 of Pinkney’s 17 completions in Dustin Almond. Perine is the first Golden Eagle to score two touchdowns in a game since Marvin
his debut for the Pirates. Allison’s first reception of his career went for 50 yards and a touchdown in Young had a pair of scores against Louisiana-Lafayette (11-1-03). Senior Antwon Courington has
the opening quarter. For the game, Pinkney connected on 17-of-21 attempts for 235 yards. He also now caught at least one pass in 24 consecutive games, finishing tonight's game with eight
added a pair of rushing touchdowns, the first two of his career, on 11 carries. The victory snapped receptions for 80 yards. In the first game of his career, Gerald McGrath finished with five tackles,
a four-game losing streak in season-openers for the Pirates, whose last season-opening victory forced a fumble, recovered a fumble, broke up a pass and returned an interception 32 yards for a
was also at the expense of the Blue Devils (38-0, 2000). SS Zach Baker picked off a pair of touchdown. He scored the first touchdown for Southern Miss in the first quarter. Senior Kevis
second-half passes, including one in the endzone and also recovered a fumble in the redzone to Coley led the Southern Miss defense with a career-high 13 tackles (eight solos, five assists).
thwart a pair of Duke scoring chances.
TULANE GREEN WAVE
HOUSTON COUGARS The Green Wave will open its season this Saturday when they play Mississippi State at
The Cougars picked up their first win of the season defeating Sam Houston State 31-10 on Independence Stadium in Shreveport, La. The game will air nationally on both CSTV and the I
Saturday at Robertson Stadium. It was Houston’s fourth-straight win against SHSU and the 21- network (formerly PAX). Displaced by Hurricane Katrina, the Tulane football had been practicing in
point margin of victory was the Cougars’ largest in the series. Senior Ryan Gilbert filled in for an Dallas, but moved to Ruston, La. on Sept. 11. The team will begin classes at Louisiana Tech on
injured Anthony Evans (calf) and had the best effort of his Cougar career. Gilbert rushed for a Sept. 12, where it is scheduled to practice and conduct football operations during the fall semester.
career-high 127 yards and scored two touchdowns in the victory. His previous high was 95 yards A determination for the sites of the five remaining home games other than the Mississippi State
against Southern Miss in 2004. With two touchdown passes in the win, junior QB Kevin Kolb contest has not been made. The Green Wave’s last game in Shreveport came in 1987 when they
moved into fifth place on the school’s all-time list with 40, passing Jimmy Klingler (39). WR Josh fell to Washington in the Independence Bowl, 24-12.
Carethers’ 15-yard touchdown reception at the 0:13 mark of the second quarter was the first catch
and touchdown of his collegiate career. Carethers became the second Cougar wideout in 2005 to
record a touchdown on his first career reception. WR Anthony Alridge posted a 62-yard TULSA GOLDEN HURRICANE
touchdown on the final play of the first quarter in the season opener against Oregon on Sept. 1. In front of the largest crowd (83,877) to ever watch a Tulsa football game, the Golden Hurricane fell
to No. 16 Oklahoma on Saturday, 31-15. Tulsa cut the lead to 17-15 with 9:10 to play on a Paul
MARSHALL THUNDERING HERD Smith touchdown plunge, but the two-point conversion failed. OU would respond with two
touchdowns in the final 3:04 to put the game away. Smith finished the afternoon 24-of-36 for a
The Thundering Herd fell to Kansas State on Saturday, 21-19 in front of the largest crowd in Joan career-high 246 yards. His favorite target was senior TE Garrett Mills, who opened the game by
C. Edwards Stadium history (36,914). Marshall was hurt by five turnovers, including an interception making the Golden Hurricane’s first seven receptions. He finished the day with a career high for
with nine seconds left after the Herd had moved into range for a potential game-winning field goal. receptions (13) and yards (152). It was Mills’ second career 100-yard receiving day, while his 13
Sophomore QB Bernie Morris made his first career start, but left the game with a shoulder injury receptions were the most by a TU player since Donald Shoals had 13 catches against Fresno
in the second quarter. In his place, junior Jimmy Skinner was 15-of-25 for 189 yards and two State in 2000. Junior DB Nick Graham registered an interception for the second straight game.
touchdowns. Junior WR Hiram Moore had a game-high seven catches for 85 yards, while Senior K Brad DeVault kicked three field goals (52, 22 and 19) for just the second time in his
sophomore Marcus Fitzgerald chipped in with three receptions for 49 yards. Saturday’s loss was career.
just the eighth defeat at home for the Herd since Edwards Stadium opened in 1991. Sophomore
RB Ahmad Bradshaw had two rushing touchdowns in the loss. Marshall has a record of 103-8 in
the facility. MU recognized former head coach Bob Pruett before the game, announcing that the UAB BLAZERS
school’s new indoor practice facility would be named in his honor. After recording three interceptions in the season opener at Tennessee, the Blazers had four
against Troy in their 27-7 victory over the Trojans on Saturday. With seven in two games, UAB is
MEMPHIS TIGERS tied for the national lead with Georgia Tech. UAB did not have an interception in the final eight
games of the 2004 season. QB Darrell Hackney now has 7,284 career passing yards and moved
Memphis had the weekend off the team prepared to face Chattanooga on Sept. 17 at the Liberty into ninth place on C-USA's all-time list for passing yards with his 296-yard performance vs. Troy.
Bowl. Junior QB Patrick Byrne had successful surgery on his broken right leg and will be out for He moved ahead of former Southern Miss QB Jeff Kelly. UAB yielded only 190 yards of offense,
the remainder of the season. The Tigers dropped a heartbreaker to Ole Miss in their opener on the lowest total allowed by the Blazers since the 2001 contest against Southern Miss when UAB
Sept. 5, falling 10-6 to the visiting Rebels and snapping a two-game winning streak Memphis held gave up 196. DE Larry McSwain registered his first career interception against Troy and returned
in the series. Byrne, who was making his first career start, played just one series before leaving the it 23 yards for a touchdown. WR Reggie Lindsey recorded personal single-game highs for
game with broken fibula and tibia bones in his right leg. Redshirt freshman Will Hudgens replaced receptions (6) and receiving yards against the Trojans (79) and added his second touchdown
Byrne and went 15-for-28 for 145 in his first collegiate action. Senior RB DeAngelo Williams was reception of the season.
held out of the endzone for the first time since the Cincinnati game on Oct. 23 last season. Williams
led the nation with 22 rushing touchdowns a season ago. He finished with 85 yards on 24 carries.
