Simm's career day propels Cougars to lopsided win

[Harry]

Sometimes at halftime, when the Houston Cougars are going over different offensive situations, quarterback David Piland said one solution usually comes up.

"We could just hand the ball to Charles," Piland said.

That plan worked pretty well Saturday night.

Charles Sims, UH's dynamic junior running back, rushed for a career-high 210 yards to lead the Cougars to a 44-21 non-conference victory over North Texas at Robertson Stadium.

The Cougars (2-3) never trailed, building an early 17-0 lead en route to their second straight lopsided win after opening the season 0-3.

Sims had 106 yards by halftime, added 104 yards in the third quarter and watched the final 13 minutes from the sideline. He scored on a 5-yard run in the first quarter and 27-yard catch just before halftime.

The yardage total surpassed his previous career high of 207, set against Tulane last season.

During the Cougars' consecutive wins over Rice and North Texas, Sims has rushed for 368 yards and four touchdowns. The two-game yardage total is the most by a UH running back since Jim Strong had 449 yards against Arizona and Ole Miss in 1969.

"It's something I've probably taken for granted," UH coach Tony Levine said of Sims. "We know how special a young man he is, what kind of a dynamic player he is and a leader for us on and off the field. What he's doing is no surprise to me."

Offense clicks early

The Cougars found an offensive rhythm early, scoring on eight of their first nine possessions and never letting North Texas get closer than 10 points.

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