Tag: Cougars

Conner Weigman (4 TDs), No. 21 Houston top LSU in Texas Bowl

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Conner Weigman set a program bowl record with four touchdown passes, leading No. 21 Houston to a 38-35 victory over LSU in the Texas Bowl in Houston on Saturday evening.

After Houston took the lead on a 25-yard Ethan Sanchez field goal with 7:42 left, the Cougars (10-3) extended the margin to 38-28 on Dean Connors’ 20-yard touchdown run with 2:23 left.

LSU (7-6) responded with a 3-yard scoring run by Zavion Thomas but failed to recover the onside kick, allowing Houston to run out the clock.

Weigman, who earned MVP honors, completed 27 of 36 passes for 236 yards in his first game without an interception since Oct. 25 for Houston, which won its third straight bowl game since the 2021 season.

“We wanted to end the season the right way, send the seniors off right,” Weigman said. “The brotherhood we’ve built over these past seven, eight months, it means the world to me, I know it means the world to my teammates. I’m so proud of these guys. I love this team.”

Amare Thomas caught the Cougars’ first two touchdowns, finishing with seven catches for 66 yards. Tanner Koziol racked up a game-high nine catches for 76 yards and a TD, and Dean Connors had 126 rushing yards and a score on 16 carries.

Michael Van Buren Jr. was 16-of-26 passing with a season-high 267 yards and three touchdowns for the Tigers, who had their three-game bowl winning streak snapped (2022-24).

Trey’Dez Green finished with four catches for 80 yards and two touchdowns — his second career multi-TD game, both of which have come in the Texas Bowl — and Kyle Parker had seven catches for 68 yards and a score.

LSU jumped out to a 14-0 lead 4:12 into the game on just four offensive plays. Barion Brown returned the opening kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown, extending his SEC record with his sixth career kick-return score. It was the first time LSU returned an opening kickoff for a touchdown since 1978.

After a Houston punt, the Tigers quickly added their lead with a 23-yard pass from Van Buren to Green.

The Cougars responded with a 14-0 run of their own behind two Thomas touchdown catches. Weigman found the junior receiver on an 8-yard score midway through the first and a 4-yard TD early in the second.

Houston took a 21-14 lead into halftime after an 11-play, 90-yard two-minute drill ended with Weigman’s third TD pass of the first half to Koziol with 4 seconds left.

Green leveled the score on LSU’s first second-half drive with a leaping one-handed grab in the end zone with 9:31 left in the third.

Houston took the lead on its ensuing drive with a 2-yard touchdown grab by Traville Frederick Jr. with 4:42 left in the third. The lead again didn’t last, with Van Buren finding Parker for a 6-yard score on the first play of the fourth quarter to tie the game at 28.

“We just kept fighting and persevering,” Cougars coach Willie Fritz said. “I thought we played in all three phases at times. The offense controlled the ball for the most part, and when we needed big plays, the defense did it. Total team effort.”

–Field Level Media

No. 12 BYU, No. 22 Georgia Tech miss CFP, set for Pop-Tarts Bowl

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Two blowout losses to Texas Tech prevented BYU from being a participant in the College Football Playoff.

The No. 12 Cougars (11-2) now look to set aside the disappointment when they face No. 22 Georgia Tech (9-3) in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday.

Being part of the playoffs would have been tastier, but BYU intends to make the best of the situation. The Cougars were the second team out behind Notre Dame in the CFP’s final picture. Miami, at No. 10, earned the final berth.

Linebacker Isaiah Glasker is among the BYU players who have a chip on his shoulder due to the snub.

“I feel like if we can get a win right here, we can show the committee what the Big 12 is really about,” Glasker said. “Really, we feel like we should have been in the playoffs. We feel like that is enough of a driving factor for us. We are going to be ready to show out in the bowl game.”

Losing by a combined 63-14 to Texas Tech — including by 27 points in the Big 12 title game — made it easier for the committee to bypass BYU.

“Obviously it was a tough loss, but we understand what’s at stake with the bowl game, and getting momentum going into next season as well,” said freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier. “We have that flip-the-page mentality and are really focused on this next game.”

Bachmeier sustained an ankle injury early in the Big 12 title game, but he has been cleared to play against the Yellow Jackets. He passed for 14 touchdowns, rushed for 11 and was intercepted just six times.

But BYU coach Kalani Sitake said Tuesday that leading rusher LJ Martin will miss the game after an unspecified recent surgery. The junior rushed for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns and was voted Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.

“He’s recovering at home right now, but he’ll be back to watch these guys and cheer on his brothers on Saturday,” Sitake said of Martin, who has yet to decide whether to enter the NFL draft.

BYU can earn its first 12-win season since 2001 as it takes on Georgia Tech, which started the season with eight straight victories before going 1-3 down the stretch.

The Yellow Jackets were ranked No. 8 before their unbeaten season ended against NC State on Nov. 1.

Georgia Tech coach Brent Key feels his own team could have been part of the field.