PK Stephen Gostkowski was successful on both of his field goal attempts as he connected on UCF GOLDEN KNIGHTS
attempts of 34 and 47 yards, respectively. Junior college transfer Brandon McDonald picked off The Golden Knights were one of five C-USA teams to have a bye this past weekend. UCF returns
his first collegiate pass in the contest. to the field Saturday against in-state foe USF in Tampa. A late UCF rally fell short in Columbia,
S.C., on Sept. 1, as the Golden Knights fell to South Carolina 24-15 in Steve Spurrier’s return to
RICE OWLS college football. Junior QB Steven Moffett was glad to see the return of Brandon Marshall and
Mike Walker to the offensive side of the ball. The duo, who both played in the defensive backfield
The Owls opened their season with a 63-21 loss to UCLA at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. last year, combined for 19 catches and 207 yards receiving. Each receiver eclipsed the 100-yard
Sophomore QB Joel Armstrong capped off Rice’s season-opening drive with a 23-yard mark, as Marshall finished with a career-high 10 catches for 102 yards and Walker set career-highs
touchdown run that tied the score at seven, but the Bruins scored the game’s next 35 points to seal with nine receptions and 105 yards. Moffitt finished the contest with 258 yards passing as he
the victory. Eight different Owls carried the ball at least four times as fullback John Wall led the connected on 27-of-39 pass attempts. He set a career-high for consecutive completions in the
rushing efforts with 58 yards (4 car.). Back-up QB Chase Clement and Andrew Cates each led second half when he converted on 10 straight attempts.
the team with 10 carries. Jarrett Dillard had a team-high four receptions for 43 yards. Adam
Herrin led the defense with four stops and had one of the Owls’ two sacks in the contest.
UTEP MINERS
SMU MUSTANGS UTEP opens its C-USA tenure next Friday as the Miners host Houston on ESPN. In their opener,
junior QB Jordan Palmer threw three touchdown passes as the Miners defeated New Mexico
For the first time since a victory over No. 13 Baylor in 1986, the Mustangs posted a win over a State on Saturday to keep The Silver Spade and Brass Spittoon in El Paso for one more year. The
nationally-ranked opponent, defeating No. 22 TCU on Saturday night, 21-10. The win was also win was the first in Las Cruces for the Miners since 1991. UTEP wide receiver Chris Francies’
SMU's first non-conference win since Sept. 2, 2000 (SMU 31, Kansas 17). Redshirt freshman RB touchdown reception in the first quarter extended his streak to 35 straight games with a reception.
DeMyron Martin became the first SMU player since 2001 to score three touchdowns in a game, The streak is the second longest streak in the nation. UCLA transfer Tyler Ebell had 132 all-
running for two scores and catching another. Martin, who did not play in the season opener against purpose yards (63 rush, 46 rec, 23 ret) in his UTEP debut, including a 28-yard touchdown
Baylor, carried 26 times for 118 yards in his first career action. Jared Romo made his first career reception in the second quarter. Senior LB Thomas Howard was a busy man in Las Cruces as he
start at quarterback, finishing the night 11-of-21 for 101 yards, while also rushing 13 times for 48 finished with 10 tackles, two for a loss, a sack, an interception, two pass break-ups and a fumble
yards. SMU forced TCU into four interceptions, picking off three Tye Gunn passes and held an recovery. The Aggies had minus-17 yards rushing, marking only the fourth time in school history
opponent without an offensive touchdown for the first time since the 2003 season. that UTEP allowed negative rushing yards to an opponent and the first time since 1966.
2005 CONFERENCE USA FOOTBALL
A GLANCE AT THIS WEEK’S MATCHUPS
HOUSTON AT UTEP SMU at TEXAS A&M
Friday, September 16 El Paso, Texas Saturday, September 17 College Station, Texas
6:00 p.m. (MDT) Sun Bowl (51,500) 11:30 a.m. (CDT) Kyle Field (82,600)
All-Time Series: UTEP leads 2-0 All-Time Series: Texas A&M leads 40-29-7
Last Meeting: UTEP 35, Houston 7 (September 25, 1948) Last Meeting: Texas A&M 20, SMU 17 (October 14, 1995)
Television: ESPN2 Television: FSN Southwest
Announcers: Dave Pasch (PxP), Rod Gilmore and Trevor Matich (Analyst) Announcers: Bill Land (PxP), Gary Reasons (Analyst)
Sun Bowl Press Box Phone: (915) 747-5154 Kyle Field Press Box Phone: (979) 845-4526
Houston (1-1, 0-0 in C-USA) SMU (1-1, 0-0 in C-USA)
Head Coach: Art Briles (Texas Tech, ’79) Head Coach: Phil Bennett (Texas A&M, ’78)
Career Record: 11-15-0 (3rd year) Career Record: 7-30 (4th year)
Record at Houston: 11-15-0 (3rd year) Record at Troy: 7-30 (4th year)
Last Game: Houston 31, Sam Houston State 10 Last Game: SMU 21, TCU 10
Next Game: Sept. 24, vs. Southern Miss Next Game: Sept. 24, vs. Tulane
UTEP (1-0, 0-0 in C-USA) Texas A&M (0-1, 0-0 in Big 12)
Head Coach: Mike Price (Puget Sound, ’69) Head Coach: Dennis Franchione (Pittsburgh State, ‘73)
Career Record: 138-126-0 (24th year) Career Record: 166-88-2 (23rd year)
Record at UTEP: 9-4-0 (2nd year) Record at OU: 11-14-0 (3rd year)
Last Game: UTEP 34, New Mexico State 17 Last Game: Clemson 25, (17) Texas A&M 24
Next Game: Sept. 24, vs. New Mexico (CSTV) Next Game: Sept. 24, vs. Texas State
GAME NOTES: First conference tilt in Conference USA this season and GAME NOTES: SMU’s Phil Bennett will face his alma mater for the first time
also marks the Miners’ first league game as a member of C-USA….This will as a head coach….The Mustangs will look to snap a nine-game winless
be the first meeting between the two in-state foes since the 1948 season streak against the Aggies (8-0-1)….The two teams played to a 21-21 tie
when UTEP defeated Houston 35-7 in El Paso…. Both previous meetings when the game was played at a neutral site in San Antonio in 1994….The
were in El Paso, with the Miners taking both decision. last meeting between the schools in 1995 (the final year of the Southwest
Conference) ended a streak of seven-consecutive years that the two squads
........................................................................................................................... played each other.
...........................................................................................................................
EAST CAROLINA AT WAKE FOREST
Saturday, September 17 Winston Salem, N.C.
