FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, Aug. 27, 2018

HOUSTON – Texas Tech University and University of Mississippi will have two of their most renowned alumni serve as honorary captains when the two schools face off in the 2018 AdvoCare Texas Kickoff at NRG Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 1. Former Ole Miss running back Deuce McAllister and former Texas Tech wide receiver and running back Wes Welker will represent their schools at midfield prior to kickoff at 11 a.m. CT.

Deuce McAllister is the only player in the history of Ole Miss Football to record three seasons with over 1,000 all-purpose yards. He finished his college career as the programs leading rusher and touchdown scorer with 3,060 yards and 41 touchdowns. He was named to the All-Southeastern Conference twice in 1999 and 2000. During the 2001 Draft, McAllister was the 23rd over-all draft pick by the New Orleans Saints. He went on to rush for over 1,000 yards in three straight seasons for the Saints, which was a first in the history of the organization. Throughout his 10 years with the organization, two-time Pro Bowl selection played in 97 games, had 1,429 rush attempts for 6,096 yards, scored 55 touchdowns and completed 234 receptions for 1,720 yards. McAllister set the all-time rushing touchdown record for the Saints in 2008 and he holds the all-time New Orleans Saints record for most career rushing yards and touchdowns.

Wes Welker played college football at Texas Tech, where he totaled 259 receptions for 3,069 yards and 21 touchdowns. Welker also ran the ball 79 carries for 559 yards and two touchdowns. He started nearly every game as a Red Raider, left as a leading receiver in school history, was named first-team All-Big 12 in 2002 and ‘03 and was one of the top punt returners in NCAA history. In 2003, he was recognized for his talent and was honored with the Mosi Tatupu Award as the College Football Special Teams Player of the Year. Welker was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He also played for the Dolphins, Patriots, Broncos and the Rams. After six seasons in New England, Welker holds the second all-time receiving record for the Patriots, having been targeted 926 times with 672 receptions. He totaled 7,459 yards and 37 touchdowns and holds the fourth highest single-season reception totals in Patriots’ history. In week 7 in 2014 with the Broncos, Welker passed Rod Smith for the most receptions by an undrafted player in NFL history. During his 12 seasons in the NFL, Welker had three Super Bowl appearances, five consecutive NFL Pro Bowl honors and four NFL All-Pro honors. He finished with 903 receptions for 9,924 yards and 50 touchdowns.

Following is a detailed schedule of the events leading up to the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff Game:

KARBACH HOPADILLO KICKOFF CRAWL, FRIDAY, AUG. 31

WHO:	The official kickoff event with school cheerleaders, mascots and college football legends participating in full night of activities along with a live broadcast on Sports Radio 610
WHEN:	7 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. CT
WHERE:	Various midtown establishments starting at Front Porch Pub at 7 p.m. including Christian’s Tailgate, The Dogwood, Pub Fiction and Little Woodrow’s; fans must be age 21 and over to attend

             

KARBACH LOVE STREET TEXFEST, SATURDAY, SEPT. 1

WHO:	Musical Performance by Sam Riggs
WHEN:	8 a.m. – 11 a.m. CT 8:45 a.m. CT, Texas Tech Spirit Walk 9:00 a.m. CT, Ole Miss Spirit Walk 9:05 a.m. – 10:35 a.m., Sam Riggs
WHERE:	Bud Light Plaza and the South Entrances of NRG Stadium

 

Tickets are still available. Please note that the NFL Clear Bag Policy will be in effect. For more information, visit www.advocaretexaskickoff.com. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN and heard locally on SportsRadio 610 (KILT-AM).

 

CONTACTS:

Allie LeClair
(832) 667-2050
allie.leclair@houstontexans.com

Stephanie Ramsey
(832) 667-2035
stephanie.ramsey@houstontexans.com

###

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

HOUSTON – The AdvoCare Texas Kickoff announced today the game day will get underway with a performance by Texas rock-infused, country artist, Sam Riggs at the Karbach Love Street TexFest on Saturday, Sept. 1.

The artist, originating from St. Cloud, Florida, has created two albums and two EPs (extended play record) on his own dime since 2010. Riggs’ last album – the 2016 release Breathless – debuted at No. 12 on the Billboard Country Albums chart.

Riggs’ passion for music began at a young age when his mother would play the guitar for him and his brothers before bed, and solidified after attending a Garth Brooks concert with his father. Not long after high school ended, Riggs headed to the Lone Star State to pursue his dreams. The artist picked up a welding job to fund himself and enrolled himself at Austin Community College, where he took a songwriting course. With the help of his professor, he realized he needed to be out there doing it for himself.

Riggs sold his welding equipment, his truck and invested the money to make his second EP. Since then, he has racked up 2.2 million streams on Spotify and a number of his singles hit the upper levels of the Texas charts, including the ultra-country “Hold On A Let Go,” the thumping concert re-creation “High On A Country Song” and his vulnerable “Second Hand Smoke.” To top it off, Riggs picked up the Texas Regional Radio Award in 2016 for Top New Male Vocalist.

The weekend’s festivities will begin Friday night in Midtown at the Karbach Hopadillo Kickoff Crawl on Friday, August 31 where attendees will have the chance to participate in multiple giveaways as they make their way around select bars in Midtown. The night’s giveaways include AdvoCare Texas Kickoff tickets and swag, passes for a meet and greet with Sam Riggs, pregame sideline passes – all of which can be won through games at each bar. At the end of the night, a final drawing for two 50-yard line AdvoCare Texas Kickoff game tickets at the last bar of the crawl. Sports Radio 610 will be broadcasting live from Little Woodrow’s from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. CT.

On game day, Karbach Love Street TexFest will kick off the events at NRG Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 1 starting at 8:00 a.m. CT outside the south entrances of NRG Stadium. The event is headlined by Sam Riggs, who will hit the stage at 9:05 a.m. CT following the team arrivals and Spirit Walks.

Karbach Love Street TexFest is a free event open to all 2018 AdvoCare Texas Kickoff ticketholders that features live music, prizes and the teams’ spirit walks into NRG Stadium. The official pregame party for the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff will be held outside the South Entrances to NRG Stadium between the Amegy Bank Gate and Ford Gate. This year’s festivities will include food trucks, games, inflatables in the Kids Zone, drink specials and pet adoption from the SPCA Houston by Papa’s Pets. For more information on the event, visit www.advocaretexaskickoff.com. 

