On this day in 1965, the Houston Cougars beat Cincinnati, 21-6, to get their first-ever win in the Astrodome. The Coogs had been shut out for 11+ quarters at home: by Tulsa, Mississippi State, and for three quarters by the Bearcats before erupting for 21 points in the 4th.
The first half vs. Cincinnati was scoreless as neither team could push into the other’s red zone. The Bearcats finally scored late in the 3rd to take a 6-0 lead. UH gifted them a fumble at the Cougar 21 to set up their only touchdown, which the AP called a “dinky 4-yard look-in pass.”
On the next drive, the Cougars went 74 yards in six plays to take the lead. Kenny Hebert scored UH’s first Astrodome touchdown on a pass from Dick Woodall early in the 4th. Hebert also kicked the PAT, and Houston led 7-6.
After a Bearcat punt, the Coogs started another scoring drive. George Nordgren barrelled 27 yards to the one before scoring on the next play.
Late in the game, Bo Burris relieved Woodall at QB and threw a sideline pass to sophomore Warren McVea who scrambled in for another score.
Even with the win, UH fans were not thrilled with Bill Yeoman’s offense. The team gained just 210 yards against Cincinnati and had five turnovers. After a week off, the team would play three straight road games at Texas A&M, Miami, and Tennessee.
The off week gave Coach Yeoman time to think about the new offense he had tinkered with since the spring. Little could he know that Within a month, he would change the history of college football with his Veer-T offense.
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1965 Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 9/11 | Tulsa | L 0-14 |
| 9/18 | Mississippi State | L 0-36 |
| 9/24 | Cincinnati | W 21-6 |
| 10/9 | @ Texas A&M | L 7-10 |
| 10/16 | @ Miami (FL) | L 12-44 |
| 10/23 | @ Tennessee | L 8-17 |
| 10/30 | Chattanooga | W 40-7 |
| 11/6 | Ole Miss | W 17-3 |
| 11/13 | #10 Kentucky | W 38-21 |
| 11/20 | @ Florida State | T 16-16 |