5:30 p.m. (EDT) Groves Stadium (31,500) RICE AT (2) TEXAS
All-Time Series: Wake Forest leads 5-2 Saturday, September 17 Austin, Texas
Last Meeting: Wake Forest 31, East Carolina 17 (September 11, 2004) 6:00 p.m. (CDT) Darrell K Royal-Memorial Stadium (82,082)
Groves Stadium Press Box Phone: (336) 896-9158 All-Time Series: Texas leads 65-21-1
Last Meeting: Texas 35, Rice 13 (September 25, 2004)
East Carolina (1-0, 0-0 in C-USA) Television: FSN Southwest
Head Coach: Skip Holtz (Notre Dame, ’86) Announcers: Joel Meyers (PxP), Dave Lapham (Analyst)
Career Record: 35-23-0 (6th year) Darrell K Royal-Memorial Stadium Press Box Phone: (512) 471-1641
Record at ECU: 1-0-0 (First year)
Last Game: East Carolina 24, Duke 21 Rice (0-1, 0-0 in C-USA)
Next Game: Sept. 24, East Carolina at West Virginia Head Coach: Ken Hatfield (Arkansas, ’65)
Career Record: 167-131-4 (27th year)
Wake Forest (0-2, 0-0 in ACC) Record at Rice: 54-69-1 (12th year)
Head Coach: Jim Grobe (Virginia, ’75) Last Game: UCLA 63, Rice 21
Career Record: 55-60-1 (11th year) Next Game: Sept. 24, vs. Navy
Record at Wake Forest: 22-27-0 (6th year)
Last Game: Nebraska 31, Wake Forest 3 Texas (1-0, 0-0 in SEC)
Next Game: Sept. 24, vs. Maryland Head Coach: Mack Brown (Florida State, ’74)
Career Record: 158-93-1 (22nd year)
GAME NOTES: This will mark the fifth-consecutive season that these two in- Record at Alabama: 72-19-0 (8th year)
state rivals have met on the gridiron….The Demon Deacons have won four Last Game: (2) Texas 25, (4) Ohio State 22
straight in the series….The outcome in four of the seven contests in the Next Game: Oct. 1, at Missouri
series have been decided by less than a touchdown….Wake Forest’s
defense held Nebraska to just one offensive touchdown in last week’s 31-3 GAME NOTES: These two teams met every year from 1914-1995 before a
loss at Lincoln….East Carolina is looking to open the season at 2-0 for the one-year break in 1996….Since then, the teams have played just five times
first time since 1999. including the last two years….Texas has won 34 out of the last 35 meetings
and six in a row….Rice’s last victory was a 19-17 triumph in 1994, which was
Ken Hatfield’s first year at the helm of the Owls….Texas QB Vince Young
three for three touchdowns in last year’s 35-13 Longhorn victory, while Rice
QB Joel Armstrong had a 44-yard touchdown run.
2005 CONFERENCE USA FOOTBALL
A GLANCE AT THIS WEEK’S MATCHUPS
McNEESE STATE at SOUTHERN MISS JACKSONVILLE STATE AT UAB
Saturday, September 17 Hattiesburg, Miss. Saturday, September 17 Birmingham, Ala.
6:00 p.m. (CDT) M.M. Roberts Stadium (33,000) 6:00 p.m. (CDT) Legion Field (72,000)
All-Time Series: Southern Miss leads 1-0 All-Time Series: Series tied 2-2
Last Meeting: Southern Miss 16, McNeese State 14 (December 13, 1980) Last Meeting: UAB 34, Jacksonville State 16 (September 20, 1997)
M.M. Roberts Stadium Press Box Phone: (601) 266-5523 Legion Field Press Box Phone: (205) 326-3814
McNeese State (1-0, 0-0 in Southland) Jacksonville State (0-2, 0-1 in Ohio Valley)
Head Coach: Tommy Tate (McNeese State, ‘79) Head Coach: Jack Crowe (UAB, ‘70)
Career Record: 44-19-0 (6th year) Career Record: 50-39-0 (9th year)
Record at McNeese: 44-19-0 (6th year) Record at JSU: 31-25-0 (6th year)
Last Game: McNeese State 23, Georgia Southern 20 Last Game: Chattanooga 21, Jacksonville State 18
Next Game: Sept. 24, vs. Northwestern Oklahoma State Next Game: Sept. 24, at Southeast Missouri State
Southern Miss (0-1, 0-0 in C-USA) UAB (1-1, 0-0 in C-USA)
Head Coach: Jeff Bower (Southern Miss, ‘75) Head Coach: Watson Brown (Vanderbilt, ‘73)
Career Record: 96-68-1 (15th year) Career Record: 87-137-1 (21st year)
Record at USM: 96-68-1 (15th year) Record at USM: 55-60-0 (11th year)
Last Game: Alabama 30, Southern Miss 21 Last Game: UAB 27, Jacksonville State 7
Next Game: Sept. 24, at Houston Next Game: Oct. 1, vs. Rice
GAME NOTES: The game is a rematch of the 1980 Independence Bowl, GAME NOTES: UAB has won the last two meetings in the series to even
which was the only previous meeting between the two schools….The Golden the overall series record at two wins a piece….All five meetings between the
Eagles won that contest 16-14….Both schools played in their season- schools will have been played in Birmingham….Jacksonville State’s Jack
openers last Saturday, a week after their originally scheduled openers Crowe will face his alma mater for the first time as a head coach on the
(McNeese State vs. Southern and Tulane vs. Southern Miss) were cancelled gridiron….Crowe and UAB head coach Watson Brown are no strangers
due to Hurricane Katrina….The game pits a pair of head coaches who are having crossed paths in the SEC when Crowe was the head coach at
guiding their respective alma maters. Arkansas and Brown was the offensive coordinator at Mississippi State.
........................................................................................................................... ...........................................................................................................................
TULSA AT NORTH TEXAS CHATTANOOGA at MEMPHIS
Saturday, September 17 Denton, Texas Saturday, September 17 Memphis, Tenn.
