Bill Yeoman’s first game as UH’s head in 1962 was a 19-0 win over the Baylor Bears at Rice Stadium. Sophomore running back Joe Lopasky scored three touchdowns in his first college game.
Defensive back Byron Beaver tied an NCAA record with five interceptions against the Bears, which still stands today. The Cougar run defense held Baylor to just 21 rushing yards in the game. The UH ground game put up 163 yards, while QB Billie Roland was 7/10 passing for 96 yards.
“Our boys just wanted it more than they did,” Yeoman said after the game, munching on an apple. “We just ran basic stuff, and our boys did a remarkable job.”
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram sent reporter Galyn Wilkins to the game, and his story lede put it the best.
“An army of relentless sophomores, down-right disrespectful of Baylor’s touted aerial game, spearheaded Houston University to a 19-0 conquest of the favored Bears.”
Lopasky opened the scoring in the 2nd quarter on a five-yard run and scored again in the third and on the first play of the 4th quarter. He ran for 43 yards on 13 carries.
UH’s history with Baylor stretches back over 70 years to 1950.