Following is a detailed schedule of the events leading up to the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff game:

KARBACH LOVE STREET TEXFEST, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

WHO:	Musical Performance by Sam Riggs
WHEN:	8 a.m. – 11 a.m. CT 8:45 a.m. CT, Texas Tech Spirit Walk 9:00 a.m. CT, Ole Miss Spirit Walk 9:05 a.m. – 10:35 a.m., Sam Riggs
WHERE:	Bud Light Plaza and the South Entrances of NRG Stadium

 

The matchup of the Red Raiders and the Rebels will kick off at 11 a.m. CT following the pregame festivities at NRG Stadium. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN and heard locally on Sports Radio 610 (KILT-AM). Tickets remain for the 2018 AdvoCare Texas Kickoff and are available by clicking here or calling (832) 667-2390.  

CONTACTS:
Allie LeClair
(832) 667-2050
allie.leclair@houstontexans.com

Stephanie Ramsey
(832) 667-2035
stephanie.ramsey@houstontexans.com

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, August 6, 2018                                                                                 

HOUSTON – The Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl Committee has selected the 2018 Class of Gridiron Legends, the committee announced today. The honorees will be introduced at the 2018 AdvoCare Texas Kickoff game on Sept. 1 and will be inducted into the Gridiron Legends at a special pregame ceremony during the Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl game at NRG Stadium on Dec. 27.

The class of 2018 features University of Houston All-American Alois Blackwell, Super Bowl V champion and TCU legend Norm Bulaich, New England Patriots Hall of Fame member and three-time NFL All-Pro selection Raymond Clayborn, four-time Super Bowl Champion Gary Kubiak, Texas high school coaching legend Barton Massey and five-time NFL Pro Bowl and four-time NFL All-Pro honoree, Texas Tech alum Wes Welker.

The Gridiron Legends have each made a noteworthy contribution to the game of football in the state of Texas at the high school, collegiate or professional level. The 2018 class joins 71 other Gridiron Legends who have been inducted since the Bowl’s inception in 2006, including Texas greats Earl Campbell, Joe Greene, Andre Ware, Bum Phillips, Jim Nantz, John David Crow and Dave Campbell.

University of Houston All-American and Hall of Honor running back Alois Blackwell started his football career at Cuero High School in Cuero, Texas.  With a record setting career at Houston, he ranks ninth in career rushing yards with 2,467 and 10^th for a single season with 1,169 yards. Blackwell earned the starting running back position his redshirt sophomore year when he registered 934 rushing yards, eight touchdowns and three consecutive 100-yard rushing games. Blackwell contributed to the team’s achievement of a Southwest Conference co-championship as well as a national ranking of fourth, the highest in school history. In the 1977 Cotton Bowl, he rushed for 149 yards and scored two touchdowns for the Cougars. Blackwell was named the 1977 Cotton Bowl’s Most Valuable Player after his performance in the 30-21 victory over the Maryland Terrapins. That year he was also honored with the Houston Sportswriter’s Player of the Year. In 1978, the All-American was drafted in the fourth round of the NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys where he played two seasons. He then returned to his alma mater and served as an academic counselor for the football team for six years as well as an assistant athletic director of marketing and promotions for one year. Blackwell continued his career as an athletic director for Texas Southern University from 2001 to 2008. During Blackwell’s time with the Tigers, the program won seven Southwestern Athletic Conference championships, including a men’s basketball title in 2003. He also contributed to the opening of the Academic Enhancement Center for Student-Athletes in 2005. Blackwell now serves as the Principal and Senior Consultant at Athletic Shift Consultings for the past ten years.

Former first round NFL draft pick and running back Norman “Norm” Bulaich is a Galveston native and attended La Marque High School in La Marque, Texas. His professional career spanned 10 years after an exceptionally successful career at Texas Christian University. The fullback played in 30 games during his time at TCU and ran for 1,045 total rushing yards on 214 attempts. During the 1968 season, Bulaich attained the 10th most rushing yards in the Southwest Conference history after a season total of 503 yards. His success at TCU led him to be drafted early in the 1970 NFL Draft. He was picked in the first round and 18^th overall by the Baltimore Colts. In his first season in the NFL, Bulaich started all 12 games with the Colts and had 139 rushing attempts for 426 yards. To finish off the season for the rookie, the Colts defeated the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl V. Bulaich was the second leading rusher in the game for the Colts with 28 yards on 18 carries. He was selected in 1971 Pro Bowl after a remarkable 152 rushing attempts for 741 yards, 25 receptions for 229 yards and 10 touchdowns during his second season. After his time with the Colts, Bulaich spent two seasons with the Eagles and then five seasons with the Dolphins. During his entire NFL career, Bulaich acquired 3,362 yards on 814 carries for 30 touchdowns. The recognition for his success continued in 2012 when Bulaich was ranked 100^th in the Miami Dolphins All-Time Top 100 Players. He now lives in Hurst, Texas with his wife and family.

Three-time NFL All-Pro selection and New England Patriots Hall of Fame member, Raymond Clayborn, spent 15 seasons in the NFL. The Fort Worth Trimble Tech High School native featured as a running back and defensive back for the Bulldogs growing up. He then continued his football career at the University of Texas, where his success earned him an All-American cornerback selection. Clayborn came in as a wide receiver but was used as a running back for the Longhorns his first two seasons where he ran for 529 yards on 83 attempts. In 1976, he mainly played as a defensive back and had 35 punt returns for 335 yards and one touchdown, averaging 9.6 yards per return. Clayborn also had 10 kick returns for 156 yards, averaging 15.6 yards. These grand numbers are what earned the Longhorn the All-American accolade his senior season. In 1977, the Fort Worth native was drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft, 16^th overall by New England. During his time with the Patriots, Clayborn played in all 16 games in nine of his 13 seasons and played in 14 in two other seasons. In his first three seasons, Clayborn returned 57 kicks for 1,538 yards, averaging 27.0 yards per run and returned three for touchdowns. The cornerback acquired 36 interceptions during his 13 seasons with the Patriots, which was the franchise record for many years until it was tied in 2004. From the 36 interceptions, the cornerback attained 555 yards, 85 yards being his longest run and scored one touchdown. During Clayborn’s 1983 season, he acquired more than 63 tackles, 10 assists and 25 pass deflections earning him his first Pro-Bowl selection. One of his most memorable games was the 1985 AFC Championship against Miami when he led the defense in shutting down the impressive Miami offense and snapped the Patriots 18-game losing streak down in Miami. This key win sent New England to the Super Bowl two weeks later, and this earned Clayborn his second Pro Bowl honor. His third Pro Bowl season in 1986 was due to his 41 tackles, seven assists, eight pass deflections and three interceptions. Last year, Clayborn was inducted into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame receiving 40 percent of the votes, the top vote-getter. He resides in Katy, Texas.

