Armed Forces Bowl 2015: Pittsburgh vs Houston Scores and Highlights, Preview
The Houston Cougars will be facing against the Pittsburgh Panthers in the 2015 Armed Forces Bowl in January 2, 2015 12:00 P.M. ET at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Forth Worth, Texas.
The Houston Cougars have won five games in its last seven outings when they switched its quarterbacks after a lost to the UCF Knights. Converted receiver Greg Ward Jr. took the quarterback position for the Cougars over John O’Korn. O’ Korn struggled this year, Houston went 2-3 while he was the starting quarterback. Ward helped Houston to win over the Memphis Tigers.
The Cougars’ defense are outstanding, Houston was ranked top 20 by FBS in points per game allowed, yards per play allowed and total yards allowed. Houston’s linebacker Efrem Oliphant had stepped up big this season after veteran linebacker Derrick Matthews suffered a season ending ACL injury against Memphis. Oliphant had been consistent in defense, he registered double-digit tackle in each eight games he played this season. Ward will carry the offense for the Cougars. Ward averaged 291.4 total yards per game and five trips to the end zone in his seven starts. He totalled 1736 passing yards along with nine touchdowns in the season.
The Pittsburgh Panthers clinched the bowl eligibility when it won its two last games against the Syracuse Orange, 30-7, and an upset against the Miami Hurricanes, 35-23. Pittsburgh running back James Conner will be the exciting player to watch. Conner won the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) player of the year award this season and Pittsburgh best player. The sophomore running back will be carrying the Panthers offense. Conner rushed in 1675 yards, averaging 6.0 yards per carry, and had 24 touchdowns. He is Pittsburgh consistent attacker. The Panthers wide receiver Tyler Boyd had a total of 1149 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.
Pittsburgh head coach Paul Chryst has led the Panthers to bowls in each of his three seasons.
Armed Forces Bowl Scores and Highlights
Greg Ward threw three touchdowns in the final 3:41 of the Armed Forces Bowl, two after Houston recovered onside kicks, and completed a game-winning 2-point conversion as the Cougars beat Pittsburgh 35-34 with an improbable comeback Friday.
