1957 Houston Cougars football team
Encyclopedia
The 1957 Houston Cougars football team, also known as the Houston Cougars, Houston, or UH, represented the University of Houston
in the 1957 college football season
as a member of the NCAA's University Division. It was the 12th year of season play for Houston. The team was coached by first-year head coach Hal Lahar
. The team played its games off-campus at Rice Stadium
, which had been built in 1950. Houston won its third conference championship, as the Cougars earned a perfect 3–0 record in conference play. It was the first time a conference championship was achieved by a first-year coach for Houston. Despite losing several key starting players and switching head coaches, Houston was considered a favorite for the conference championship prior to the season's start. Following the season, three of Houston's players from the 1957 roster were drafted in the 1958 NFL Draft
. Three more 1957 players were also taken in the 1959 NFL Draft
.
was successfully lured from Colgate
on January 18, 1957.
, coached by tenth-year Hurricanes veteran Andy Gustafson
, traveled to Rice Stadium to compete against Houston for both of the teams' season opener game. It was the first meeting between the two teams. Miami, an NCAA University Division Independent, was heavily favored to win the game, and were nationally-ranked as #14 in the AP Poll
.
Both teams struggled offensively, as there were 11 fumbles throughout the game. Miami's longest drive was for only 27 yards. The single score in the game came near the end of the second quarter period when junior Houston halfback rushed for 23 yards with key blocks from senior fullback Owen Mulholland and junior guard Burr Davis. Halfback Mike Michon converted the point after touchdown. Miami responded by taking the ball to Houston's 23 yard line in the second quarter, but ran out of time to complete a successful score. In the fourth quarter, Houston halfback Don Brown ran for 75 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, but this was retracted by officials due to a holding penalty.
With a win against #14 Miami, Houston entered the AP Poll as a nationally-ranked team for the first time since the 1952 season
.
, who had previously served in the same capacity for Houston under Hal Lahar
from 1950–1954. As a pre-season ranked team, and a win against Villanova
the week prior, Baylor entered the game nationally-ranked at #11 in the AP Poll.
While Houston's offensive strategy centered around a running game, Baylor's game was spearheaded by quarterback Doyle Traylor and a short passing strategy. Traylor completed 11 of 15 passes to help his team win. Throughout the first half of the game, no team scored, but early in the third quarter, Baylor scored a touchdown. Although Houston answered with a 3 yard reception for a touchdown by halfback Claude King, kicker Mike Michon was unable to convert for the point after touchdown.
After the loss, Houston was dropped from the AP Poll, and did not return for the remainder of the season.
in Ohio. Having moved from an independent status in the NCAA, it was Cincinnati's first season as a conference member, and the team was coached by 3rd-year head coach George Blackburn
.
After a scoreless three quarters, the fourth quarter of the game saw Houston score a rushing touchdown by halfback Claude King from Cincinnati's four yard line. Houston's offense had 257 total yards compared to Cincinnati's 97.
With the win against the Bearcats, Houston improved to an overall record of 2–1, and a 1–0 conference record.
, it was the sixth time in history that the two teams had competed against each other. Texas A&M had become a regular opponent for Houston, having met with each other each season since 1952. The Aggies were coached by Bear Bryant
, who was serving in his fourth year with the team. Attendance for the game was 33,000. It was the third time on Houston's schedule that they played a nationally-ranked team, and Texas A&M was #3 in the AP Poll.
With the loss to Texas A&M, Houston's overall record fell to 2–2. Texas A&M's national ranking improved to the #1 spot later in the season, and the Aggies eventually finished at #9 after a berth in the Gator Bowl
. Following the season, head coach Bear Bryant went on to coach Alabama
, and won several national championships from 1958–1982.
, and the Cowboys' entered the game with a 3–1 season record and a three game winning streak. It would be both Houston and Oklahoma State's sole game of the season with a tied result. Had Oklahoma State won the game, it would have meant a complete sweep of all Missouri Valley former conference-mates.
Although the Cowboys led the game with six points over the Cougars' nil score, a final quarter punt by Oklahoma State's Jim Wiggins was blocked by Houston tackle Hogan Wharton. This allowed Houston to recover the ball on Oklahoma State's 24-yard line. Then, Houston halfback Don Brown managed to complete a nine-yard rushing touchdown. Despite this, when attempting a PAT, kicker Sammy Blount missed, and the score remained tied.