At St. Pius X High School in Houston, Texas, Gary Kubiak held the then state-record in passing yards with 6,190. Nicknamed “Koob”, the quarterback led the team to three consecutive state championships. His accomplishments, not only as a quarterback but as an athlete, named him to the all-state football, basketball, baseball and track teams twice. The 1978 St. Pius X High School graduate’s success continued to be recognized over 20 years later when he was inducted into the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame in 1999. The Houston native did not travel far as he attended Texas A&M to continue his academics and football career. During his time as an Aggie, Kubiak completed 314 passes on 595 attempts for 4,078 yards and 31 touchdowns. In 1982, the quarterback was named first-team all-conference and led the Southwest Conference in passing yards (1,948) and touchdown passes (19). Kubiak was also given the Aggie Heart Award, which is based not only on production but the courage and determination the athlete possesses. After his impressive career as an Aggie, the quarterback was drafted in the eighth round of the 1983 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. Kubiak played for the Broncos for nine seasons where he completed 173 passes on 298 attempts for 1,920 yards. The quarterback threw 14 touchdowns and rushed for two himself. As Kubiak’s family continued to grow, the NFL quarterback retired and began coaching. His coaching career started at his alma mater where he served as A&M’s running backs coach during the 1992 and ’93 seasons. He then continued to the San Francisco 49ers as a quarterbacks coach where he connected with Steve Young and helped coach him to an MVP season. The 49ers continued to the Super Bowl and beat the San Diego Chargers, 49-26. After his successful season with the 49ers, the Broncos hired Kubiak as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, where he would be working with former teammate, John Elway. The reunion between the once back-up quarterback and current quarterback became quite the duo, and the Broncos went on to win a pair of Super Bowl titles in 1997 and ’98. Kubiak spent 11 seasons with the Broncos before becoming the head coach of the Texans after the 2005 season. He led the newly founded team to back-to-back AFC South titles in 2011 and ’12. Kubiak spent time with the Baltimore Ravens as an offensive coordinator in 2014, then returned to the Broncos where he contributed to a 12-4 season, AFC West title and his fourth Super Bowl victory. In 2017, Kubiak stepped away from coaching and currently serves as a senior personnel adviser for the Broncos.

Greater Houston High School Coaches Association honoree Barton Massey had a successful career in multiple sports as a player as well as a coach.  Massey received All-District, All-Regional, All-State and Parade All-American accolades during his football career at Austin Bowie High School, where he played in two bowl games, the Greenbelt Bowl and the Oil Bowl. The star football player was also an All-District and First-Team All-State basketball player all while participating in baseball and track. Massey continued his football career at Texas Tech and was a four-year starter for the Red Raiders. During his collegiate career, the All-American Center played in the 1952 Sun Bowl, where he contributed to the team’s victory against College of Pacific. Then in 1954, Massey helped lead the team to success in the Gator Bowl against Auburn University. During the seasons the Red Raiders did not qualify for a bowl game, Massey played on the basketball team. He even played in the 1956 NCAA basketball tournament in Kansas City. In 1956, Massey’s senior year, the center was named to the Honorable Mention All-American list and was later drafted by the Green Bay Packers. After his athletic career ended, Massey remained involved within the sports world. The Texas Tech alumni helped coach the Red Raider’s football team for one year, then returned home and was the assistant football and basketball coach as well as the head baseball coach at Bowie High School from 1958 to 1959. Massey was promoted to head football coach from 1960-1964. Continuing his coaching career, he spent time at Bryan High School as a football and baseball coach, as well as Aldine High School where he coached football. After many years of coaching, Massey became the Director of the Texas High School Coaches Association from 1973 to 1975. The former Red Raider was named a Texas Tech 50-Yard Line Hall of Honor member and was elected to the Greater Houston Football Coaches Association Ronnie Bell Hall of Honor in 2008. Massey spent time as the Executive Principal at Conroe High School and retired in 1996. He later retired as a Consultant to Conroe Independent School District in 2002. Massey currently resides in Panorama Village, Texas.

Texas Tech Alum Wes Welker may not have started in Texas, but he has returned as the Houston Texans current Offensive Assistant Coach. The Oklahoma City native had an impressive career as a quintuple threat at Heritage Hall high school. As a rusher, receiver, kick returner and kicker, the athlete had notable numbers in every category. He accumulated 3,235 rushing yards for 53 touchdowns, 174 receptions for 2,551 yards and 27 touchdowns, returned seven kicks for touchdowns, made 35 field goals, including a 57-yarder, and 165 extra points; totaling 818 points in four years. On defense, Welker totaled 581 tackles, 22 interceptions, three of which were returned for touchdowns. Welker’s success continued during his time at Texas Tech. The wide receiver totaled 259 receptions for 3,069 yards and 21 touchdowns. Welker also ran the ball 79 carries for 559 yards and two touchdowns. He started nearly every game as a Red Raider, left as a leading receiver in school history, was named first-team All-Big 12 in 2002 and ‘03 and was one of the top punt returners in NCAA history. In 2003, he was recognized for his talent and was honored with the Mosi Tatupu Award as the College Football Special Teams Player of the Year. Welker was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2004. In Welker’s debut as a Charger, he had four kick returns for 102 yards, all more than 20 yards. Between kick and punt returns, Welker had a combined 447 returns for 6,722 yards and one touchdown. His stats were incredible on special teams, and he also broke records as a receiver. In 2007, Welker’s first season with the Patriots, the receiver caught 112 receptions for 1,175 yards and eight touchdowns. After six seasons in New England, Welker holds the second all-time receiving record for the Patriots, having been targeted 926 times with 672 receptions. He totaled 7,459 yards and 37 touchdowns and holds the fourth highest single-season reception totals in Patriots’ history. His NFL career continued when he signed with the Broncos in 2013. During his debut, Welker posted nine receptions for 67 yards and two touchdowns. In 2013, Welker caught a touchdown pass in eight of the first 10 games of the season. In week 7 in 2014 with the Broncos, Welker passed Rod Smith for the most receptions by an undrafted player in NFL history. He also caught Peyton Manning’s 508^th career touchdown pass, which tied Brett Farve for the most all-time. During his 12 seasons in the NFL, Welker had three Super Bowl appearances, five consecutive NFL Pro Bowl honors and four NFL All-Pro honors. He finished with 903 receptions for 9,924 yards and 50 touchdowns.

