What Is 1970 Houston Cougars football team

Overview

The 1970 Houston Cougars football team represented the University of Houston during the 1970 NCAA University Division football season. Under the leadership of head coach Bill Yeoman, who was in his 14th year at the helm, the team competed in the Southwest Conference (SWC) and played its home games at Rice Stadium in Houston, Texas.

The Cougars finished the season with a 6–5 overall record and a 4–3 mark in conference play, placing them in the middle of the SWC standings. Despite not reaching a bowl game, the season was notable for several competitive performances and the continued development of Houston’s offensive identity under Yeoman’s innovative veer offense.

• Record: The team finished with a 6–5 overall record, marking a modest improvement from the previous season’s 5–5 finish.
• Head Coach: Bill Yeoman, in his 14th season, continued to refine the veer offense that would later define Houston football in the 1970s.
• Home Stadium: All home games were played at Rice Stadium, a neutral site also used by Rice University, located in Houston.
• Conference: As a member of the Southwest Conference, the Cougars faced rivals like Texas, Texas A&M, and SMU during the season.
• Key Victory: A 21–14 win over SMU was one of the season’s highlights, showcasing the effectiveness of Houston’s ground game.

How It Works

The 1970 season reflected the evolving strategy and structure of college football programs, particularly in how offensive systems like the veer were implemented. Houston’s approach under Bill Yeoman emphasized disciplined execution, quarterback decision-making, and a strong running attack.

• Veer Offense: The veer option system required the quarterback to read defensive linemen and decide whether to hand off, keep, or pitch the ball—maximizing misdirection.
• Quarterback Role: The quarterback acted as the central decision-maker, with 1970 starter Randy Kerbow managing the offense with moderate success.
• Running Game: The Cougars relied heavily on the run, averaging over 200 rushing yards per game, a hallmark of Yeoman’s offensive philosophy.
• Defensive Strategy: The defense used a 4–3 alignment, focusing on stopping the run and forcing opponents into passing situations.
• Recruiting Base: Houston drew most of its talent from South Texas high schools, building a regional pipeline to sustain program growth.
• Game Planning: Weekly preparation included film study and situational drills, though 1970 technology limited video analysis compared to modern standards.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1970 Cougars to other Southwest Conference teams reveals their mid-tier standing and offensive strengths:

The table illustrates that while Houston was not among the elite teams in the SWC, they outperformed struggling programs like SMU and Baylor. Their rushing dominance contrasted with inconsistent passing, a common trait in option-based systems of the era. The absence of a bowl bid reflected their middling conference finish, but the foundation for future success was being laid.

Why It Matters

The 1970 season is a snapshot of Houston football during a transitional era, setting the stage for greater achievements in the following decade. It highlights the consistency of Bill Yeoman’s program and the early adoption of offensive innovations that would later influence college football nationwide.

• Program Development: The 1970 season helped solidify Houston as a competitive force in the Southwest Conference beyond just occasional upsets.
• Offensive Innovation: The veer offense pioneered by Yeoman influenced future spread and option systems used across college football.
• Recruiting Momentum: Success in 1970 contributed to stronger recruiting classes in the early 1970s, boosting team talent.
• Regional Rivalries: Games against SMU and Baylor strengthened local fan engagement and media interest in Houston football.
• Historical Context: The season occurred just before Houston’s breakthrough years in the mid-1970s, including 1976’s 10–2 campaign.
• Legacy: Bill Yeoman’s leadership during this period cemented his legacy as one of Houston’s most influential football coaches.

While not a championship season, the 1970 Houston Cougars played a vital role in the long-term growth of the program, demonstrating resilience and strategic innovation that would define future success.