Following the game, Hogan Wharton received the "Lineman of the Week" award from the Missouri Valley Conference. Houston's record became 2–2–1, and Oklahoma State eventually finished their season with a 6–3–1 overall record.
of the Southeastern Conference
for their next game. With a perfect 4–0 season record, the Tigers were nationally-ranked in the AP Poll
as #5. Auburn was coached by seventh-year head coach Ralph Jordan
who had led his team to four previous winning seasons with three bowl game appearances, and three finishes in the national rankings.
Starting with a 71-yard touchdown pass with its first play against Houston, Auburn would eventually crush Houston with a 48–7 win. The Cougars' lone touchdown was scored by halfback Paul Sweeten in the second quarter after returning an interception.
Following the win against Houston, Auburn went on to have an undefeated 10–0 season record. They were awarded the national title in the AP Poll, and were ranked as the second-best team in the Coaches' Poll. As a team on NCAA probation, Auburn was ineligible for a bowl game appearance.
to compete against the Ole Miss Rebels
. Having competed against Auburn in the previous game, Ole Miss was the second SEC team that Houston played on its schedule. The Rebels were coached by eleventh-year veteran Johnny Vaught
, and entered the contest with a 5–1 overall record (having only lost to Arkansas of the Southwest Conference). Ole Miss was considered to be the favorite, and were nationally ranked as #14 in the AP Poll.
Within the first four minutes of gameplay, Ole Miss scored the first touchdown in a rushing play by senior running back Billy Lott
. In the second quarter, Houston's halfback Billy Ray Dickey scored the sole touchdown with a completed pass thrown by quarterback Paul Sweeten. Throughout the third quarter, there were no scores by either side. In the third quarter, Ole Miss defensive end Don Williams recovered a fumble from Houston, and the Rebels gained 48 yards. In the fourth quarter, Ole Miss starting quarterback Ray Brown
scored a touchdown for his team by utilizing a quarterback sneak
. After Sweeten fumbled at the Houston six yard line, Ole Miss backup quarterback Bobby Franklin then scored a final touchdown.
With a win against the Cougars, Mississippi continued their season to eventually finish with a 9–1–1 overall record, and a win against Texas in the 1958 Sugar Bowl
. Ole Miss finished the season with a #7 national ranking in the AP Poll, and 2nd place finish in the Southeastern Conference standings.
in Jackson, Mississippi
to face the Southern Miss Southerners
for the first time in history. Southern Miss was coached by ninth-year head coach Thad Vann
, and entered the game with a perfect 7–0 overall record. Halfback Claude King had a stand-out game, where here scored two touchdowns for the Cougars. Following its loss to Houston, Southern Miss went on to finish the season with an 8–4 record, and appeared in that season's edition of the Tangerine Bowl
.
, Houston had the opportunity to clinch the 1957 Missouri Valley Conference championship with a victory over conference opponent Wichita. Wichita, now a regular opponent of Houston since the 1949 season, was tied with Houston in the all-time series of 3–3. They were coached by first-year Woody Woodard
, and with an abysmal record of 1–6, were coming off only their first win of the season over Drake
. It would be their sole win of the season.
in the 1958 NFL Draft
. It was the eighth time in team history that Houston players were taken in the draft. Tackle Hogan Wharton was taken by the San Francisco 49ers
in the eleventh round (131st overall), but remained on the team through the duration of the 1958 season. Similarly, Don McDonald was taken by the Philadelphia Eagles
in the twenty-ninth round (340th overall), but did not leave Houston until after the 1959 season. Tackle John Peters was taken by the Green Bay Packers
in the thirtieth round (350th overall). While Donnie Caraway, another Houston player was drafted in 1958, he did not play with the Cougars for the 1957 season.
During the 1959 NFL Draft
several more Houston players from the 1957 season were drafted. Don Brown
was taken in the second round (20th overall) by the Los Angeles Rams, Hal Lewis was taken in the seventh round (84th overall) by the Baltimore Colts, and Bob Borah was taken in the twenty-fifth round (296th overall) by the Chicago Bears
.
. He was also named to the 1957 All-Missouri Valley Conference Team along with guard Burr Davis, and fullback Harold Lewis. Halfback Don Brown was selected to participate in the 1958 Senior Bowl
.