The 2018 Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl will feature teams from the Big 12 and SEC and will kick off at 8 p.m. CT on Thursday, Dec. 27. The game, which has ranked fourth in bowl game attendance in the country behind only the Rose, Cotton and Peach Bowls since 2014, will air nationally on ESPN and ESPN Radio with a local radio broadcast on SportsRadio 610 (KILT-AM).

Tickets remain for the 2018 AdvoCare Texas Kickoff game featuring the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Ole Miss Rebels and can be purchased through the website at http://www.advocaretexaskickoff.com/tickets/.

 

CONTACTS:
Allie LeClair
(832) 667-2050
allie.leclair@houstontexans.com  

Stephanie Ramsey 

(832) 667-2035

stephanie.ramsey@houstontexans.com 

 

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES
Wednesday, July 18, 2018

HOUSTON – Media members interested in covering the 2018 AdvoCare Texas Kickoff may now apply for credentials through the game’s online application system. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. CT on Wednesday, Aug. 29. The 2018 AdvoCare Texas Kickoff will feature the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Ole Miss Rebels. The game will be played on Saturday, Sept. 1 at NRG Stadium and will be televised nationally on ESPN at 11 a.m. CT.

To apply for credentials, please click here.

Only recognized news organizations will be credentialed. The AdvoCare Texas Kickoff will not credential freelance reporters or photographers not on specific assignment by a recognized outlet. Freelance reporters or photographers working on assignment must have their editor submit an application on their behalf.

CONTACTS:
Allie LeClair, allie.leclair@houstontexans.com
Stephanie Ramsey, stephanie.ramsey@houstontexans.com

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, May 31, 2018

HOUSTON – The 2018 AdvoCare Texas Kickoff featuring Texas Tech vs. Ole Miss will kick off the first Saturday of the college football season on Saturday, Sept. 1, at 11 a.m. CT. This Big 12/SEC showdown will be played at NRG Stadium in Houston, and will be televised nationally on ESPN.  The game will also be carried nationally on radio by Westwood One affiliates including Sports Radio 610 (KILT-AM) in Houston.

The AdvoCare Texas Kickoff will mark the sixth match-up in the schools’ histories, continuing the tradition of championship caliber opponents facing off at NRG Stadium. Ole Miss owns a 3-2 record against Texas Tech. The two teams first met in 1986 with their most recent meeting in the 2009 Cotton Bowl where the Rebels beat the Red Raiders 47-34.

The 2018 AdvoCare Texas Kickoff will mark the sixth year of an eight year agreement between Lone Star Sports & Entertainment and ESPN Events, a subsidiary of ESPN, to bring a top college football game to NRG Stadium during Labor Day weekend to start the college football season.

Tickets start at $43 and may be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 832-667-2390. A limited number of luxury suites are still available, to purchase call 832-667-2160. Tickets are also available at the NRG Stadium box office. For more information, please visit www.AdvoCareTexasKickoff.com.

 

ESPN Events
ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, owns and operates a large portfolio of 31 collegiate sporting events worldwide. The roster includes three Labor Day weekend college football games; FCS opening-weekend game; 14 college bowl games, 12 college basketball events and two college award shows, which accounts for approximately 300-plus hours of programming, reaches almost 64 million viewers and attracts over 700,000 attendees each year. With satellite offices in Albuquerque, Birmingham, Boca Raton, Boise, Dallas-Fort Worth, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Montgomery and St. Petersburg, ESPN Events builds relationships with conferences, schools and local communities, as well as providing unique experiences for teams and fans.

ESPN Events also manages the Big 12 Corporate Partner Program.

Collegiate Football
Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl (Houston); AdvoCare Texas Kickoff (Houston); Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl (Tampa, Fla.); Bahamas Bowl (Nassau); Birmingham Bowl (Alabama); Cheribundi Tart Cherry Boca Raton Bowl (Florida); Camping World Kickoff (Orlando, Fla.); Celebration Bowl (Atlanta); Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (Boise); Frisco Bowl (Texas); Gildan New Mexico Bowl (Albuquerque); Guardian Credit Union FCS Kickoff (Montgomery, Ala.); Hawai’i Bowl (Honolulu); Heart of Dallas Bowl (Dallas-Fort Worth); Las Vegas Bowl (Nevada); Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl (Dallas-Fort Worth); MEAC/SWAC Challenge (Atlanta); Raycom Media Camellia Bowl (Montgomery, Ala.); The Home Depot College Football Awards (Atlanta)

Collegiate Basketball

AdvoCare Invitational (Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Fla.); Armed Forces Classic (Fort Bliss, Texas); Charleston Classic (South Carolina); College Basketball Awards Presented by Wendy’s (Los Angeles); Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic (Honolulu); Jimmy V Men’s Classic presented by Corona (New York City); Jimmy V Women’s Classic Presented by Corona (TBD); Myrtle Beach Invitational (Conway, S.C.); NIT Season Tip-Off (Brooklyn, N.Y.); Puerto Rico Tip-Off; State Farm Champions Classic (Indianapolis) and Wooden Legacy (Fullerton, Calif.)

