The Wiz of Odds

Were Tulsa Players Faking Injuries Against Houston?

Tulsa coach Todd Graham is the most hated man in Houston.

Cougar athletic director Mack Rhoades, along with several of his coaches and players, have alleged that Graham ordered Golden Hurricane defensive ends Cory Dorris and George Clinkscale to fake injuries during Saturday night's game at Tulsa, won by Houston, 46-45.

Steve Campbell of the Houston Chronicle writes: "Again and again, Dorris and Clinkscale went down with disabling injuries that required the referees to stop play. Again and again, Dorris and Clinkscale mustered the strength and courage to come back from their afflictions — sometimes returning to the game on the next play. Again and again, Tulsa defenders were so distraught by the sight of their fallen comrades that they gathered with the coaches on the sideline for guidance and spiritual support.

"With no regard to their personal safety or well-being, Dorris and Clinkscale re-injured themselves and returned to the field until what turned out to be a bitter end for the home team. Tulsa coach Todd Graham apparently had no regard for the safety or well-being of Dorris and Clinkscale, either, because he allowed them to keep playing despite repeated injuries.

'Stick It in Your Pipe and Smoke It, Baby!'

Great call by the Houston Cougar radio team of Tom Franklin and Ted Pardee of walk-on freshman kicker Matt Hogan's 51-yard field goal to beat Tulsa, 46-45, on the final play of Saturday night's game.

The Cougars scored a touchdown to pull within 45-43 with 21 seconds remaining, but misfired on a two-point conversion. Houston then recovered the onside kick and Case Keenum completed two passes for 27 yards to set up the final play.

Something Is Missing From Houston's Upset of Tech

It was a wild scene after Houston's 29-28 victory over Texas Tech, with many in the record crowd of 32,114 storming the field to celebrate with quarterback Case Keenum and his Cougar teammates.

Now for the damage report. Four helmets belonging to Cougar players are missing, and coach Kevin Sumlin has asked for them to be returned.

"Saturday night was fun, but it will be hard for 3 of our guys to play this week without their helmets. Please return, NO QUESTIONS ASKED," Sumlin posted Monday on his Twitter page.

On Tuesday, linebacker Marcus McGraw, who had 19 tackles in the win, announced that he was fourth player without a helmet.

"I kind of tossed it up in the air," he said.

Case Closed

Houston quarterback Case Keenum was having a big game Saturday night against Texas Tech, but the magnitude of his performance became clear when it was revealed he had completed eight of seven passes in the second half.

Thanks to Mike.

Cougar Town

They played into Sunday morning in Houston, and when it was over, the hometown Cougars had pulled off a 29-28 victory over Texas Tech, their second stunning win over a team from the Big 12.

How crazy was it? The teams combined for 1,063 yards, 105 pass attempts and 60 first downs.

Case Keenum led Houston on a 16-play, 95-yard drive for the winning score. The two videos with this post show the final 4:26.

Houston

Check out these statistics: No. 2 in passing offense, No. 2 in total offense and No. 10 in scoring offense. The Cougars were an electrifying team in 2008, scoring no fewer than 23 points in a game. Quarterback Case Keenum, in his first season as the full-time starter, had 44 touchdown passes and only 11 interceptions. Now a junior, Keenum is among seven starters returning on offense, giving Houston the ingredients for a special season. Oklahoma State, Texas Tech and Mississippi State are on the schedule, and the Cougars are capable of beating any of the three. Thanks to Brice!