University of Houston
The University of Houston is a state research university, and is the flagship institution of the University of Houston System. Founded in 1927, it is Texas's third-largest university with nearly 40,000 students. Its campus spans 667 acres in southeast Houston, and was known as University of...
in the 1957 college football season
1957 college football season
The 1957 college football season saw two different national champions. Auburn University was ranked first in the AP writers' poll taken at season's end, while Ohio State University was first in the UPI coaches' poll...
as a member of the NCAA's University Division. It was the 12th year of season play for Houston. The team was coached by first-year head coach Hal Lahar
Hal Lahar
-External links:...
. The team played its games off-campus at Rice Stadium
Rice Stadium
Rice Stadium is a football stadium located on the Rice University campus in Houston, Texas. It has been the home of the Rice University football team since its completion in 1950 and hosted Super Bowl VIII in 1974....
, which had been built in 1950. Houston won its third conference championship, as the Cougars earned a perfect 3–0 record in conference play. It was the first time a conference championship was achieved by a first-year coach for Houston. Despite losing several key starting players and switching head coaches, Houston was considered a favorite for the conference championship prior to the season's start. Following the season, three of Houston's players from the 1957 roster were drafted in the 1958 NFL Draft
1958 NFL Draft
The 1958 National Football League Draft was held on December 2, 1957 and January 28, 1958 .This was the last year in which the Lottery Bonus pick was used.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:...
. Three more 1957 players were also taken in the 1959 NFL Draft
1959 NFL Draft
The 1959 National Football League Draft was held on December 2, 1958 and January 21, 1959 .-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:...
.
Pre-season
The pre-season marked a head coaching change for the Cougars, as head coach Hal LaharHal Lahar
-External links:...
was successfully lured from Colgate
Colgate Raiders football
The Colgate Raiders football team represents Colgate University in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Championship Subdivision college football competition as a member of the Patriot League.-History:...
on January 18, 1957.
Schedule
Miami
MiamiMiami Hurricanes football
The Miami Hurricanes football program competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference of the NCAA's Division I Football Bowl Subdivision for the University of Miami. The program began in 1926 and has won five AP national championships...
, coached by tenth-year Hurricanes veteran Andy Gustafson
Andy Gustafson
-External links:...
, traveled to Rice Stadium to compete against Houston for both of the teams' season opener game. It was the first meeting between the two teams. Miami, an NCAA University Division Independent, was heavily favored to win the game, and were nationally-ranked as #14 in the AP Poll
AP Poll
The Associated Press College Poll refers to weekly rankings of the top 25 NCAA teams in one of three Division I college sports: football, men's basketball and women's basketball. The rankings are compiled by polling sportswriters across the nation...
.
Both teams struggled offensively, as there were 11 fumbles throughout the game. Miami's longest drive was for only 27 yards. The single score in the game came near the end of the second quarter period when junior Houston halfback rushed for 23 yards with key blocks from senior fullback Owen Mulholland and junior guard Burr Davis. Halfback Mike Michon converted the point after touchdown. Miami responded by taking the ball to Houston's 23 yard line in the second quarter, but ran out of time to complete a successful score. In the fourth quarter, Houston halfback Don Brown ran for 75 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, but this was retracted by officials due to a holding penalty.
With a win against #14 Miami, Houston entered the AP Poll as a nationally-ranked team for the first time since the 1952 season
1952 Houston Cougars football team
The 1952 Houston Cougars football team, also known as the Houston Cougars, Houston, or UH, represented the University of Houston in the 1952 college football season as a member of the NCAA. It was the 7th year of season play for Houston. The team was coached by fifth-year head coach Clyde Lee...
.
Baylor
The Houston Cougars went on the road to Waco, Texas to meet with Baylor of the Southwest Conference. Both Houston and Baylor had a six-game winning streak. Baylor led the series 3–2, and were led by second-year head coach Sam Boyd. Also coaching for the Bears was lines coach Harden CooperHarden Cooper
Harden Cooper was an American football coach and player who served as an assistant for several college programs, and was the head coach of Brazosport High School in Freeport, Texas where he led the team to the 1965 state AAAA semifinals. In high school, Cooper played for Mineola High School, and...
, who had previously served in the same capacity for Houston under Hal Lahar
Hal Lahar
-External links:...
from 1950–1954. As a pre-season ranked team, and a win against Villanova
Villanova Wildcats football
The Villanova Wildcats football program represents Villanova University in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision . The Wildcats play at Villanova Stadium with capacity of 12,500.-History:...
the week prior, Baylor entered the game nationally-ranked at #11 in the AP Poll.
