UTSA, Houston take another step to establishing rivalry

Chris Pezman spent Tuesday emphasizing the importance of a rivalry between Houston and UTSA.

"We would love to continue to play them," said Pezman, UH's athletic director, before a San Antonio event. "Getting back into San Antonio and the central Texas area as much as we can get, we (want)."

Two days later, both schools announced they will play each football season from 2022 to 2025.

The Roadrunners will host the Cougars on Sept. 3, 2022 and Aug. 31, 2024. Houston will be the home team for Sept. 2, 2023 and Aug. 30, 2025. Both squads were originally scheduled to play in 2017 and from 2022 to 2024. Hurricane Harvey canceled last year's contest.

"I think it is always great when you can play in-state games," said Major Applewhite, UH's football coach. "Especially when the competition is really good -- and what Frank (Wilson) has done with the program here.

"When you can travel three hours, your fan bases can stay there, your parents can watch their sons play, everybody can go to the games and you can pack your stadiums. It is a win-win for everybody."

Wilson tweeted he is looking forward to establishing the in-state rivalry.

Looking forward to building an in-state rivalry with such a quality program @UHCougarFB in the near future @UTSAFTBL https://t.co/DC8conllTN — Frank Wilson (@CoachWilsonUTSA) May 23, 2018

Pezman, who played for UH in the 90's, praised Wilson.

"He's a very good coach, and he's done a great job with that program," Pezman said. "I've known of him for awhile. He is a really bright, rising coach and does a great job."

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Twitter: @CarterKarels