Tulsa-Houston has Championship Tradition

The rivalry between the Golden Hurricane and the Cougars usually has C-USA championship implications.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:01 pm

By: News On 6

Tulsa-Houston has Championship Tradition

Originally Published: Nov 8, 2010 9:48 PM CDT

Oklahoma Sports Staff

TULSA, Oklahoma -- Saying that the annual matchup between Tulsa and Houston has big implications is an understatement.

For the past five years - every year since TU has joined the conference - either Tulsa or Houston has represented the West Division in the Conference USA Championship.

The Golden Hurricane played for the championship in 2005, 2007 and 2008 while Houston represented the West in 2006 and 2009.

The results of the rivalry don't lie, and this year is no different. With only a couple of games to play, the winner of the TU-Houston matchup will be in excellent position to play in the C-USA Championship Game.

Tulsa coach Todd Graham said going into each season, he and his team recognize the importance of the game against the Cougars.

"We know that if you want to be Conference USA Champions, you've got to beat Houston," Graham said.I think the winner of this game in my estimation is in the driver's seat to be the Conference USA Champion."