While Houston's offensive strategy centered around a running game, Baylor's game was spearheaded by quarterback Doyle Traylor and a short passing strategy. Traylor completed 11 of 15 passes to help his team win. Throughout the first half of the game, no team scored, but early in the third quarter, Baylor scored a touchdown. Although Houston answered with a 3 yard reception for a touchdown by halfback Claude King, kicker Mike Michon was unable to convert for the point after touchdown.
After the loss, Houston was dropped from the AP Poll, and did not return for the remainder of the season.
Cincinnati
For the first time ever, Houston met with Missouri Valley Conference foe Cincinnati at Nippert StadiumNippert Stadium
Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio is the University of Cincinnati's football stadium, home to their Bearcats football team in rudimentary form since 1901, and as a complete stadium since 1924, making it the fourth oldest playing site and fifth oldest stadium in college football.In 1895, the...
in Ohio. Having moved from an independent status in the NCAA, it was Cincinnati's first season as a conference member, and the team was coached by 3rd-year head coach George Blackburn
George Blackburn
George "Blackie" Blackburn was an American football coach. He served as the head coach at Miami University , the University of Cincinnati , and the University of Virginia , compiling a career college football record of 61–60–7...
.
After a scoreless three quarters, the fourth quarter of the game saw Houston score a rushing touchdown by halfback Claude King from Cincinnati's four yard line. Houston's offense had 257 total yards compared to Cincinnati's 97.
With the win against the Bearcats, Houston improved to an overall record of 2–1, and a 1–0 conference record.
Texas A&M
When Houston met with Texas A&M of the Southwest Conference at Kyle FieldKyle Field
Kyle Field is the football stadium located on the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. It has been the home to the Texas A&M Aggie football team in rudimentary form since 1904, and as a complete stadium since 1927. It is known as The Home of the 12th Man...
, it was the sixth time in history that the two teams had competed against each other. Texas A&M had become a regular opponent for Houston, having met with each other each season since 1952. The Aggies were coached by Bear Bryant
Bear Bryant
Paul William "Bear" Bryant was an American college football player and coach. He was best known as the longtime head coach of the University of Alabama football team. During his 25-year tenure as Alabama's head coach, he amassed six national championships and thirteen conference championships...
, who was serving in his fourth year with the team. Attendance for the game was 33,000. It was the third time on Houston's schedule that they played a nationally-ranked team, and Texas A&M was #3 in the AP Poll.
With the loss to Texas A&M, Houston's overall record fell to 2–2. Texas A&M's national ranking improved to the #1 spot later in the season, and the Aggies eventually finished at #9 after a berth in the Gator Bowl
Gator Bowl
The Gator Bowl is an annual college football bowl game played at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Florida. Held continuously since 1946, it is the sixth oldest college bowl, as well as the first one ever televised nationally...
. Following the season, head coach Bear Bryant went on to coach Alabama
Alabama Crimson Tide football
|TeamName = Alabama football |Image = Alabama Crimson Tide Logo.svg |ImageSize = 110 |Helmet = Alabama Football.png |ImageSize2 = 150 |CurrentSeason = 2011 Alabama Crimson Tide football team...
, and won several national championships from 1958–1982.
Oklahoma State
Houston returned home to compete against former conference-mate Oklahoma State. It was the Cowboys' first season as an independent since 1914. The team's head coach was third-year Cliff SpeegleCliff Speegle
-External links:*...
, and the Cowboys' entered the game with a 3–1 season record and a three game winning streak. It would be both Houston and Oklahoma State's sole game of the season with a tied result. Had Oklahoma State won the game, it would have meant a complete sweep of all Missouri Valley former conference-mates.
Although the Cowboys led the game with six points over the Cougars' nil score, a final quarter punt by Oklahoma State's Jim Wiggins was blocked by Houston tackle Hogan Wharton. This allowed Houston to recover the ball on Oklahoma State's 24-yard line. Then, Houston halfback Don Brown managed to complete a nine-yard rushing touchdown. Despite this, when attempting a PAT, kicker Sammy Blount missed, and the score remained tied.
Following the game, Hogan Wharton received the "Lineman of the Week" award from the Missouri Valley Conference. Houston's record became 2–2–1, and Oklahoma State eventually finished their season with a 6–3–1 overall record.