For more information, visit the official website, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube pages.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sunday, September 3, 2017

LSU-BYU Gamebook

Postgame Quotes

LSU Game Notes

BYU Game Notes

POSTGAME QUOTES FROM LSU:

HEAD COACH ED ORGERON

Opening Statement

“I’m proud of our football team. I’m proud of our coaching staff and their preparation all week and the way they prepared this football team. We played as many as five freshmen on defense and either started or played five freshmen on offense. I was proud of the way they played. First off, we had zero sacks and zero turnovers on offense. That was fantastic. We held them to minus five yards rushing. (It was) Another tremendous job by our defense. You have to credit (Defensive Coordinator) Dave Aranda, (and Defensive Line Coach) Pete Jenkins. They are two of the best in the business. Corey Raymond did not allow any deep balls. The one they tried to throw, they picked it. (Give) Credit to (Outside Linebackers Coach) David Johnson. (It was) Just a tremendous job by our staff. On special teams we have some things to fix, but we will. I thought we got better. We came back the second half and rallied. Obviously, we are going to eliminate the penalties. I think it was first-game jitters. We are going to fix them. We are going to get better in the red zone. We should have made a couple more touchdowns in the red zone. We know that and we will fix it. We are going to watch tape and take the next step. Our thoughts and our prayers are with the people of Houston. We know they are going to fight back. Our thoughts and our prayers are with the families of our players that were affected. I am proud of the players from Houston. A lot of them played tonight and played well through adverse conditions all week. Again, we are going to get back on the bus, look at the film tomorrow and get prepared to take the next step next week.”

On running the ball 57 times tonight?

“We want to be fifty-fifty. But it was one of those nights where we knew it was going to be physical, and we would take whatever they would give us. We felt they were giving us the run, and we were taking it a little bit. We wanted to out-physical them. They were a physical football team, but so were we.”

How do the young wide receivers look?

“We knew they were going to play. We prepared them. I feel like this is one of the best freshman classes that I have ever been around. I thought they were going to play well. Actually, I thought they were going to make a few more mistakes than they did. But it did not seem like they did. They answered the bell. I have to give credit to our older guys. They helped coach them up. They stayed calm on the sidelines and before the game. Credit to the coaches for managing their positions. They played very well.”

QB DANNY ETLING

What are your thoughts on tonight’s performance on offense?

“We were able move the ball real well, some miscues down at the goal line, but a lot of it is some first game stuff. It is good to get it out the way and on film.”

How did you feel tonight?

“I felt great. I felt as good as I ever felt playing a game, especially during warm up, I thought I never felt this way before a game. ”

Was it planned to run that many times?

“We are going to do whatever the defense 9s going to give us. They dared us to run the ball and we did it. We are going to establish the run and we are going to be a team that doesn’t back down from challenge. That was what they was giving us and we took it.”

How much more offense is there?

“There is a little bit more. We found some plays that worked and we stuck with those, and we change it up next week and see what the defense give us, and we will attack it that way.”

DE CHRISTIAN LACOUTRE

What did you see from the freshmen and what did you expect?

“We were expecting a lot from them, because we’ve seen them in camp. Young guys play big roles. You see a freshman (Andraez Williams) going in there getting a pick right off the bat. It’s a huge momentum shift and a lot of these guys are doing that, so for us, we expect it from them. He (Williams) had jitter bugs at first, but of course everybody does in a big game, he stepped up and did a great job.”

Was this beyond even your best expectations, under 100 yards surrendered – How good was this from your standpoint?

“We’ve been practicing very hard and expect the best for us. We looked at the stats in the second quarter and had a great shot at doing this. We expect to be that, but you don’t know. You can have a great performance, but be 200 yards total, 300 yards total. We saw in the third quarter. We saw in the fourth quarter and we said, “We’re staying in; we have to keep going.” We did a great job and a lot of the young guys did a great job, as well. For us, we expect high expectations and we have to continue, but there is always room to improve.”

Was tonight a direct result of work put in over the summer?

“We lost a lot of guys to the NFL. For us, we had a lot of the right guys step up. I didn’t play last year so I had to make sure I was ready to go. Devin White, Donnie Alexander, those guys they did great things. There are a lot of guys that stepped up. They understand their role and want to do great things. They’re out there in camp and spring ball being consistent and when it’s gametime, they’re ready to go.”

– TIGERS –

 

POSTGAME QUOTES FROM BYU:

HEAD COACH KALANI SITAKE

Opening Comments

“(It was a) Tough game. (I’m) Really disappointed in the outcome. (I’m) Really disappointed in the stuff we did as a team. We just couldn’t get anything going no matter what it was, especially momentum. (I’m) Just really disappointed. That’s my fault as a coach to get this team ready and we have a big one coming up next week. Our priority will be to focus on fixing things, getting some momentum and figuring out ways to win the game. I have to give a lot of credit to LSU they are a really good team with that defense they fly around and with that offense they really throw that ball and are really efficient. Both with the run and the pass they keep you guessing and are really a good physical team. We have some things to fix and some things to improve on. We thought we could have done better but you have to give light to LSU and Coach Orgeron and their program on how they run their defense. They play with great technique. They just didn’t give you much to move on especially when it came to our offense. We couldn’t generate any momentum. We had 38 plays, I think, on offense. It’s hard for us to win games against teams that have really good gameplans. I thought their gameplan was really good. It was a difficult game and we need to respond better. This is adversity for us, and we need to respond better to prepare for next week.”

Tonight you faced a great defense, can you comment on how you feel that went?

“Yes, they have some great coaches. The talent is there. This is a great compliment to their recruiting. Some guys have stepped in and played really well and did not show that they were inexperienced. I think that’s a huge credit to Coach Orgeron and their defensive backs coach who does a great job with their group. Naturally these guys just played well and they showed some of the best defense I’ve seen in college football.”

You gave up two touchdowns and then you have a break until the field goal, why do you think you struggled stopping them?