“I’m looking at myself saying we shouldn’t have stubbed our toe at the end of the season,” Key said. “We should be in there. And if you really feel that way, then we need to get our asses together and play our butts off and play a very competitive game versus a good football team. Because you’re dang right, BYU should’ve been in those (first-round) games.”

Quarterback Haynes King stood out for the Yellow Jackets and became the Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year. He completed 71.7% of his throws for 2,697 yards and 12 touchdowns against five interceptions while rushing for 922 yards and 15 scores. His 10th-place finish in the Heisman Trophy balloting made him the first Georgia Tech player in the top 10 since Calvin Johnson in 2006.

King’s name is stamped all over the school’s record book as he completes his third and final season at Georgia Tech.

He holds records for career completion percentage (68.1%) and touchdowns responsible for (89). He ranks second in total offense (9,899 yards) and completions (652), third in passing touchdowns (53) and fourth in passing yardage (7,653).

King looks forward to wearing the Yellow Jackets’ uniform one last time.

“We’ve put time, effort, blood, sweat, and tears all into this season, and it’s not over yet,” King said. “And I’ve said it before, I’m not one to jump ship and quit. And I wanna ride it out and finish it with my brothers.”

BYU is 3-1 all-time against Georgia Tech, including a 38-20 win at Provo, Utah, in 2013.

–Field Level Media

Kalani Sitake rebuffs Penn State, gets extension at BYU

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After reportedly engaging in talks with Penn State about its head coaching vacancy, Kalani Sitake will remain in his position at BYU by agreeing to a long-term contract extension on Tuesday, the school announced.

“He is a proven leader, and we are grateful he is once again choosing BYU,” Cougars athletic director Brian Santiago said in a news release. “His legacy of building a championship program the BYU way will continue on. He is one of the best people in the business. We are excited to continue to ride the wave of positive momentum with him.”

Sitake, 50, and the No. 11 Cougars (11-1) are focused on Saturday’s Big 12 title game against No. 4 Texas Tech (11-1), with the winner earning an automatic berth to the College Football Playoff.

In his 10th season at his alma mater, Sitake is 83-44 (.654 winning percentage). He has guided the program to four 10-win seasons in the past six years and is 5-2 in bowl games.

“I am humbled and full of gratitude for the outpouring of love from BYU fans and the trust and support provided to our football program by our university leadership,” Sitake said.

“This is good for the stability and future of BYU football. I’m excited about our future.”

In the wake of James Franklin’s firing, Penn State shifted its focus to Sitake, engaging in talks about a coaching staff and other topics, ESPN reported on Monday. However, the sides did not reach an agreement.

Sitake, the first Tongan to become a college head coach, played for the Cougars in 1994 and from 1997-2000, then signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2001. A back injury ended his NFL career, which led him to the coaching ranks. Along with a stop at BYU as a graduate assistant, Sitake was a member of the coaching staffs at Eastern Arizona, Oregon State, Utah and Southern Utah.

–Field Level Media

TCU capitalizes on miscues, upsets No. 23 Houston

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Josh Hoover passed for 293 yards and two touchdowns and visiting TCU overcame four turnovers to upset No. 23 Houston 17-14 on Saturday.

TCU (7-4, 4-4 Big 12) survived after Houston kicker Ethan Sanchez missed a pair of field goals in the fourth quarter, including a 38-yard attempt he pushed wide left with 46 seconds remaining. The Horned Frogs snapped a 14-14 deadlock with 11:21 left when Nate McCashland nailed a 29-yard field goal after Jordan Dwyer returned a punt 53 yards to the Houston 29.

Hoover tossed three interceptions and the Horned Frogs had two touchdowns negated by penalties. Cougars quarterback Conner Weigman passed for 161 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 114 yards, but Julius Simms picked off Weigman’s fourth-down pass late in the first half in the end zone to preserve the Horned Frogs’ 14-7 halftime lead.

Houston (8-3, 5-3) responded to the McCashland field goal by pushing deep into TCU territory only for Sanchez to leave a 49-yard kick short. After Houston’s Latreveon McCutchin made a fourth-down stop at the Cougars’ 5-yard line, Weigman found Amare Thomas for a 23-yard gain before scrambling for 38 yards to set the table for Sanchez, who missed again.

TCU enjoyed a rousing start, particularly Hoover. The Horned Frogs covered 75 yards in eight plays on their opening possession, a march capped by a 33-yard scoring pass from Hoover to Eric McAlister at the 11:20 mark of the opening period. Hoover went 5-for-5 on that drive.

The Horned Frogs extended to a 14-0 lead later in the first when Hoover moved the chains with passes of 26, 17 and 11 yards, the latter two connections involving Joseph Manjack IV. On the 10th play of that drive, Hoover hit Dwyer for a 17-yard scoring strike with 1:45 left in the opening quarter.

Hoover was 12-for-14 passing with 148 yards and two touchdowns entering the second quarter. The Horned Frogs amassed 176 yards and averaged 8.4 yards per play in the first period but the avalanche of turnovers and penalties enabled Houston to work its way back into contention.