Auburn
Houston hosted AuburnAuburn Tigers football
Only Mohamed Amin Abughadir set the record with 1,890 yards in 1 season. He was the QB for Auburn in 1998.The Auburn Tigers football team represents Auburn University in college football as a member of the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, competing in the Western Division of the...
of the Southeastern Conference
Southeastern Conference
The Southeastern Conference is an American college athletic conference that operates in the southeastern part of the United States. It is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama...
for their next game. With a perfect 4–0 season record, the Tigers were nationally-ranked in the AP Poll
AP Poll
The Associated Press College Poll refers to weekly rankings of the top 25 NCAA teams in one of three Division I college sports: football, men's basketball and women's basketball. The rankings are compiled by polling sportswriters across the nation...
as #5. Auburn was coached by seventh-year head coach Ralph Jordan
Ralph Jordan
James Ralph "Shug" Jordan was an American football, basketball, and baseball player and coach of football and basketball. He served as the head football coach at Auburn from 1951 to 1975, where he compiled a record of 176–83–6. He is the winningest coach in Auburn Tigers football...
who had led his team to four previous winning seasons with three bowl game appearances, and three finishes in the national rankings.
Starting with a 71-yard touchdown pass with its first play against Houston, Auburn would eventually crush Houston with a 48–7 win. The Cougars' lone touchdown was scored by halfback Paul Sweeten in the second quarter after returning an interception.
Following the win against Houston, Auburn went on to have an undefeated 10–0 season record. They were awarded the national title in the AP Poll, and were ranked as the second-best team in the Coaches' Poll. As a team on NCAA probation, Auburn was ineligible for a bowl game appearance.
Mississippi
For its next game, Houston traveled to Mississippi Veterans Memorial StadiumMississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium
Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium is an outdoor football stadium in Jackson, Mississippi, USA. Veterans Memorial Stadium is the home field of the Jackson State University Tigers. In July 2011, Jackson State University will own and operate the stadium...
to compete against the Ole Miss Rebels
Ole Miss Rebels football
The football history of the University of Mississippi , includes the formation of the first football team in the state and is 26th on the list of college football's all-time winning programs...
. Having competed against Auburn in the previous game, Ole Miss was the second SEC team that Houston played on its schedule. The Rebels were coached by eleventh-year veteran Johnny Vaught
Johnny Vaught
John Howard Vaught was an American college football coach at the University of Mississippi from 1947 to 1970 and again in 1973....
, and entered the contest with a 5–1 overall record (having only lost to Arkansas of the Southwest Conference). Ole Miss was considered to be the favorite, and were nationally ranked as #14 in the AP Poll.
Within the first four minutes of gameplay, Ole Miss scored the first touchdown in a rushing play by senior running back Billy Lott
Billy Lott
Billy Rex Lott was a professional American football running back who played in the National Football League and the American Football League . He played for the NFL's New York Giants and the AFL's Oakland Raiders and Boston Patriots .-External links:*...
. In the second quarter, Houston's halfback Billy Ray Dickey scored the sole touchdown with a completed pass thrown by quarterback Paul Sweeten. Throughout the third quarter, there were no scores by either side. In the third quarter, Ole Miss defensive end Don Williams recovered a fumble from Houston, and the Rebels gained 48 yards. In the fourth quarter, Ole Miss starting quarterback Ray Brown
Ray Brown (Baltimore Colts)
Raymond Lloyd "Ray" Brown is a former professional American football defensive back in the National Football League. After playing college football for the Ole Miss Rebels, he was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in the 5th round of the 1958 NFL Draft...
scored a touchdown for his team by utilizing a quarterback sneak
Quarterback sneak
A quarterback sneak is a play in Canadian and American football in which the quarterback, upon taking the center snap, dives ahead while the offensive line surges forward...
. After Sweeten fumbled at the Houston six yard line, Ole Miss backup quarterback Bobby Franklin then scored a final touchdown.
With a win against the Cougars, Mississippi continued their season to eventually finish with a 9–1–1 overall record, and a win against Texas in the 1958 Sugar Bowl
1958 Sugar Bowl
The 1958 edition to the Sugar Bowl featured the seventh ranked Ole Miss Rebels and the eleventh ranked Texas Longhorns.In the first quarter, Ole Miss running back Raymond Brown scored on a 1 yard touchdown run as the Rebels took a 6-0 lead. He would finish the game with 157 yards rushing on 15...
. Ole Miss finished the season with a #7 national ranking in the AP Poll, and 2nd place finish in the Southeastern Conference standings.
