What Is 2006 Houston Cougars football team

Overview

The 2006 Houston Cougars football team represented the University of Houston in the 2006 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing as a member of Conference USA, the team was led by head coach Art Briles and achieved one of the most successful seasons in program history up to that point.

The Cougars posted a 10-4 overall record, highlighted by a Conference USA Championship victory. Their strong performance revitalized the football program and set the stage for future success in the years to come. The season marked a turning point in Houston's rise as a competitive force in college football.

• Record: The team finished with a 10-4 overall record, the most wins since 1984, showcasing significant improvement under Art Briles.
• Conference USA Champions: Houston defeated Southern Miss 34-20 on December 1, 2006, to claim its first conference title since 1996.
• Quarterback Performance: Senior Kevin Kolb passed for 3,131 yards and 22 touchdowns, anchoring the offense with consistent play.
• Home Field: All home games were played at Robertson Stadium, a 32,000-seat venue located on the University of Houston campus.
• Bowl Appearance: The Cougars earned a spot in the 2006 Texas Bowl, where they fell to TCU 20-28 in a tightly contested game.

Season Highlights & Key Games

The 2006 campaign featured several pivotal games that defined the Cougars’ rise in the national rankings. From dramatic wins to a hard-fought bowl appearance, the season was filled with memorable moments.

• September 9, 2006: Houston defeated Missouri 38-28 on the road, marking a major non-conference victory and signaling the team’s national potential.
• October 12, 2006: A 38-30 win over UTEP kept Houston undefeated in conference play and boosted their championship hopes.
• November 17, 2006: The Cougars clinched a spot in the Conference USA Championship with a 42-17 victory over SMU in Dallas.
• December 1, 2006: In the Conference USA Championship Game, Houston beat Southern Miss 34-20 to claim the title at Robertson Stadium.
• December 28, 2006: The season concluded with a 20-28 loss to TCU in the Texas Bowl, despite a strong defensive effort.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2006 season is often compared to previous and subsequent Houston teams to gauge its historical significance and performance level.

The 2006 season stands out as a peak during Art Briles’ tenure, significantly outperforming the 2004 and 2005 campaigns. The 10 wins were the most since 1984, and the Conference USA title was a major achievement. While the 2007 team also had success, the 2006 Cougars remain notable for their breakthrough season.

Why It Matters

The 2006 season was a pivotal moment in Houston football history, elevating the program’s national profile and setting new standards for future teams. It demonstrated the potential of the Cougars to compete at a high level in college football.

• Program Momentum: The 10-win season generated increased fan support and recruiting interest, boosting the program’s visibility.
• Art Briles’ Legacy: Briles’ success in 2006 cemented his reputation, leading to his hiring at Baylor University in 2008.
• Quarterback Development: Kevin Kolb’s performance elevated his draft stock, and he was selected in the 2007 NFL Draft.
• Conference Recognition: Winning C-USA validated Houston as a dominant force in the league during the mid-2000s.
• Stadium Atmosphere: Packed games at Robertson Stadium signaled a revival of football culture on campus.
• Foundation for Future Success: The 2006 season laid the groundwork for Houston’s future AAC championships and BCS bowl appearances.

The 2006 Houston Cougars season remains a landmark year, remembered for its championship victory, quarterback excellence, and the momentum it provided for the future of the program.