Today, in 1981, the Houston Cougars beat New Mexico 21-10 at the Astrodome, UH’s first season-opener at home in four years. Sophomore QB Audrey McMillan, who barely played in 1980, scored two touchdowns in his first game as the starter.
On fourth and goal from the one, McMillan scored to give the Cougars an early 7-0 lead. McMillan dashed for 17 and 11 yards in a second-quarter drive before rolling out to his left and darting into the end zone from nine yards out. UH led 14-3.
UNM picked off a McMillan pass at the Lobo 33 in the third quarter, turning it into their only touchdown of the game. For most of the second half, the game was in the balance. With less than three minutes to play in the fourth quarter on a 3rd and five play near midfield, a DB from New Mexico was called for pass interference against Cougar receiver Lonell Phea. A no-call would have forced a UH punt up only four. Instead, the Coogs kept marching, and senior running back Eddie Wright scored from the two in the game’s final play. Wright ended with 100 yards rushing.
A year prior, the Lobos gave BYU their only loss of the season in the opening game, holding Lavell Edwards’ high-flying Cougs to just 21 points.
Following a 7-3-1 regular season, UH lost to Oklahoma in the 1981 Sun Bowl.