Southern Mississippi
Houston remained at Mississippi Veterans Memorial StadiumMississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium
Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium is an outdoor football stadium in Jackson, Mississippi, USA. Veterans Memorial Stadium is the home field of the Jackson State University Tigers. In July 2011, Jackson State University will own and operate the stadium...
in Jackson, Mississippi
Jackson, Mississippi
Jackson is the capital and the most populous city of the US state of Mississippi. It is one of two county seats of Hinds County ,. The population of the city declined from 184,256 at the 2000 census to 173,514 at the 2010 census...
to face the Southern Miss Southerners
Southern Miss Golden Eagles football
The Southern Miss Golden Eagles football program represents the University of Southern Mississippi in college football at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision. The Eagles are members of Conference USA and player their home games at M. M. Roberts Stadium in Hattiesburg, Mississippi...
for the first time in history. Southern Miss was coached by ninth-year head coach Thad Vann
Thad Vann
Thad "Pie" Vann was a college football coach at Southern Miss. During his tenure, he compiled a 139-59-2 record, and helped transform the Golden Eagles into one of the nation's elite programs. His only losing season came in 1968, after he had 19 consecutive winning seasons. His 1953 team went 9-2,...
, and entered the game with a perfect 7–0 overall record. Halfback Claude King had a stand-out game, where here scored two touchdowns for the Cougars. Following its loss to Houston, Southern Miss went on to finish the season with an 8–4 record, and appeared in that season's edition of the Tangerine Bowl
Capital One Bowl
The Capital One Bowl is an annual college football bowl game played in Orlando, Florida at the Citrus Bowl, and previously known as the Tangerine Bowl and the Florida Citrus Bowl...
.
Wichita
After its victory over Southern Miss, Houston had finished its out of conference schedule. Traveling to Veterans StadiumCessna Stadium
Cessna Stadium, located in Wichita, Kansas, is the home of the Wichita State University Shocker track and field and soccer teams with a 30,000-seat capacity...
, Houston had the opportunity to clinch the 1957 Missouri Valley Conference championship with a victory over conference opponent Wichita. Wichita, now a regular opponent of Houston since the 1949 season, was tied with Houston in the all-time series of 3–3. They were coached by first-year Woody Woodard
Woody Woodard
Chalmer E. “Woody” Woodard was an American football coach.-McPherson College:Coach Woodard was head football, basketball and track coach and athletic director at McPherson College in McPherson, Kansas from 1950 to 1952...
, and with an abysmal record of 1–6, were coming off only their first win of the season over Drake
Drake Bulldogs football
The Drake Bulldogs football program represents Drake University in college football at the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision level. Drake began competing in intercollegiate football in 1893.-Historic 1922 season:...
. It would be their sole win of the season.
Poll rankings
| Poll | Pre | Wk 1 | Wk 2 | Wk 3 | Wk 4 | Wk 5 | Wk 6 | Wk 7 | Wk 8 | Wk 9 | Wk 10 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP | NR | 14 | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR |
Coaching staff
| Name | Position | Alma mater (Year) | Year at Houston |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hal Lahar Hal Lahar -External links:... |
Head coach Head coach A head coach, senior coach or manager is a professional at training and developing athletes. They typically hold a more public profile and are paid more than other coaches... |
Oklahoma Oklahoma Sooners football The Oklahoma Sooners football program is a college football team that represents the University of Oklahoma . The team is currently a member of the Big 12 Conference, which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association... (1940) |
1st |
| Andy Zubel | Offensive line coach Offensive line coach The offensive line coach is a coaching position in gridiron football that is in charge of the offensive line. This role is very common in the CFL, NFL, and college football programs. The offensive line coach serves the offense, which is led by the offensive coordinator.... |
West Virginia West Virginia Mountaineers football The West Virginia Mountaineers football team represents West Virginia University in the NCAA FBS division of college football. Dana Holgorsen is the team's 33rd head coach. He has held the position since he was promoted in June 2011 after the resignation of Bill Stewart. The Mountaineers play their... (1949) |
1st |
| Hank Watkins | Defensive line coach Defensive Line Coach A defensive line coach is a coach that is in charge of the defensive line in gridiron football. This position is very common in the CFL, NFL, and college football programs. The defensive line coach serves the defense, which is led by the defensive coordinator. A defensive line coach works primarily... |
