Conference USA vs. the SEC

Next up in my Conference USA vs. the World series is the SEC. I’m skipping over the Big Ten and the Pac-10, as neither conference has played enough games against C-USA competition to merit a write-up. C-USA sports an 0-3 record against the Big Ten, and an 0-4 record against the Pac-10 since 2005. The only scheduled game against either of those conferences in 2009 is an SMU at Washington State tilt. Anyway, on to the SEC. (As an aside, after the SEC, it’ll be on to the non-BCS conferences, where C-USA’s records will be way less depressing.) As always, all figures listed are since 2005, the year that C-USA became cemented at its current twelve schools.

The Southeastern Conference

Conference USA Record vs. the SEC: 2-32 (.059)

Helping the Cause: Houston and Tulane contribute the only wins for C-USA.

Making us Look Bad: Memphis and UAB are gluttons for punishment at the hands of the SEC, going 0-6 apiece.

Toughest Opponent: The Tennessee Volunteers have a sparkling 6-0 record against C-USA

Punching Bag: Mississippi State is responsible for both of C-USA’s wins against the SEC, although they have five wins to their credit, as well.

Ducking Us: Incredibly, every SEC team has played at least one C-USA opponent since 2005.

Most Impressive Win: In 2006, Tulane lost their season opener 45-7 to the Houston Cougars, and would go on to win just two conference games. Nonetheless, the week after that 38-point whooping at the hands of the Cougars, Tulane traveled to Starkville and spanked Mississippi State. Junior Matt Forte (now in the NFL) rushed for 170 yards to pace the Green Wave, who took a 32-7 lead into the fourth quarter. Despite a furious Bulldog comeback, Tulane would hold on to win, 32-29.

Most Disappointing Loss: The last three Liberty Bowls. Each year, C-USA’s winner faces off against a middling SEC team. Nonetheless, Houston, UCF and ECU have failed to grab a win the last three years.

Best Game: I may be biased, because I was at the game, but I think it’s Houston’s 30-24 loss to Alabama in 2007. The Cougars trailed 23-0 after one quarter, and 30-10 after three. But a Case Keenum-led comeback got the Cougars to the Alabama 15-yard line with a couple of ticks left to go, trailing by just six. On the last play of the game, Keenum’s pass to the end zone came oh-so-close, but was intercepted, and Alabama held on for the 30-24 win.

Biggest Blowout: On its way to a national championship in 2006, Florida laid a 42-0 butt-kicking on Central Florida. The Gators enjoyed a 637-153 edge in total yards, and could’ve won by more, if they hadn’t committed four turnovers. The Golden Knight running game averaged less than one yard per carry (21 yards on 24 attempts).

Moral Victory: Alabama ended up in the Sugar Bowl, and Tulane ended up winning just two games, but when the two teams met to open the 2008 season, it wasn’t nearly the blowout one might have expected. The Green Wave actually outgained the Crimson Tide by 146 yards, and did not commit a turnover, but two first quarter special teams scores by Alabama were the difference in a 20-6 victory.

Upcoming Schedule: In 2009, Houston plays at Mississippi State, Memphis travels to Tennessee and hosts Ole Miss, Rice hosts Vanderbilt, Tulane plays at LSU, and UAB plays at Ole Miss.

Best Hope for Victory: Call me biased, but I think the Houston teams have the best chances to win. The Cougars would likely be the favorites if they were playing MSU in Houston, and Rice should only be slight underdogs when they host Vanderbilt.

Hide the Children: Just because Tulane hung with Alabama last year, don’t expect them to stay close to LSU. The Tigers will win that one going away.

Cougar Connection: Houston defeated Mississippi State, 28-16, at their place in 2005, their second straight win over the Bulldogs. (The Cougars also nabbed a 42-35 victory over MSU in Houston in ’03.) Since then, the SEC has lived up to its salty reputation against the Cougars, who fell to South Carolina in the Liberty Bowl after winning C-USA in ’06, and suffered the tough loss against ‘Bama. Houston’s road trip back to Starkville is one of a trio of high-profile non-conference matchups for the Cougars this year, along with Oklahoma State and Texas Tech.

Did You Know?: In 1992, the SEC became the first conference to have a championship game in football. This was made possible by the addition of Arkansas and South Carolina, giving the conference 12 teams, and two divisions. Each of the other ten members of the SEC have been around since the conference’s origin in 1932.

(If you liked this, and haven’t read the other chapters in the series, be sure to check out C-USA vs…the Big East, the Big XII, and the ACC. Next up, the MAC! [Sneak peak: C-USA actually has a winning record!])