6:00 p.m. (CDT) Fouts Field (30,500) 7:00 p.m. (CDT) Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium (62,380)
All-Time Series: Tulsa leads 13-6 All-Time Series: Memphis leads 10-5
Last Meeting: Tulsa 38, North Texas 20 (November 20, 1982) Last Meeting: Memphis 52, Chattanooga 21 (September 11, 2004)
Fouts Field Press Box Phone: (940) 565-2476 Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium Press Box Phone: (901) 272-0136
Tulsa (0-2, 0-0 in C-USA) Chattanooga (2-0, 0-0 in Southern)
Head Coach: Steve Kragthorpe (West Texas State, ’87) Head Coach: Rodney Allison (Texas Tech, ‘77)
Career Record: 12-15-0 (3rd year) Career Record: 7-18-0 (3rd year)
Record at Tulsa: 12-15-0 (3rd year) Record at UTC: 7-18-0 (3rd year)
Last Game: (16) Oklahoma 31, Tulsa 15 Last Game: Chattanooga 21, Jacksonville State 18
Next Game: Sept. 24, vs. Memphis Next Game: Sept. 24, vs. at Georgia Southern
North Texas (1-0, 0-0 in Sun Belt) Memphis (0-1, 0-0 in C-USA)
Head Coach: Darrell Dickey (Kansas State, ‘82) Head Coach: Tommy West (Tennessee, ‘76)
Career Record: 37-46-0 (8th year) Career Record: 60-59-0 (11th year)
Record at North Texas: 37-46-0 (8th year) Record at Memphis: 25-24-0 (5th year)
Last Game: North Texas 14, Middle Tennessee 7 Last Game: Ole Miss 10, Memphis 6
Next Game: Sept. 24, at Kansas State Next Game: Sept. 24, at Tulsa
GAME NOTES: This is the first meeting between the two schools since the GAME NOTES: The Tigers have won eight straight in the series, including
1982 season when Tulsa beat the Mean Green 38-20 in Denton….The the last five in Memphis….Memphis scored the most points in a game by
Golden Hurricane return to Denton for this year’s contest looking to extend a either team in a 52-21 victory last year at the Liberty Bowl….Redshirt
six-game winning streak in the series….Tulsa will be trying to snap a 15- freshman Will Hudgens will make his first career start at quarterback in the
game non-conference road losing streak….North Texas’ backfield consists of contest for the Tigers….The Mocs have already equaled their win total from
the 2003 and 2004 NCAA Rushing Leaders (by yardage) in senior Patrick a year ago at two, after an overtime victory in week one and a last-second
Cobbs and sophomore Jamario Thomas, respectively touchdown run in last week’s victory over Jacksonville State.
.
2005 CONFERENCE USA FOOTBALL
A GLANCE AT THIS WEEK’S MATCHUPS
UCF at USF MISSISSIPPI STATE vs. TULANE
Saturday, September 17 Tampa, Fla. Saturday, September 17 Shreveport, La.
7:00 p.m. (EDT) Raymond James Stadium (65,000) 7:00 p.m. (CDT) Independence Stadium (53,000)
All-Time Series: UCF leads All-Time Series: Mississippi State leads 28-25-2
Last Meeting: Southern Miss 16, McNeese State 14 (December 13, 1980) Last Meeting: Mississippi State 28, Tulane 7 (September 4, 2004)
Television: FSN Florida Television: CSTV and i network
Announcers: Rick Peckham (PxP), Tony McGee (Analyst) Announcers: Tom Hart (PxP), Bill Burke (Analyst)
Raymond James Stadium Press Box Phone: (813) 974-7171 Independence Stadium Press Box Phone: (318) 673-7759
UCF (0-1, 0-0 in C-USA) Mississippi State (1-1, 0-1 in SEC)
Head Coach: George O’Leary (New Hampshire, ‘69) Head Coach: Sylvester Croom (Alabama, ‘75)
Career Record: 52-45-0 (9th year) Career Record: 4-9-0 (2nd year)
Record at UCF: 0-12-0 (2nd year) Record at MSU: 4-9-0 (2nd year)
Last Game: South Carolina 24, UCF 15 Last Game: Auburn 28, Mississippi State 0
Next Game: Sept. 24, vs. Marshall Next Game: Sept. 24, vs. Georgia
USF (1-1, 0-0 in BIG EAST) Tulane (0-0, 0-0 in C-USA)
Head Coach: Jim Leavitt (Missouri, ‘78) Head Coach: Chris Scelfo (Northeast Louisiana, ’85)
Career Record: 56-34-0 (9th year) Career Record: 31-40-0 (7th year)
Record at USF: 56-34-0 (9th year) Record at Tulane: 31-40-0 (7th year)
Last Game: USF 37, Florida A&M 3 2004 Bowl Game: None
Next Game: Sept. 24, vs. Louisville Next Game: Sept. 24, at SMU
GAME NOTES: The two programs separated by less than 100 miles will GAME NOTES: Mississippi State is the oldest rivalry on Tulane’s 2005
meet for the first time on the gridiron this Saturday….Both schools are in new schedule as the teams are set to meet for the 56th time and third-consecutive
leagues this season as UCF joined Conference USA and USF became a Big season….Tulane’s only game in Shreveport was the 1987 Independence
East member last summer….The Golden Knights will look to snap a 16- Bowl as the Green Wave suffered a 24-12 setback to Washington….The
game losing streak and give head coach George O’Leary his first win at Green Wave will be the last Division I team to play its opening game this
UCF. season after the opener on Sept. 4, vs. Southern Miss was postponed due to
Hurricane Katrina….Chris Scelfo is 1-1 all-time against Mississippi State
........................................................................................................................... picking up a 31-28 victory over the Bulldogs in 2003.
...........................................................................................................................
2005 CONFERENCE USA FOOTBALL
C-USA BOWL PARTNERS
AUTO ZONE LIBERTY BOWL GMAC BOWL Address: 1357 Kapiolani Blvd., Ste. 1450
Honolulu, HI 96814
Conference USA’s representative has won six of Some of the brightest offensive stars have displayed
the last eight Liberty Bowl games….C-USA teams their talents in the first six years of the GMAC Bowl.
have an all-time record of 9-5 in the game….Last Incredibly productive quarterbacks like Dave C-USA IN THE HAWAII BOWL
year’s attendance of 58,355 for the Louisville- Ragone (Louisville), Stefan LeFors (Louisville) and 2004 Hawaii 59, UAB 40
Boise State matchup marked the seventh David Garrard (East Carolina) have squared off 2003 Hawaii 54, Houston 48 (3ot)
consecutive year that attendance topped the against the likes of Ben Roethlisberger (Miami-Ohio) 2002 Tulane 36, Hawaii 28
50,000 mark….The 2004 matchup between No. 7 and Byron Leftwich (Marshall) in the game.