“It was hard reps. They were on the field quite a bit. We really didn’t help ourselves too much by getting off third downs, we gave way too many first downs and for that second downs. It was very frustrating but our defense, there was just things we could have done differently. You have to give us credit though our bodies were in the right spot, we just missed tackles. We have to rally around guys and find ways to make more plays, and be more destructive. LSU did a great job getting that offense ready. They had a lot of different looks and were efficient on the pass game. They were in synch the entire game. On all three fronts they outplayed us and as coaches we need to look a lot at what they are doing. What they are doing as a team is something I would love to have as a part of our identity. They have smashmouth football and use their talent appropriately. Overall it is a compliment to Coach O and what he has done with that program and that coaching staff.”

– COUGARS –

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Harvey to Houston and the surrounding areas, the 2017 AdvoCare Texas Kickoff between LSU and BYU has been relocated to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. In preparation for tomorrow’s game, Lone Star Sports & Entertainment, ESPN Events and SMG are pleased to provide the following game day information.

EVENT INFORMATION
Ticketing Information:
Ticket Sales – The Mercedes-Benz Superdome Box Office (Gate A Ground Level) will be open from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM for ticket sales on game day. Gates B & H Ticket Booths will also be open on game day from 4:00 PM – halftime. Tickets are still also still available and priced from $40-$215 per ticket.
Will Call – The Mercedes-Benz Superdome Box Office (Gate A Ground Level) will be open from 12:00 PM – halftime on game day.

Gate Information:
Mercedes-Benz Superdome – All gates at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome open at 6:30 PM.
Champions Square – Champions Square will open at 4:30 PM for the Bud Light Fan Fest.

Security Measures:
Walk-through Metal Detectors – The Mercedes-Benz Superdome will use walk-through metal detectors at all entry gates to enhance safety and security. Prior to entering, guests are asked to remove cell phones, keys, cameras, and other large metal objects, and place them in the security bins. Do not remove belts, coins, jackets, wallets, watches or small jewelry.

Bag Policy – The NFL Clear Bag Policy will NOT be in effect for this game. However, please note the following bag size restrictions. Bags cannot exceed 12″ x 12″ x 6″ per bag. Backpacks and oversized bags are prohibited.

Express lanes are available at all entrances for guest without bags.

NOTE: The State of Louisiana bans the possession of guns on the premises.

Prohibited Items:
All backpacks, animals (with exception of service dogs), large banners or banners in poor taste, bottles, cans, containers of any kind, contraband, large bags, laser pointers, noisemakers, outside food and drink, oversized packages, audio recording equipment, projectiles, mace, weapons and beach balls, and any other items deemed inappropriate by management are prohibited.

Camera Policy:
No video cameras or cameras with professional lenses exceeding 6”. No GoPros.

TRAFFIC & PARKING

Patrons driving to the event should be aware that parking at the Superdome is limited. It is best to arrive early to secure a space at the Superdome, or allow for ample time to reach downtown New Orleans and find alternative parking.

Patron Parking – Beginning at 2:30 PM, Garages 1, 2, 5, 6 & Champions Garage will be available – $40.00
ADA Parking – Beginning at 2:30 PM, limited ADA parking will be available in VIP East – $40.00

NOTE: Parking is CASH ONLY.

To view Ingress & Egress Traffic Maps, click here.
To view a map of parking garages and surface lots, click here.

PREGAME AT CHAMPIONS SQUARE
BUD LIGHT FAN FEST

Get your game face on and join us in Champions Square before the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff in the Dome for Bud Light Fan Fest! This FREE and open to the public pregame starts at 4:30 PM and will include live entertainment, frosty drinks, and tons of food. With Champions Square being only a touchdown pass away from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, it’s the place to get loud while celebrating before LSU & BYU kick off at 8:30 PM.

Live Entertainment – Bucktown Allstars will excite fans with musical entertainment on the Champions Square stage starting at 6:30p.
For more information on the Bud Light Fan Fest, click here.

CONTACTS:
Allie LeClair
Houston Texans
(832) 667-2050
allie.leclair@houstontexans.com

Savannah Chamblee
SMG-Mercedes-Benz Superdome
(504) 587-3924
savannah.chamblee@smgneworleans.com

About Lone Star Sports & Entertainment
Lone Star Sports & Entertainment is an event management company founded in 2003 that is closely affiliated with the NFL’s Houston Texans. Since its founding, LSSE has established itself as the leading sports event promoter in Houston. In addition to the Texas Bowl and the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff, LSSE has emerged as a premier promoter for international soccer matches, including Copa America Centenario, the International Champions Cup, the 2010 MLS All-Star Game featuring Manchester United, the 2006 FC Barcelona U.S. tour, 2003 and 2008 matches between the United States and Mexico, and the 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cups. LSSE has also reinvigorated the “Battle of the Piney Woods” rivalry between Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston State and has promoted major concerts featuring country superstars including George Strait and Kenny Chesney.

About SMG
Celebrating its 40th anniversary and founded in 1977, SMG provides management services to more than 230 public assembly facilities including convention and exhibition centers, arenas, stadiums, theaters, performing arts centers, amphitheaters, equestrian facilities, science centers and a variety of other venues. With facilities across the globe, SMG manages more than 15 million square feet of exhibition space and more than 1.5 million sports and entertainment seats. As the recognized global industry leader, SMG provides venue management, sales, marketing, event booking and programming; construction and design consulting; and pre-opening services for such landmark facilities as McCormick Place & Soldier Field in Chicago, Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, Houston’s NRG Park and the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. SMG also offers food and beverage operations through its concessions and catering companies, currently serving more than 140 accounts worldwide. For more information visit www.smgworld.com.

About ESPN Events
ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, owns and operates a large portfolio of collegiate sporting events worldwide. The roster includes three Labor Day weekend college football games; 13 college bowl games, 10 college basketball events and two college award shows, which accounts for approximately 250-plus hours of programming, reaches almost 64 million viewers and attracts over 700,000 attendees each year. With satellite offices in Albuquerque, Birmingham, Boca Raton, Boise, Dallas-Fort Worth, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Montgomery and St. Petersburg, ESPN Events builds relationships with conferences, schools and local communities, as well as providing unique experiences for teams and fans.

ESPN Events also manages the Big 12 Corporate Partner Program.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, August 29, 2017

HOUSTON – Due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Harvey to Houston and the surrounding areas, the 2017 AdvoCare Texas Kickoff between LSU and BYU has been relocated to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, La.

