• Matt Hogan: Hogan made six field goals from 23, 27, 23, 29, 52 and 26 yards to set the Conference USA and UH single-game record. The six field goals broke the UH single-game record previously held by Mike Clendenen, who had five against Texas Tech on Nov. 19, 1983. The previous C-USA record was five, held by 11 different players.
The UH defense held UAB to 35 rushing yards in Saturday's win. (Smiley N. Pool/Houston Chronicle)
• Phillip Steward: The outside linebacker had 13 tackles, 2.5 sacks, three tackles for loss and one interception. He had a critical sack for a 14-yard loss after the Blazers had moved to the UH 3-yard line in the second quarter.
• Derrick Mathews: We need to come up with a new nickname because ‘Pup’ just doesn’t sound appropriate for this consistent defensive force. Mathews tried to keep pace in his friendly competition with teammate Phillip Steward with eight tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss and four quarterback hurries.
• Charles Sims: It was a quiet 133 yards, but still an impressive outing as the junior running back had to fight for a lot of his yards. In the last three games, all UH wins, Sims has rushed for 502 yards. He’s the first UH back with three straight 100-yard games since Bryce Beall in 2008.
• Shane Ros: A few weeks ago, the walk-on was working as the scout team defensive back. He’s the latest wide receiver to step up, finishing with a career-high seven receptions for 114 yards and a touchdown. “He won’t be paying for school,” UH coach Tony Levine said about the junior working his way into earning a scholarship.
Wide receiver Shane Ros (19) celebrates his first-quarter touchdown with David Piland, left, and Charles Sims. (Smiley N. Pool/Houston Chronicle)
• David Piland: He’s looking more and more comfortable during the Cougars’ three-game winning streak. It was just another day at the office for the quarterback, who completed 32-of-44 for 362 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions.
• D.J. Hayden: It’s been a tough season for the all-conference cornerback. He had nine tackles forced a fumble and had two pass break-ups.
• Sack masters: If you got a sack, you get a sticker. Welcome to the club William Moore, Ameen Behbahani, Zeke Riser, George Bamfo, Jeremiah Farley and Eric Braswell.
• Offensive line: For the third straight week, the unit did not allow a sack.
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