What Is 2007 Houston Cougars football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2007 Houston Cougars football team represented the University of Houston during the 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with a 10–4 record under head coach Kevin Sumlin. They won the Conference USA Championship and defeated East Carolina 38–32 in the Conference USA title game.

Key Facts

The 2007 Houston Cougars finished the season with a 10–4 overall record
Head coach Kevin Sumlin led the team in his first year as interim head coach
They won the Conference USA Championship by defeating East Carolina 38–32
Quarterback Kevin Kolb returned from injury and led the offense with over 3,000 passing yards
Houston played in the Armed Forces Bowl, losing 34–31 to Air Force

Overview

The 2007 Houston Cougars football team represented the University of Houston in the 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season, marking a pivotal year in the program's resurgence. Competing in Conference USA under first-year head coach Kevin Sumlin, the team achieved a 10–4 overall record, the program's first double-digit win season since 1979.

This season was highlighted by a dominant offense and a dramatic conference championship victory. The Cougars captured their first Conference USA title since joining the league, showcasing their offensive firepower and resilience in high-pressure games. Key players returned from injury, and the team gained national attention for its high-scoring performances.

Record: The Cougars finished the season with a 10–4 overall record, their best since the 1979 season under Bill Yeoman.
Head Coach:Kevin Sumlin served as interim head coach after Art Briles left for Baylor, leading the team to a conference title.
Quarterback:Kevin Kolb returned from a 2006 injury to throw for 3,213 yards and 22 touchdowns during the 2007 season.
Conference USA Championship: Houston defeated East Carolina 38–32 in the title game on December 1, 2007, securing the conference crown.
Bowl Game: The Cougars played in the Armed Forces Bowl on December 22, losing 34–31 to Air Force in Fort Worth, Texas.

How It Works

The 2007 season operated under NCAA Division I FBS rules, with Houston competing in Conference USA’s West Division. The team's success stemmed from a balanced offensive attack, strong quarterback play, and disciplined coaching during a transitional year.

Offensive System:Run-and-Shoot offense emphasized quick passes and vertical threats; Kolb averaged 268 passing yards per game.
Defensive Strategy: The Cougars used a 4–2–5 alignment, adapting to spread offenses common in Conference USA.
Key Game: The November 2 vs. East Carolina matchup was pivotal; a 38–30 win set up the conference title rematch.
Home Field: Played home games at Robertson Stadium, a 32,000-seat venue on the University of Houston campus.
Season Opener: Opened the season with a 48–3 victory over Louisiana Tech on September 1, 2007.
Win Streak: Won seven consecutive games from September to November, including five in conference play.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2007 Houston Cougars compared to other notable seasons in program history:

Season	Record	Head Coach	Conference	Bowl Result
2007	10–4	Kevin Sumlin	Conference USA	Lost 34–31 (vs. Air Force)
2011	13–1	Kevin Sumlin	Conference USA	Won 34–31 (vs. TCU)
1979	11–2	Bill Yeoman	Independent	Won 35–34 (Sun Bowl)
1984	7–4	Jack Pardee	Independent	No bowl
2006	10–4	Art Briles	Conference USA	Won 34–20 (vs. UCF)

The 2007 season mirrored the 2006 campaign in win total but differed in coaching leadership and postseason outcome. While both teams won 10 games, the 2007 Cougars secured a conference title on the field, unlike 2006 when they shared the title. The Armed Forces Bowl loss contrasted with the 2006 Hawaii Bowl victory, but the season still marked a continuation of Houston's return to relevance.

Why It Matters

The 2007 season was a turning point that solidified Houston’s return to national prominence and set the foundation for future success. It demonstrated the program’s ability to adapt to coaching changes and maintain high performance under pressure.

Program Momentum: The 10-win season helped recruit top-tier talent in Texas and beyond for future classes.
Conference USA Legacy: Winning the title boosted Houston’s reputation ahead of future conference realignment.
Quarterback Development: Kevin Kolb’s strong season elevated his NFL Draft stock; he was selected in 2007’s second round.
Coaching Transition: Kevin Sumlin’s success in 2007 led to him being named full-time head coach, later moving to Texas A&M.
National Exposure: Games against East Carolina and in the Armed Forces Bowl were televised nationally, increasing visibility.
Foundation for 2011: The 2007 season laid the groundwork for the undefeated 2011 regular season under Sumlin.

Overall, the 2007 Houston Cougars represented resilience, offensive innovation, and program stability during a transitional period. Their achievements helped re-establish Houston as a competitive force in college football, paving the way for future success in both Conference USA and later the American Athletic Conference.