Every ticket, parking and RV parking pass that was purchased for the game originally scheduled to take place at NRG Stadium in Houston will be refunded and processed by the outlet it was purchased through, including the schools, Lone Star Sports & Entertainment and Ticketmaster.

Pre-sales for the game in New Orleans, La., including purchases through the participating schools, will begin Wednesday, Aug. 30 at 10 a.m. CT. Tickets open to the general public will go on sale Wednesday, Aug. 30 at 4 p.m. CT through Ticketmaster.com. Prices will range from $40 – $215 per ticket. Parking will be available only on gameday for $40 per space.

The game will be played on Saturday, Sept. 2, at 9:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. CT and televised nationally on ESPN.

CONTACTS:

Allie LeClair
832-667-2050
allie.leclair@houstontexans.com

Savanah Chamblee (Mercedes-Benz Superdome)
(504) 587-3924
savanah.chamblee@smgneworleans.com

###

Due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Harvey to Houston and the surrounding areas, the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff between BYU and LSU, originally scheduled to be played in NRG Stadium in Houston, has been relocated to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, La. The game will still be played on Saturday, Sept. 2, at 9:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. CT and televised on ESPN.

“First and foremost, we are keeping the citizens of the Houston region, and the thousands of first responders, in our thoughts during this very difficult time,” said Pete Derzis, ESPN senior vice president of college sports programming and events. “Over the last 72 hours, we have been in constant contact with all entities involved, including our partners at the Lone Star Sports & Entertainment, the SEC and both institutions. Ultimately, the decision was made to move forward with the relocation.

“During the last few days, we were overwhelmed with the outreach by the communities offering to host this event, specifically, Dallas, Jacksonville, Nashville, New Orleans, Orlando and San Antonio.  We have great partners within those cities through the Football Bowl Association and we appreciate their energy in finding a solution.

“Efforts are underway in New Orleans and we will work with the fans, the Superdome, the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau and both schools throughout the week to ensure the most optimal game day experience for all.”

Ticket information, updates and additional detail will be forthcoming and made available at http://www.advocaretexaskickoff.com/.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, August 14, 2017

HOUSTON – The Texas Bowl Committee has selected the 2017 Class of Gridiron Legends, the Bowl announced today. All five honorees will be introduced at the 2017 AdvoCare Texas Kickoff game on September 2 and will be inducted to the Gridiron Legends at a special pregame ceremony during the Texas Bowl game at NRG Stadium on December 27.

The class of 2017 features three-time Super Bowl Champion Cliff Branch, former Texas Bowl MVP and first Texas Bowl participant to be recognized as a Gridiron Legend Chase Clement, College Football Hall of Fame member and former Baylor standout Lawrence Elkins, two-time Super Bowl Champion Casey Hampton and esteemed coach Emory Bellard, who hailed from Luling, Texas.

The Gridiron Legends have each made a noteworthy contribution to the game of football in the state of Texas at the high school, collegiate or professional level. The 2017 class joins 64 other Gridiron Legends who have been inducted since the Bowl’s inception in 2006, including Texas greats Jim Nantz, Curley Culp, Bum Phillips, Joe Greene, Earl Campbell, Andre Ware, John David Crow, Jack Pardee and Dave Campbell.

Four-time All-Pro and three-time Super Bowl Champion Cliff Branch spent 14 seasons in the NFL, all with the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders. The former Worthing High School standout graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1972, where he set the NCAA FBS record for kickoffs returned for touchdowns with eight. During his time at Colorado, Branch also set school and NCAA Championship records in track, specifically the NCAA 100-meter record with a time of 10.0 seconds. The Raiders selected the Houston native in the fourth round of the 1972 NFL Draft with the 98th overall pick. During his tenure, Branch caught three passes for 20 yards in Super Bowl XI, five passes for 62 yards and two touchdowns in Super Bowl XV and six passes for 94 yards and a touchdown in Super Bowl XVIII. In four consecutive seasons (1974-1977), the former wide receiver was voted a First-Team All-Pro by the Associated Press and named to four consecutive Pro Bowls. In 1974, Branch led the league in receiving yards (1,092) and receiving touchdowns (13). During the 1983 season, he set the Raiders franchise record for the longest touchdown reception with a 99-yard score. Branch’s career in the NFL ended after the 1985 season, but he subsequently played for the Los Angeles Cobras of the AFL in 1988. Branch was the only wide receiver to be on the roster of all three Super Bowl-winning Raiders teams and was named to the PFRA Hall of Very Good Class of 2011. The two-time Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist’s NFL career boasts 501 receptions, 8,685 receiving yards and 67 touchdowns.

UFL Championship MVP Chase Clement spent three seasons in the UFL and had two separate stints in the CFL after a record-setting career at Rice University. The former quarterback holds the NCAA FBS record, along with former Rice wide receiver Jarrett Dillard, for career touchdowns between a quarterback-receiver tandem (51). The San Antonio native broke Conference USA Conference passing records, and in 2007, he earned second-team All-Conference USA honors. In his first-team all-conference senior season, Clement lead the Owls to a win in the 2008 Texas Bowl, where he was named MVP, and earned the C-USA MVP honors. The Rice University all-time passing leader is ranked second behind Case Keenum on the C-USA lists for career touchdowns and touchdown passes. Clement completed his college career with 125 career touchdowns, and his 99 passing touchdowns tied former Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart on the NCAA career touchdown passes list. While a prospect for the 2009 NFL Draft, he went undrafted and was signed by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL in June 2009 and retired after one preseason practice. The Las Vegas Locomotives of the UFL later signed Clement in 2010, and he stayed with them until 2012. During his time there, he led the team to the UFL title in 2010 and was named the championship game MVP. Clement signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL in April 2013 and was later released the following June. During his post-collegiate career, he has worked out with several NFL teams including the Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys.