Louisville and No. 10 Boise State was the only Running backs like TCU’s LaDainian Tomlinson and FORT WORTH BOWL
bowl game other than the National Championship DeAngelo Williams of Memphis have raced down Conference USA is in a multi-year agreement with
game in the Orange Bowl that matched a pair of the field at Ladd-Peebles Stadium….Last year, the Fort Worth Bowl to provide a team for its
Top 10 teams against each other….This year Bowling Green and Memphis engaged in a annual game in Fort Worth, Texas. Cincinnati
marks the 47th anniversary of the AutoZone shootout, with the Falcons downing the Tigers, 52- evened the league’s record in the bowl game at 1-
Liberty Bowl, making it college football’s seventh- 35….East Carolina and Marshall battled in the 1 with a 32-14 victory over Marshall on Dec. 23.
oldest bowl game….Over the years the Liberty highest-scoring bowl game in NCAA history in the
Bowl has seen legendary coaches such as Paul third annual GMAC Bowl in 2001. No. 25 Marshall FORT WORTH BOWL FACTS
“Bear” Bryant, Lou Holtz, Johnny Majors and Joe rallied from a 38-8 halftime deficit to post a 64-61 www.fwbowl.com
Paterno coach in the game, while outstanding win in double-overtime. The teams combined for Fort Worth, Texas
players such as Ernie Davis, Doug Flutie, Bo 1,141 total yards. Date: December 23
Jackson, Archie Manning and Randy White have Time: 1:30 p.m. (CST)
participated in the bowl. GMAC BOWL FACTS Stadium: Amon G. Carter Stadium (44,008)
www.gmacbowl.com Network: ESPN 2
AUTO ZONE LIBERTY BOWL FACTS Mobile, Alabama Opponent: Big 12 Conference Selection
www.libertybowl.org Stadium: Ladd-Peebles Stadium (42,000) Executive Director: Tom Starr
Memphis, Tennessee Date: December 21 Phone: 817/810-0012
Date: December 31 Time: 7:00 p.m. CST FAX: 817/810-0252
Time: Noon CST Network: ESPN Media Relations Director: Tim Simmons
Stadium: Liberty Bowl Memorial (62,380) Opponent: MAC or WAC Selection Media Relations Phone: 303-678-8484
Network: ESPN CEO: Mike Gottfried Mailing Address: 505 Main Street, Suite 270
Opponent: To be Determined President: Jerry Silverstein Fort Worth, TX 76102
Executive Director: Steve Ehrhart Executive Director: Frank Modarelli
President: Jim Rout Media Relations Director: Kelley Wright C-USA IN THE FORT WORTH BOWL
Associate Executive Director: Harold Graeter Phone: 251/635-0011 2004 Cincinnati 32, Marshall 14
Director of Business Operations: Jamie Meeks 2003 Boise State 34, TCU 31
Chief Financial Officer: Perry Winstead C-USA IN THE GMAC BOWL
Phone: 901/795-7700 2004 Bowling Green 52, Memphis 35 WYNDHAM NEW ORLEANS
FAX: 901/795-7826 2003 Miami (Ohio) 49, Louisville 28
Mailing Address: 3767 New Getwell Road 2002 Marshall 38, Louisville 15 BOWL
Memphis, TN 38118 2001 Marshall 64, East Carolina 61 (2ot) For the fifth year in a row, the Wyndham New
Website: www.libertybowl.org 2000 Southern Miss 28, (13) TCU 21 Orleans Bowl will kick off the 2005-06 bowl
1999 TCU 28, East Carolina 14 season with a December 20th date for this year’s
C-USA IN THE LIBERTY BOWL game….C-USA participated in the New Orleans
2004 (7) Louisville 44, Boise State 40 Bowl for the third straight year last
SHERATON HAWAI’I BOWL
2003 (25) Utah 17, Southern Miss 0 December….Southern Miss won the 2004 game,
In its first three years, the Sheraton Hawai’i Bowl
2002 TCU 17, (21) Colorado State 3 31-10 over Sun Belt Conference champion North
has gained a reputation for offensive
2001 (22) Louisville 28, (17) BYU 10 Texas.
shootouts….Each of the last two years it has been
2000 (23) Colorado State 22, (22) Louisville 17
the highest scoring bowl game….Last year, UAB
1999 Southern Miss 23, Colorado State 17 WYNDHAM NEW ORLEANS BOWL FACTS
made the first bowl appearance in school history
1998 Tulane 41 Brigham Young 27 www.neworleansbowl.org
when the Blazers battled home-standing Hawai’i,
1997 Southern Miss 41, Pittsburgh 7 New Orleans, La.
falling 59-40….In 2003, Hawaii prevailed, 54-48, in
1996 Syracuse 30, Houston 17 Date: December 20
triple overtime over Houston….In 2002, Tulane
1995 East Carolina 19, Stanford 13 Time: 7:00 p.m. (CST)
represented C-USA in the inaugural Hawai’i Bowl,
1994 Illinois 30, East Carolina 0 Stadium: Louisiana Superdome (69,767)
upsetting Hawaii on their home field, 36-28.
1993 Louisville 18, Michigan State 7 Network: ESPN
1979 Penn State 9, Tulane 6 Opponent: Sun Belt Champion
SHERATON HAWAI’I BOWL FACTS CEO: Jay Cicero
1970 Tulane 17, Colorado 3
www.hawaiibowl.com Executive Director: Billy Ferrante
Honolulu, Hawai’i Phone: 504/525-5678
Date: December 24
Time: 2:00 p.m. (HST), 8:00 p.m. (EST)
C-USA IN THE NEW ORLEANS BOWL
Stadium: Aloha Stadium (50,000)
2004 Southern Miss 31, North Texas 10
Network: ESPN
2003 Memphis 27, North Texas 17
Opponent: WAC Selection
2002 North Texas 24, Cincinnati 19
Executive Director: Jim Donovan
Media Relations Director: Dave Matlin
Phone: 808-983-1124
FAX: 808-955-0505
2005 CONFERENCE USA FOOTBALL
INSTANT REPLAY NCAA FOOTBALL RULES COMMITTEE
Conference USA will implement an experimental “NFL Model” instant replay
program for the 2005 football regular season. The recommendation, made by Video Replay Procedures
the league’s Athletic Directors at C-USA Spring Meetings in May, was
approved by the Board of Directors in June. Plays that MAY be reviewed with the use of video replay:
Conference USA will follow the instant replay model similar to what the Plays governed by sideline, goal line and end line:
National Football League utilizes in the final two minutes of play for each a) Scoring plays, including a runner breaking the plane of the goal line.
half. A technical advisor (TA) in the press box will decide on a review, but the b) Pass complete/incomplete/intercepted at sideline, goal line and end line.
referee will make the final decision on the field. Coaches will not be able to c) Runner/receiver in or out of bounds.
make a challenge. d) Recovery of loose ball in bounds.
