What Is 2008 Houston Cougars football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2008 Houston Cougars football team represented the University of Houston during the 2008 NCAA Division I FBS season, finishing with a 10–4 record and winning the Conference USA Championship under head coach Kevin Sumlin. They defeated the Air Force Falcons 34–28 in the Armed Forces Bowl to cap their season.

Key Facts

Finished with a 10–4 overall record
Won the 2008 Conference USA Championship
Defeated Air Force 34–28 in the Armed Forces Bowl
Ranked No. 25 in the final AP Poll
First 10-win season since 1984

Overview

The 2008 Houston Cougars football team represented the University of Houston in the 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Led by first-year head coach Kevin Sumlin, the team achieved one of the most successful seasons in program history, finishing with a 10–4 record and a final AP Poll ranking of No. 25.

The Cougars played their home games at Robertson Stadium and competed in Conference USA’s West Division. Their strong performance culminated in a conference championship and a postseason bowl victory, marking a turning point for the program’s national visibility.

Record: The team finished with a 10–4 overall record, the most wins since the 1984 season, showcasing a dramatic turnaround under new leadership.
Conference USA Champions: Houston won the 2008 Conference USA Championship by defeating East Carolina 38–32 in a high-scoring title game on December 6, 2008.
Armed Forces Bowl: The Cougars defeated the Air Force Falcons 34–28 in the 2008 Armed Forces Bowl on December 31, securing their first bowl win since 1980.
Quarterback Performance: Quarterback Kevin Kolb, though drafted in 2007, was succeeded by junior QB Case Keenum, who threw for 3,653 yards and 34 touchdowns during the season.
Final Ranking: Houston finished ranked No. 25 in the final Associated Press (AP) Poll, their first appearance in the final rankings since 1979.

Season Performance

The 2008 campaign was defined by offensive firepower and resilience in close games. The Cougars’ high-octane spread offense led the nation in several statistical categories and revitalized fan interest in the program.

Offensive Output: Houston averaged 42.3 points per game, ranking 3rd nationally in scoring and setting a new school record for points in a season.
Passing Game: Case Keenum led the nation in total offense with 4,110 yards, finishing 5th in Heisman Trophy voting and earning Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Defensive Struggles: Despite offensive success, the defense allowed 31.6 points per game, among the worst in the FBS, highlighting areas for improvement.
Key Victory: A 48–31 win over No. 21 East Carolina on November 15 secured their spot in the Conference USA Championship Game.
Home Dominance: The Cougars went a perfect 6–0 at Robertson Stadium, including wins over ranked opponents and key conference rivals.
Turnover Margin: Houston struggled with ball security, finishing with a -7 turnover margin, which contributed to close losses against weaker teams.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2008 season compared favorably to recent Houston teams, both in wins and national recognition. The table below highlights key metrics.

Season	Record	Conference Finish	Bowl Result	Final AP Rank
2008	10–4	Conference USA Champions	W, 34–28 vs Air Force (Armed Forces Bowl)	No. 25
2007	8–5	3rd in C-USA West	L, 30–28 vs TCU (Poinsettia Bowl)	NR
2006	10–4	Co-champions (C-USA West)	W, 20–14 vs South Carolina (Liberty Bowl)	NR
2005	5–6	4th in C-USA West	No bowl	NR
2004	6–6	3rd in C-USA West	L, 34–20 vs Louisville (Liberty Bowl)	NR

While the 2006 team also posted 10 wins, the 2008 Cougars earned a higher national profile due to their offensive records and final AP ranking. The 2008 season marked the first time Houston won a Conference USA title outright, distinguishing it from previous years.

Why It Matters

The 2008 season was a pivotal moment in Houston football history, setting the foundation for future success and increased national relevance. It demonstrated the potential of the program under modern offensive systems and new coaching leadership.

Program Momentum: The 10-win season and AP ranking boosted recruiting, helping attract top-tier Texas talent in subsequent years.
Offensive Legacy: Case Keenum’s performance solidified Houston’s reputation as a quarterback factory, influencing future NFL draft prospects.
Conference Realignment: Strong seasons like 2008 helped position Houston for eventual moves to the Big East and later the Big 12 Conference.
Fan Engagement: Attendance and merchandise sales rose significantly, reflecting renewed community support for the football program.
Coaching Impact: Kevin Sumlin’s success in 2008 launched his career, leading to head coaching roles at Texas A&M and Arizona.
Historical Benchmark: The 2008 team remains a reference point for excellence, often cited in discussions of Houston’s greatest football seasons.

The 2008 Houston Cougars not only achieved on-field success but also reshaped the trajectory of the football program, proving it could compete at a high level and sustain national attention.