Tulane Tulane Green Wave football The Tulane Green Wave football program is an NCAA Division I FBS football team that represents Tulane University in New Orleans. The team is a member of Conference USA and is led by interim head coach Mark Hutson, who took over on October 18, 2011, when fifth-year head coach Bob Toledo resigned... (1950) |
1st |
| Tex Flanakin | Ends coach | Baylor Baylor Bears football The Baylor Bears football team represents Baylor University in Division I FBS college football. They are a member of the Big 12 Conference. The team plays its home games at Floyd Casey Stadium in Waco, Texas.-History:... (1949) |
1st |
| Red Conkright Red Conkright Red Conkright was the third head coach of the American Football League's Oakland Raiders. He took over the team on October 16, 1962, following the firing of Marty Feldman. Under Conkright, the Raiders posted a 1-8 record. He was replaced in 1963 by Al Davis.He was born William Frank Conkright... |
Defensive backfield coach Backfield The backfield is the area of an American football field behind the line of scrimmage. The backfield or offensive backfield can also refer to members of offense who begin plays behind the line, typically including any backs on the field, such as the quarterback, running back, and/or fullback.-Play... |
Oklahoma (1937) | 1st |
| Casto Ramsey | Offensive backfield coach Backfield The backfield is the area of an American football field behind the line of scrimmage. The backfield or offensive backfield can also refer to members of offense who begin plays behind the line, typically including any backs on the field, such as the quarterback, running back, and/or fullback.-Play... |
King College King College King College is a private, comprehensive college located in Bristol, Tennessee. Founded in 1867, King is independently governed with covenant affiliations to the Presbyterian Church and the Evangelical Presbyterian Church .... (1941) |
1st |
| Lovette Hill Lovette Hill Lovette L. Hill was the fourth head coach of the Houston Cougars baseball team from 1950 to 1974. Hill holds the record for the longest serving head baseball coach in University of Houston history. While at Houston, Hill compiled a 343–325–5 record with five first place finishes in the Missouri... |
Head scout Scout (sport) In professional sports, scouts are trained talent evaluators who travel extensively for the purposes of watching athletes play their chosen sports and determining whether their set of skills and talents represent what is needed by the scout's organization... and assistant |
Centenary (1931) | 10th |
| Swede Hill | Freshmen coach | Sam Houston State (1939) | 1st |
NFL Draft
There were three players from the 1957 season to be drafted to the National Football LeagueNational Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
in the 1958 NFL Draft
1958 NFL Draft
The 1958 National Football League Draft was held on December 2, 1957 and January 28, 1958 .This was the last year in which the Lottery Bonus pick was used.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:...
. It was the eighth time in team history that Houston players were taken in the draft. Tackle Hogan Wharton was taken by the San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
in the eleventh round (131st overall), but remained on the team through the duration of the 1958 season. Similarly, Don McDonald was taken by the Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
in the twenty-ninth round (340th overall), but did not leave Houston until after the 1959 season. Tackle John Peters was taken by the Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
in the thirtieth round (350th overall). While Donnie Caraway, another Houston player was drafted in 1958, he did not play with the Cougars for the 1957 season.
During the 1959 NFL Draft
1959 NFL Draft
The 1959 National Football League Draft was held on December 2, 1958 and January 21, 1959 .-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:...
several more Houston players from the 1957 season were drafted. Don Brown
Don Brown (American football)
Don Albert Brown is an American former football player. He played one season in the American Football League in 1960. He was born in Dayton, Texas and attended Dayton High School where he played high school football from 1953 to 1955...
was taken in the second round (20th overall) by the Los Angeles Rams, Hal Lewis was taken in the seventh round (84th overall) by the Baltimore Colts, and Bob Borah was taken in the twenty-fifth round (296th overall) by the Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
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Honors
Tackle Hogan Wharton was named Lineman of the Year by the Missouri Valley ConferenceMissouri Valley Conference
The Missouri Valley Conference is a college athletic conference whose members are located in the midwestern United States...
. He was also named to the 1957 All-Missouri Valley Conference Team along with guard Burr Davis, and fullback Harold Lewis. Halfback Don Brown was selected to participate in the 1958 Senior Bowl
Senior Bowl
The Senior Bowl is a post-season college football exhibition game played in Mobile, Alabama which showcases the best NFL Draft prospects of those collegiate players who have completed their eligibility. First played in 1950 in Jacksonville, Florida, the game moved to Mobile's Ladd Peebles Stadium...
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