Conference USA’s experimental model is distinct from the other Division I-A Passing Plays:
conferences implementing instant replay, which all rely on the TA to both call a) Pass ruled complete/incomplete/intercepted in the field of play and end
for the instant replay and have the final decision upon review. Conference zones.
USA coaches, unanimously, felt that the referee on the field is the best b) Touching of a forward pass by an ineligible receiver.
option to use as instant replay is transitioned into the college game. c) Touching of a forward pass by a defensive player.
d) Quarterback (passer) forward pass or fumble (if pass is incomplete, the
The TA will have access to the referee through a vibrating pager. When the play is finalized).
TA feels there is a questionable call, he will page the referee. The referee will e) Illegal forward pass or illegal handing beyond the line of scrimmage.
kill the clock and announce that a ruling on the field is being reviewed. The f) Illegal forward pass or illegal handing after change of possession.
referee then will review all aspects of the play and can overrule the original g) Forward or backward pass thrown from behind the line of scrimmage.
call or let it stand.
Other detectable infractions:
There will be no clock adjustments unless there is a replay reversal on a play a) Runner ruled not down.
that ran time off the clock and, upon further review, the clock would have b) Forward progress errors with respect to first down.
been stopped. The referee and TA will confirm the correct time and c) Touching of a kick.
communicate it to the timer. d) Number of players on field.
e) Clock adjustments.
Instant replay is a very unique situation and there are many aspects to it. f) Fourth down/try fumble plays.
Conference USA referees, technical advisors, replay assistants and
technicians participated in intensive training at an August clinic prior to the Plays that MAY NOT be reviewed with the use of video replay:
start of the season. 1. Holding.
2. Offside/encroachment.
3. Pass interference.
4. Personal fouls (e.g., late hits).
5. Illegal blocks..
6. Illegal formations.
7. Face mask.
8. Taunting/excessive celebration.
9. False starts.
10. Roughing the passer/kicker.
11. Fighting participants
2005 CONFERENCE USA FOOTBALL
C-USA CHAMPIONSHIP GAME C-USA FOOTBALL FACTS
Another significant milestone in Conference USA history will be achieved as Below are several facts about the new alignment of football schools in
the league is set to debut its inaugural football championship game this Conference USA:
season. The title game is slated for Saturday, December 3 and will be
televised by ESPN. The team with the highest Conference winning • 104 All-Time Bowl appearances (30 since 1994)
percentage will serve as the host site for the title game.
• Since 1994, six schools have won at least one conference
The game will feature champions from the East and West Divisions of C- championship, with Marshall winning five MAC championships
USA. East Carolina, Marshall, Memphis, Southern Miss, UAB and UCF will and Southern Miss winning four C-USA titles.
compete in the East Division and Houston, Rice, SMU, Tulane, Tulsa, and
UTEP will contend in the West. • Since 1995, realigned C-USA schools have posted at least one non-
conference victory over the following foes: Miami (Fla.), Oklahoma,
"We are very excited to provide an additional showcase for some of the top LSU, Alabama, Kansas State, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas,
football programs in our Conference," said Richard Giannini, Director of Mississippi, South Carolina, Clemson, Oklahoma State, Syracuse,
Athletics at Southern Miss and Chair of the C-USA Football Scheduling/Bowl Pittsburgh and West Virginia.
Relations Subcommittee. C-USA Athletic Directors voted unanimously last
August to recommend to the C-USA Board of Directors the staging of the • Since 1997, three schools have finished ranked in the Top 25 of the
league's inaugural Football Championship Game in 2005. final polls at least one time (Marshall, Southern Miss and Tulane).
"We also feel there are a number of advantages to the schools and the host • Realigned C-USA schools have finished ranked in the Top 20 of the
community," Giannini added. "This format is not only the best method to final AP poll a total of 49 times since the poll began in 1936.
determine our champion, but will provide excellent media exposure for the
schools and the community, including the economic impact a game like this • Since the 2000 season, realigned Conference USA schools have
creates." combined to make 104 national television appearances.
C-USA becomes one of only five Division I-A Conferences that host a • The realigned schools in Conference USA produced 83 players that
football championship game. The Big 12, SEC and Mid-American appeared on the opening day rosters of NFL teams this past
conferences currently host football championships, and the Atlantic Coast season. Included were pro bowlers such as QB Brett Favre, QB
Conference will add a Championship Game in 2005 as well. Duante Culpepper, WR Randy Moss, WR Isaac Bruce and CB
Patrick Surtain.
C-USA TIEBREAKER
Home field for the C-USA Championship Game will be awarded to the team
that posts the highest regular season winning percentage against conference BIG IMPROVEMENT
competition. The first tiebreaker is the winner of a head-to-head matchup. If UTEP produced the nation’s largest improvement in 2004, going from 2-11 in
2003 to 8-5 last year. The 6 1/2 game win increase outdistanced Auburn and
the two teams did not play during the regular season, the team with the
Iowa State’s five-game improvement last fall. In 2003, Tulsa and Memphis had
highest BCS ranking would receive the nod. In case of a tie still remaining or
the two largest increases in win totals among I-A schools. Here’s a look at the
multiple teams tying, then divisional play would be examined more closely. biggest improvements last year:
SAME STOMPING GROUNDS MOST IMPROVED 2004 I-A TEAMS
Of the 11 Division I-A football conferences, only Conference USA and the Pac-10 School 2003 2004 Gain
have two schools that share the same city. Houston claims both the University of UTEP 2-11 8-4 +6.5
Houston and Rice University, while Los Angeles is home to UCLA and USC. The Auburn 8-5 13-0 +5.0
Mid-American Conference is the only league that has five schools in the same state, Iowa State 2-10 7-5 +5.0
while the ACC, Big 12, C-USA and the Pac-10 each have as many as four schools in La.-Monroe 1-11 5-6 +4.5
one state. Here is a list of those conferences with at least four schools in one state:
NOTE OF CHAMPIONS
MAC (Ohio) Big 12
Marshall and Southern Miss each ranked among the top four programs in the country
Akron (Arkon) Baylor (Waco)
in winning conference championships since 1996. Only Florida State (seven ACC
Bowling Green (Bowling Green) Texas (Austin) titles) has won league titles than Marshall’s five. Southern Miss is next with four C-
Kent State (Kent) Texas A&M (College Station) USA titles to its credit. Here’s a look at the schools with the most league titles over that
Ohio (Athens) Texas Tech (Lubbock) period:
Miami (Ohio) (Miami)
7 Florida State (ACC)
C-USA (Texas) Pac 10 5 Marshall (Mid-American)
Houston (Houston) California (Berkeley) 4 Southern Miss (C-USA)
Rice (Houston) Stanford (Palo Alto)
5 Miami (Fla.) (Big East/ACC)
SMU (Dallas) UCLA (Los Angeles)
4 Colorado State (WAC/Mountain West)
UTEP (El Paso) USC (Los Angeles)
ACC
Duke (Durham)
North Carolina (Chapel Hill)
North Carolina State (Raleigh)
Wake Forest (Winston-Salem)
2005 CONFERENCE USA FOOTBALL
COACHES’ FLAGSHIP RADIO STATIONS E-MAIL DISTRIBUTION
TELECONFERENCE Below is the flagship radio station for each C-USA Media may contact the Conference USA office by
football school: phone (214-774-1300) or e-mail to be included on
All 12 Conference USA head football coaches will
the league’s e-mail lists for releases and
be available for a teleconference each Monday
East Carolina WGHP-AM 1250 information. Please contact Russell Anderson
during the 2005 season. The call begins at 2:00
Houston KMBE-AM 790 (rdanderson@c-usa.org) or Ryan Powell
p.m. EDT/1:00 p.m. CDT and can be accessed by
Marshall WDGG-FM 93.7 (rpowell@c-usa.org) in the conference office with
calling (913) 981-5536.
