On December 4, 1976, the Houston Cougars defeated the Miami Hurricanes with a final score of 21-16
at the Astrodome in Houston, Texas.
- Result: Houston 21, Miami 16
- Context: This was the regular-season finale for both teams.
- Houston Performance: The win capped a successful first season for the Cougars in the Southwest Conference (SWC),
- where they went on to win the conference championship and the Cotton Bowl.
- Miami Performance: The loss brought the Hurricanes to a final 1976 record of 3-8 under head coach Carl Selmer.
- Game Highlights: The game was tied 7-7 at halftime. Houston secured the victory in the second half, with running back
- Reggie Cherry rushing for 104 yards, including a 66-yard touchdown in the 4th quarter.