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Championship Dreams

It’s been ten years since the University of Houston has won a conference championship in football. In 1996, the inaugural year of Conference USA, UH and Southern Miss were named co-champions. But a decade later, there’ll be nothing “co-” about it.

With a 23-20 overtime victory against Memphis last Saturday, the Cougars (9-3 overall, 7-1 in conference) have earned the right to host the C-USA Championship Game and win the title outright. UH will play Southern Mississippi Friday, December 1 at 7 p.m. at Robertson Stadium. ESPN2 will televise.

Ticket demand is surging. Fans who buy their tickets before the close of business on Tuesday, November 21st can still have them mailed. All purchases afterward must be picked up at the ticket office or game-day will call. Tickets may be purchased by calling 713-GO-COOGS, online at UHCougars.com, or in person at the Athletics/Alumni Center ticket office. Premium seats are available for $50, while sideline and lower end zone reserved seats are $30. Upper end zone and general admission tickets are $20. UH student tickets are $10 with a valid ID.

If the Cougars win the championship game, they’ll travel to Memphis on December 29th for the Liberty Bowl. The opponent there would be an SEC foe; many national experts predict Kentucky.

The Cougars have won nine regular season games for the first time in 16 years. Coach Art Briles and his team have surpassed expectations. Current students and young alumni are reveling in the excitement. Older fans dream of a return to UH’s glory days. The sleeping giant has slept for far too long. Time to wake up.