Memphis WMC-AM 790 requests or questions.
Rice KBME-AM 790
The first call will take place on Monday, August 29
and the final teleconference will be Monday, Nov.
SMU KTCK-AM 1310 C-USA ON THE INTERNET
Southern Miss WXRR-FM 104.5 For the latest Conference USA news, check out
21. Please note that, due to the Labor Day
Tulane WTIX-FM 94.3 the league's official web site:
holiday, the Sept. 5 call will take place on
Tulsa KRMG-AM 740 www.conferenceusa.com.
Tuesday, Sept. 6 for that week only.
UAB WYDE-FM 101.1
UCF WQTM-AM 740
2:00 EDT/1:00 CDT Players of the Week
UTEP KROD-AM 600 WHAT’S IN A NAME?
2:05 EDT/1:05 CDT Skip Holtz, East Carolina
2:12 EDT/1:12 CDT Mark Snyder, Marshall Several C-USA institutions are often
misrepresented when it comes to the correct
2:19 EDT/1:19 CDT George O’Leary, UCF C-USA SID CONTACTS spelling and abbreviation of their names. Please
2:26 EDT/1:26 CDT Jeff Bower, Southern Miss Here are the phone numbers and email addresses
2:33 EDT/1:33 CDT Art Briles, Houston be sure and use the listings below:
for each Conference USA school:
2:40 EDT/1:40 CDT Ken Hatfield, Rice
2:47 EDT/1:47 CDT Phil Bennett, SMU East Carolina Pirates
East Carolina Tom McClellan Houston Cougars
2:54 EDT/1:54 CDT Chris Scelfo, Tulane 252/328-4522 mclellant@mail.ecu.edu
3:01 EDT/2:01 CDT Watson Brown, UAB Marshall Thundering Herd
Houston Chris Burkhalter Memphis Tigers
3:08 EDT/2:08 CDT Mike Price, UTEP 713/743-9404 cburkha@mail.uh.edu
3:15 EDT/2:15 CDT Steve Kragthorpe, Tulsa Rice Owls
Marshall Randy Burnside SMU Mustangs
3:22 EDT/2:22 CDT Tommy West, Memphis 304/696-4660 burnsid2@marshall.edu Southern Miss Golden Eagles
Memphis Jennifer Rodrigues Tulane Green Wave
A replay of the call will be available beginning at 901/678-2337 jmpowers@cc.memphis.edu
5:00 p.m. EDT/4:00 p.m. CDT each Monday Tulsa Golden Hurricane
Rice Bill Cousins UAB Blazers
evening by calling (402) 220-1009. The replay will 713/348-4034 bcuz@rice.edu
run throughout the week. UCF Golden Knights
SMU Brad Sutton UTEP Miners
214/768-2883 bsutton@smu.edu
WEEKLY SATELLITE FEED Southern Miss Mike Montoro
601/266-4503 michael.montoro@usm.edu C-USA FALL
A weekly satellite feed featuring highlights and
Tulane Donna Turner CHAMPIONSHIPS
interviews from all 12 C-USA schools will be
504/865-5506 x2 dturner1@tulane.edu
available each Wednesday this season, beginning Here’s a look at the dates and sites for
Tulsa Don Tomkalski
at 4:00 p.m. EDT/3:00 p.m. CDT. Each school will Conference USA’s fall championships:
918/631-2395 donald-tomkalski@utulsa.edu
have approximately 2½ minutes of footage each
UAB Norm Reilly
week. The coordinates for the feed are: Men’s and Women’s Cross Country
205/934-0722 nreilly@uab.edu
Oct. 30 TBA
UCF Jason Baum
KU Band Host: TBA
407/823-0994 jbaum@mail.ucf.edu
Galaxy 11 Women’s Soccer
UTEP Jeff Darby
Transponder 13 Nov. 2-5 Houston, Texas
915/747-6652 jdarby@utep.edu
Downlink Frequency: 11960 MHz (H) Host: Rice
Men’s Soccer
The first feed will be on Wednesday, September 7 C-USA WEBSITES Nov. 11-13 TBD
and the final one will be on November 23. Here are the official websites for each Conference Host: Highest seed Among Four
USA school: Semifinalists (first round at campus sites)
Volleyball
PRESS BOX NUMBERS Nov. 17-20 Houston, Texas
East Carolina www.ecupirates.com
Here are the press box numbers for each Host: Rice
Houston www.uhcougars.com
Conference USA school:
Marshall www.herdzone.com
Memphis www.gotigersgo.com
East Carolina 252/328-4697
Rice www.riceowls.com
Houston 713/743-0550
SMU www.smumustangs.com
Marshall 304/696-6666
Southern Miss www.southernmiss.com
Memphis 901/272-0136
Tulane www.tulanegreenwave.com
Rice 713/527-0250
Tulsa www.tulsahurricane.com
SMU 214/768-7730
UAB www.uabsports.com
Southern Miss 601/266-5523
UCF www.ucfathletics.com
Tulane 504/587-3868
UTEP www.utepathletics.com
Tulsa 918/631-2492
UAB 205/326-3814
UCF 407/245-0342
