What Is 1987 Houston Cougars football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1987 Houston Cougars football team represented the University of Houston during the 1987 NCAA Division I-A football season, finishing with a 5–6 record under head coach Jack Pardee. They competed in the Southwest Conference and played their home games at the Astrodome. The team was led by quarterback Andre Ware, who would later win the Heisman Trophy in 1989.

Key Facts

Finished the 1987 season with a 5–6 overall record
Played in the Southwest Conference (SWC) with a 3–4 conference record
Head coach Jack Pardee led the team during a transition to a pass-heavy offense
Quarterback Andre Ware began his collegiate career, throwing for 2,892 yards in 1988
Played home games at the Astrodome in Houston, Texas

Overview

The 1987 Houston Cougars football team represented the University of Houston during the 1987 NCAA Division I-A football season. Competing in the Southwest Conference, the team was led by head coach Jack Pardee and played its home games at the Astrodome, a domed stadium known for its indoor turf and loud fan environment.

Despite a losing record, the 1987 season marked a turning point in the Cougars' offensive evolution. The team began shifting toward a high-powered, pass-oriented attack that would later define their identity under the "Run and Shoot" offense. This foundation set the stage for future success, including a historic 1989 season.

Record: The team finished with a 5–6 overall record, marking one of the few losing seasons during Pardee’s tenure before the offense fully developed.
Conference play: In Southwest Conference games, the Cougars went 3–4, competing against rivals like Texas, Texas A&M, and SMU.
Head coach: Jack Pardee, in his second season, continued implementing the Run and Shoot offense, emphasizing quick passes and quarterback decision-making.
Quarterback development: Andre Ware, a sophomore in 1987, saw limited action but gained experience that prepared him for a breakout 1988 season.
Home stadium: The Astrodome, known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," provided a distinctive indoor environment with artificial turf and a capacity of over 50,000.

Season Performance

The 1987 campaign showcased both growing pains and glimpses of future potential. While the team struggled with consistency, key performances and strategic shifts signaled a new era in Houston football.

Early struggles: The Cougars opened the season with losses to TCU and Texas Tech, falling to 0–2 before securing their first win against Rice.
Key victory: A 41–14 win over Rice in the Bayou Bucket Classic highlighted the team’s offensive potential and defensive dominance in rivalry matchups.
Passing focus: The offense averaged 342.1 yards per game through the air, a significant increase from previous seasons under the new system.
Defensive challenges: The team allowed an average of 27.6 points per game, indicating room for improvement despite offensive innovation.
Season finale: The Cougars ended the year with a 35–21 loss to Texas A&M, finishing below .500 for the first time since 1980.
Recruiting impact: The 1987 season helped attract future talent, including future All-American players drawn to the innovative offensive scheme.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1987 season to other years in Houston football history reveals its transitional nature and strategic importance.

Season	Overall Record	SWC Record	Key Player	Notable Achievement
1987	5–6	3–4	Andre Ware (QB)	Transition to Run and Shoot offense
1988	7–5	4–4	Andre Ware (QB)	First bowl appearance since 1980
1989	11–2	6–1	Andre Ware (QB)	Heisman Trophy winner; #3 final ranking
1990	8–5	4–4	David Klingler (QB)	Continued offensive dominance
1991	7–5	5–3	David Klingler (QB)	Top-10 passing offense nationally

The table illustrates how the 1987 season served as a foundation for Houston’s rise in the late 1980s. Though not immediately successful, the offensive philosophy introduced that year led to national prominence by 1989.

Why It Matters

The 1987 Houston Cougars season is significant not for its win-loss record, but for its role in shaping one of college football’s most explosive offenses. It laid the groundwork for future records, Heisman success, and a lasting legacy in offensive innovation.

Offensive revolution: The Run and Shoot system introduced in 1987 redefined quarterback play and influenced future spread offenses in college and professional football.
Player development: Andre Ware’s early exposure in 1987 was crucial to his 1989 Heisman-winning campaign, where he threw for 4,699 yards.
National attention: The Cougars’ offensive style attracted media coverage and elevated the University of Houston’s football profile nationally.
Recruiting boost: Successive improvement helped Houston attract elite high school talent interested in playing in a dynamic offensive system.
Legacy of innovation: The 1987 team marked the beginning of a period where Houston became synonymous with high-scoring, pass-heavy football.
Historical context: The season represents a pivot point between traditional football strategies and modern, fast-paced offensive models.

Though overshadowed by more successful seasons, the 1987 Houston Cougars remain a critical chapter in the evolution of college football tactics and the University of Houston’s athletic history.