Governor's Cup (Texas)
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The Texas Governor's Cup is the trophy awarded to the winner of the football game between the NFL's Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans. The two teams meet in the pre-season in years they do not play in the regular season. The trophy really doesn't signify anything but braging rights in the state of Texas. The Governors Cup history dates back to the days of the Houston Oilers. In 1991, after 13 straight games at Texas Stadium, the two teams went to a home-and-away format for the preseason. The two teams currently meet every fourth year in the regular season through 2009.[1][2]
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[edit] History
In 1965 the AFL Houston Oilers the NFL Dallas Cowboys both drafted Oklahoma tackle Ralph Neely. The Cowboys sued and won the services of Neely. [1] In return, the Oilers got three draft picks, some cash - and the chance to play the Cowboys for the first time. The agreement called for three exhibition games, beginning in 1967. So began the Governor's Cup series, a Texas tradition created by franchise free agency.[3]
When the Oilers left for Tennessee after the 1996 season the Governor's Cup was put away until the Texans launched their inaugural campaign on September 8, 2002 against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium. Rookie David Carr hooked up with tight end Billy Miller on the third play from scrimmage for a touchdown and shocked their intrastate rivals 19-10, becoming just the second expansion team ever to win their first game.
[edit] Governor's Cup win/loss to 1996
After the 1996 season the Dallas Cowboys had won 18 of 31 Governor's Cup meetings leaving the Houston Oilers with 13 Governor's Cup wins.[4]
[edit] Governor's Cup results since 2002
Series is tied 3-3. 1-1 in regular season, 2-2 in pre-season'
| Date | Visiting team | Home team | Stadium | Game notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 8, 2002 | Dallas Cowboys 10 | Houston Texans 19 | Reliant Stadium | Houston Texans first ever regular season game. |
| August 15, 2003 | Houston Texans 6 | Dallas Cowboys 34 | Texas Stadium | First preseason meeting between Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys. |
| August 14, 2004 | Dallas Cowboys 0 | Houston Texans 18 | Reliant Stadium | Preseason game. |
| October 15, 2005 | Houston Texans 9 | Dallas Cowboys 21 | Texas Stadium | Preseason game. |
| October 15, 2006 | Houston Texans 6 | Dallas Cowboys 34 | Texas Stadium | NFL regular season debut of Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo. |
| August 25, 2007 | Dallas Cowboys 16 | Houston Texans 28 | Reliant Stadium | Preseason game. |
| August 22, 2008 | Houston Texans | Dallas Cowboys | Texas Stadium | Preseason game to be determinined. |
