TOUCHDOWN TRAVEL PLANS
United launches new flights to powerhouse schools for Houston college football fans
Jul 26, 2022, 2:46 pm
TOUCHDOWN TRAVEL PLANS
As September nears, red-blooded (and orange-blooded and purple-and-gold-blooded) college football fans are prepping to travel to rep their alma mater. In fact, a new airline study finds that more than 80 percent of serious college football fans are likely to fly to see a game this season.
To fill the need for University of Texas Longhorns, Louisiana State University Tigers, and more who’re ready to jet to away games, United Airlines has added 120 new flights to its schedule and connections to more than 45 away games.
Collegiate powerhouse destinations include Alabama, Oklahoma, Iowa, Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Michigan. Tickets are on sale now in the United app and United online.
Travelers can now add these as connectors or potential routes. Here are some highlights specifically for Houston-area fans, by game and new flight dates to nearby and schools with large groups of alumnae here:
September 10: University of Alabama at UT
Two direct, round-trip flights (September 9-11) between Austin and Birmingham, Alabama
September 17: University of Oklahoma at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Direct, round-trip flight (September 16-18) between Oklahoma City and Lincoln, Nebraska
October 8 University of Tennessee at LSU
Direct, round-trip flight (October 7-9) between Knoxville, Tennessee and Baton Rouge, Louisiana
November 5: University of Alabama at LSU
Round-trip, direct flight (November 4-6) between Birmingham and Baton Rouge
Continue on CultureMap for information on Notre Dame vs. USC in November!
The Houston Astros will look to even their three-game set against the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday night at Daikin Park, with ace-in-the-making Hunter Brown taking the mound.
The Astros (55-36) dropped the series opener 7-5 on Monday, snapping a stretch that saw them win six of their last eight games. But they'll have their best arm on the hill in Brown, who enters with a 9-3 record, a sparkling 1.82 ERA, and a microscopic 0.90 WHIP. The right-hander has been the definition of dominant this season, striking out 126 batters and giving Houston a clear edge in any matchup he starts.
Cleveland (41-48) will counter with Joey Cantillo, who has impressed in limited action. The lefty owns a 3.41 ERA and will face a Houston lineup that has been red-hot, batting .298 over the last 10 games and piling up runs behind contributions from Victor Caratini, Cam Smith, and Jose Altuve.
Despite Monday’s setback, the Astros are still 32-15 at home and boast a 43-13 record when outhitting their opponent. Cleveland, meanwhile, has lost nine of its last 10 and is hitting just .187 over that span — though Jose Ramirez and Steven Kwan remain threats to change a game with one swing.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jake Meyers has 15 doubles, two triples, three home runs and 21 RBIs for the Astros. Meyers is dealing with a calf issue and was out of the lineup for Game 1 versus the Guardians.
Caratini is 10 for 38 with two doubles and four home runs over the past 10 games.
Tuesday marks the fifth meeting between the two clubs this season, with the series tied 2-2. With Brown on the mound and the offense continuing to click, Houston will try to reclaim control and keep pace atop the American League.
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Astros -211, Guardians +173; over/under is 7 runs.
Lineup breakdown
Here's an early look at Houston's lineup for Game 2. Spots 1-6 are the same as Game 1, except Cooper Hummel is playing left field, with Altuve in the DH spot. Mauricio Dubon is hitting seventh and playing second base, with Zack Short (SS) hitting eighth, followed by Taylor Trammell batting ninth and playing center field. Jake Meyers is out of the lineup again with a calf issue.
Image via: MLB.com/Screenshot
___________________________
*ChatGPT assisted.
Looking to get the word out about your business, products, or services? Consider advertising on SportsMap! It's a great way to get in front of Houston sports fans. Click the link below for more information!