Former first-round draft pick and wide receiver Lawrence “Larry” Elkins’ professional career spanned five years after a highly accomplished tenure at Baylor University. The three-sport All-State player at Brownwood High School turned down an offer from the University of Texas to attend Baylor, where he set several receiving records that still stand. Elkins was a two-time consensus All-American at Baylor – the first two-time consensus pick in the university’s history. One of the best receivers in Baylor’s history, he caught 144 passes for 2,094 yards and scored a school-record 19 touchdowns. Some of Elkins’ accolades include MVP honors at the 1965 Hula Bowl and being named to the Look Magazine All-American team. The records he set include ranking third in all-time career receptions and career receiving yards, Baylor’s single-game record for receptions (12) and the NCAA single-season record in 1963 with 70 catches. Elkins was a first-round pick in the 1965 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers as well as a first-round pick in the AFL Draft by the Houston Oilers the same year. After signing with the Oilers, a knee injury in an exhibition game in his rookie season kept Elkins off the active roster until 1966. Following his time with the Oilers, he joined the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he broke his collarbone in a preseason game in 1969 after earning a starting job with the team. Elkins’ football career has been recognized and honored by many, which is evident by his induction into the Baylor Athletic Hall of Fame (1976), the College Football Hall of Fame (1994) and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame (2009). His life post-football managed to be as interesting as his time in football. From 1971 to 1978, Elkins worked for Brown and Root Inc., now known as KBR, Inc., in the United States and Europe. From 1979 to 1982, he worked with offshore drilling companies in the Gulf of Mexico and Africa. In the early 1980s, Elkins chauffeured Academy Award-winning actor Robert Duvall around Texas as he studied Texas accents for the film Tender Mercies and television miniseries Lonesome Dove. He later spent more than 12 years as a consultant for Ministry of Water in Saudi Arabia, where he was involved in the management of 26 desalination plants and several pumping stations and pipelines along the Red Sea and Persian Gulf.

Two-time Super Bowl Champion Casey Hampton spent 12 seasons in the NFL, all with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The former nose tackle got his start at Galveston Ball High School, where he was a two-sport All-American in football and track. Hampton was twice named the District Defensive Player of the Year and was a Texas Class 5A All-State First-Team selection. His high school jersey number (No. 63) was retired at a parade and dinner in April 2009, and he is the only football player in Galveston Ball’s history to receive this honor. Hampton went on to have an impressive collegiate career at the University of Texas, where he started in 37 consecutive games for the Longhorns from 1997 to 2000. During his time at UT, he became the first defensive lineman to lead the team in tackles in two consecutive seasons (1999-2000). Hampton recorded 329 career tackles, which placed him 11th on the school’s all-time list. The Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year by the Conference Coaches (2000) was also a two-time consensus All-American and a two-time first-team All-Big 12 Conference selection. Hampton was a first-round pick, 19th overall, in the 2001 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played in all 48 games in his first three seasons and took a trip to the Pro Bowl in 2003. A knee injury six games into the 2004 season kept him out for the remainder of the season, but he came back to win Super Bowl XL and XLIII with the Steelers. During Super Bowl XL, Hampton sacked Seattle Seahawks’ quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, sealing the game for Pittsburgh. During his professional career, the five-time All Pro played in 173 games with 374 combined tackles, 9.0 sacks, three passes defensed, four forced fumbles and two recovered fumbles. In commemoration of the Steelers’ founding in 1933, the franchise’s top 33 players were selected by fan voting to the Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team. Hampton was named to the group as a part of the franchise’s 75th season celebration in 2007.

Deemed to have had one of the most advanced offensive minds in football, notable head coach Emory Bellard was selected by the Greater Houston Football Coaches Association to receive this Gridiron Legend honor. The Luling, Texas native is credited for inventing the Wishbone Offense, regarded as the most dynamic and groundbreaking offensive schemes in college football during the 1970s and 1980s. Bellard was a running back at the University of Texas his freshman year, but broke his leg the next season. Due to his injury and the return of players from World War II, he transferred to Southwest Texas State, which is now Texas State University. His tenure of 21 seasons as a head coach started at Ingleside High School in Ingleside, Texas, where he coached from 1952 to 1954. Bellard then moved on to Breckenridge High School, a powerhouse in the state in the second-highest UIL classification. During his time there from 1955 to 1959, he led the team to two state championships (1958, 1959). Bellard won another state championship in 1966 during his tenure at San Angelo Central High School, which spanned from 1960 to 1966. After an impressive high school coaching career, he made the jump to the collegiate level where he also succeeded. Bellard was hired as linebackers coach for the University of Texas in 1967. From 1968 to 1971, Bellard was their offensive coordinator, and during this time established and applied the wishbone formation. This system, also known as the triple-option, helped the Longhorns win 30 games in a row and a national championship in 1969. Other teams, such as powerhouses Alabama and Oklahoma, began adopting the wishbone offense. From 1969 to 1979, seven national championships were won or shared by teams that implemented this scheme. Bellard left the Longhorns to become Texas A&M’s head coach from 1972 to 1978. He led the Aggies to a 48-27 record during his tenure, which included three top-15 finishes and three consecutive bowl games. He resigned midway through the 1978 season and then became the head coach at Mississippi State in 1979, where he stayed until 1985. Bellard led the Bulldogs to a record of 79-85 and they twice finished in the top 20 in the polls. After his time at Mississippi State, he returned to the high school level, where he coached Spring Westfield High School from 1988 to 1993, making his overall high school coaching record 177-59-9. Bellard passed away on February 10, 2011 from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He is survived by his wife, Susan, and his son, Bob, who coaches high school football in Texas. His family will receive the honor in his name.

The 2017 Texas Bowl will feature teams from the Big 12 and SEC conferences and will kick off at 8 p.m. CT on Wednesday, Dec. 27. The game, which has ranked fourth in bowl game attendance in the country behind only the Rose, Cotton and Peach Bowls since 2014, will air nationally on ESPN and ESPN Radio with a local radio broadcast on Sports Radio 610 (KILT-AM).

Limited tickets remain for the 2017 AdvoCare Texas Kickoff game featuring the Louisiana State University Tigers and the Brigham Young University Cougars and can be purchases through the website at http://www.advocaretexaskickoff.com/.

CONTACTS:
Allie LeClair
(832) 667-2050
allie.leclair@houstontexans.com

Chloe Delclos
(832) 667-2085
chloe.delclos@houstontexans.com