UTEP 915/747-5154
2005 CONFERENCE USA FOOTBALL
EAST CAROLINA (1-0, 0-0 C-USA) MEMPHIS (0-1, 0-0 C-USA)
S3 DUKE (CSTV) W, 24-21 S5 (Mon.) MISSISSIPPI (ESPN) L, 6-10
S17 at Wake Forest 6:30p S17 CHATTANOOGA 7:00p
S 24 at West Va. (ESPN Reg.) Noon S24 at Tulsa 6:00p
O1 SOUTHERN MISS 6:00p O1 UTEP (CSTV) 7:00p
O8 RICE 6:00p O8 at UCF 6:00p
O15 at SMU 3:00p O15 at Houston (CSTV) 4:00p
O22 at Memphis (I Net.) 3:30p O22 EAST CAROLINA (I Net.) 2:30p
O29 UCF 2:00p N1 (Tue) UAB (ESPN2) 6:30p
N12 at Tulsa 3:00p N12 at Tennessee 3:00p
N19 at Marshall 4:30p N19 at Southern Miss (CSTV) 7:30p
N26 UAB 12:00p N26 MARSHALL 1:00p
All Times Eastern All Times Central
HOUSTON (1-1, 0-0 C-USA) RICE (0-1, 0-0 C-USA)
S1 (Thu.) OREGON - RS (ESPN2) L, 24-38 S10 at UCLA L, 21-63
S10 SAM HOUSTON STATE W, 31-10 S17 at (2) Texas (FSN) 6:00p
S16 (Fri.) at UTEP (ESPN2) 7:00p S 24 NAVY 7:00p
S 24 SOUTHERN MISS 6:00p O1 at UAB 6:00p
O1 at Tulsa 6:00p O8 at East Carolina 5:00p
O8 at Tulane (I Net.) 4:00p O15 TULSA 2:00p
O15 MEMPHIS (CSTV) 4:00p O29 UTEP (I Net.) 5:00p
O22 at Mississippi State 1:30p N5 at SMU 2:00p
N5 at UCF (I Net.) 5:00p N12 TULANE 2:00p
N12 SMU (I Net.) 5:00p N19 UCF 2:00p
N26 RICE (CSTV) 3:00p N26 at Houston (CSTV) 3:00p
RS – Reliant Stadium All Times Central
All Times Central
SMU (1-1, 0-0 C-USA)
MARSHALL (1-1, 0-0 C-USA)
S3 BAYLOR L, 23-28
S1 (Thu.) WILLIAM & MARY W, 36-24 S10 (22) TCU (CSTV) W, 21-10
S10 KANSAS STATE (ESPN2) L, 19-21 S17 at Texas A&M (FSN) 11:30a
S 24 at UCF 6:00p S24 TULANE 7:00p
O1 SMU 4:30p O1 at Marshall 3:30p
O8 at Virginia Tech TBA O8 at UAB 6:00p
O15 UAB (I Net.) 5:00p O15 EAST CAROLINA 2:00p
O22 at UTEP (CSTV) 9:00p O22 at Tulsa 2:00p
O29 at Tulane (CSTV) 7:00p N5 RICE 2:00p
N8 (Tue.) SOUTHERN MISS (ESPN2) 7:30p N12 at Houston (I Net.) 5:00p
N19 EAST CAROLINA 4:30p N26 UTEP 2:00p
N26 at Memphis 2:00p All Times Central
All Times Eastern
2005 CONFERENCE USA FOOTBALL
SOUTHERN MISS (0-1, 0-0 C-USA) UAB (1-1, 0-0 C-USA)
S10 at Alabama (ESPN2) L, 21-30 S3 at Tennessee (JP) L, 10-17
S17 MCNEESE STATE 6:00p S10 at Troy State W, 27-7
S24 at Houston 6:00p S17 JACKSONVILLE STATE 6:00p
O1 at East Carolina 5:00p O1 RICE 6:00p
O8 TULSA (CSTV) 7:00p O8 SMU 6:00p
O15 UCF 6:00p O15 at Marshall (I Net.) 4:00p
O21 (Fri.) at UAB (ESPN) 7:00p O21 (Fri.) SOUTHERN MISS (ESPN) 7:00p
O29 at North Carolina State Noon N1 (Tue.) at Memphis (ESPN2) 6:30p
N8 (Tue.) at Marshall (ESPN2) 6:30p N12 UCF (CSTV) 3:00p
N19 MEMPHIS (CSTV) 7:30p N19 at UTEP (I Net.) 5:00p
N26 TULANE (ESPN2) TBA N26 at East Carolina 11:00a
All Times Central All Times Central
TULANE (0-0, 0-0 C-USA) UCF (0-1, 0-0 C-USA)
S17 #MISSISSIPPI ST. (CSTV) 7:00p S1 (Thu.) at South Carolina (ESPN) L, 15-24
S24 at SMU 7:00p S17 at USF (FSN Florida) 7:00p
O1 SE LOUISIANA 2:30p S24 MARSHALL 6:00p
O8 HOUSTON (I Net.) 4:00p O1 at Louisiana-Lafayette 8:00p
O14 (Fri.) UTEP (ESPN/ESPN2) 7:00p O8 MEMPHIS 6:00p
O22 at UCF 5:00p O15 at Southern Miss 7:00p
O29 MARSHALL (CSTV) 6:00p O22 TULANE 6:00p
N5 at Navy (CSTV) 12:30p O29 at East Carolina 2:00p
N12 at Rice 2:00p N5 HOUSTON (I Net.) 6:00p
N19 TULSA 6:00p N12 at UAB (CSTV) 4:00p
N26 (Sun.) at Southern Miss (ESPN2) TBA N19 at Rice 3:00p
# - Independence Stadium (Shreveport, La.) All Times Eastern
All Times Central
UTEP (1-0, 0-0 C-USA)
TULSA (0-2, 0-0 C-USA)
S3 at New Mexico St. (ESPNU) W, 34-17
S1 (Thu.) MINNESOTA (ESPN2) L, 10-41 S16 (Fri.) HOUSTON (ESPN) 6:00p
S10 at (16) Oklahoma (FSN) L, 15-31 S24 NEW MEXICO (CSTV) 6:00p
S17 at North Texas 6:00p O1 at Memphis (CSTV) 6:00p
S24 MEMPHIS 6:00p O14 (Fri.) at Tulane (ESPN) 6:00p
O1 HOUSTON 6:00p O22 MARSHALL (CSTV) 7:00p
O8 at Southern Miss (CSTV) 7:00p O29 at Rice (I Net.) 4:00p
O15 at Rice 2:00p N5 TULSA 7:00p
O22 SMU 2:00p N12 TEXAS SOUTHERN 7:00p
N5 at UTEP 8:00p N19 UAB (I Net.) 4:00p
N12 EAST CAROLINA 2:00p N26 at SMU 1:00p
N19 at Tulane 6:00p All Times Mountain
All Times Central