–Field Level Media

No. 8 Texas Tech sends No. 7 BYU to first loss in Big 12 clash

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Cameron Dickey had 23 carries for 121 yards and a touchdown, and No. 8 Texas Tech pulled away for a 29-7 win over No. 7 BYU in a Big 12 Conference matchup Saturday afternoon in Lubbock, Texas.

It was the first loss of the season for BYU.

Behren Morton completed 17 of 32 passes for 219 yards and a touchdown for Texas Tech (9-1, 6-1). Caleb Douglas had a touchdown reception for the Red Raiders.

Bear Bachmeier completed 23 of 38 passes for 188 yards, one touchdown and one interception for BYU (8-1, 5-1). Chase Roberts had six catches for 61 yards and a score.

Texas Tech outgained BYU 368-255, including a 149-67 advantage on the ground. The clash between Top 10 teams had a decidedly Red Raiders flair.

Texas Tech opened the scoring with 10:09 remaining in the first quarter when Stone Harrington made a 47-yard field goal.

The Red Raiders made it 10-0 in the final minute of the first quarter. Morton hit Douglas for a 9-yard touchdown.

Harrington struck again, this time from 27 yards, to increase Texas Tech’s lead to 13-0 with 8:11 to play in the second quarter.

A physical contest marked by battles in the trenches continued in the third quarter as neither team found the end zone.

Texas Tech settled for a pair of field goals to increase its lead to 19-0 heading into the fourth quarter. Harrington made a 39-yard kick with 7:00 on the clock in the third quarter, followed by a 29-yarder with 3:41 remaining in the frame.

Dickey found the end zone with 10:46 to go. He scored on a 1-yard run to give Texas Tech a 26-0 advantage.

BYU broke the shutout with 7:35 remaining after an eight-play, 75-yard drive. Bachmeier connected with Roberts for a 6-yard touchdown completion.

Harrington finished the scoring with his fifth field goal of the afternoon. He made a 34-yarder with 2:37 remaining to move the score to 29-7.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who starred at Texas Tech, attended the game to cheer on the Red Raiders. The Chiefs have a bye this week.

-Field Level Media

Houston Cougars quarterback Conner Weigman (1) scrambles with the ball as they play against the ASU Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Oct. 25, 2025.

Buoyed by red-zone offense, No. 22 Houston faces West Virginia

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By virtue of a fourth road victory in as many games and a remarkable turnaround under second-year coach Willie Fritz, No. 22 Houston entered the national polls for the first time since 2022 following its 24-16 win over then-No. 24 Arizona State last weekend.

The Cougars (7-1, 4-1 Big 12) will host West Virginia on Saturday, seeking to stay in the thick of the conference title chase.

Houston is tied with No. 13 Texas Tech, a game behind both No. 10 BYU and No. 17 Cincinnati in the Big 12 standings. The Cougars’ win at Arizona State was their first on the road against a ranked opponent since 2017.

“That’s a goal, and being ranked is something you want to have happen to your team,” Fritz said. “But we’ve got a lot of things we’d like to accomplish this season, and the first one is going and playing great against West Virginia this weekend.

“I didn’t even address it with our guys. I probably should have.”

The Cougars continued a season-long trend of red-zone success against the Sun Devils by finishing 4-for-5 with three touchdowns, all involving quarterback Conner Weigman (two rushing, one passing).

Houston has converted 92.6% of its red-zone opportunities this season, including 17 touchdowns. Thanks to the exceptional accuracy of kicker Ethan Sanchez, who is 16-for-19 on field goals and unblemished on 24 PATs, the Cougars have a prime weapon should their offense bog down.

Still, Fritz is aiming for greater efficiency moving forward, particularly in tallying red-zone touchdowns.

“We talk about four-point plays; we want touchdowns instead of field goals,” Fritz said. “That’s our goal. We’re fortunate we have an excellent field-goal kicker, but every time we get down in there, it gives you an opportunity to win when you score touchdowns in the red zone instead of kicking field goals. We’ve got to get even better in that area.”

West Virginia (2-6, 0-5 Big 12) suffered its fifth consecutive loss last weekend, falling to TCU 23-17 on homecoming.

Scotty Fox Jr. passed for 301 yards in his second career start, setting a program record for a true freshman and surpassing the mark set by Dan Kendra against Temple in 1974. Fox is one of four quarterbacks to log time for the Mountaineers this season, and while his inexperience is noteworthy, Fox isn’t alone in attempting to learn on the fly with West Virginia.

“What’s most unique with Scotty or playing a freshman (at quarterback) is he doesn’t have any experience around him,” Mountaineers coach Rich Rodriguez said. “Guys might be older guys, but everybody around him is new to the system, and everybody but one is a new starter. It’s a different dynamic.

“I’ve had freshman quarterbacks before, but they would have a little bit of experience up front, maybe some experience in the receiving room. Everybody doesn’t have experience. That’s not an excuse, that’s just the reality. We have to have enough stuff to be able to execute and score points, but we can’t overcomplicate things, not just for the quarterback but for everybody around him.”

–Field Level Media

Oct 18, 2025; Provo, Utah, USA; Utah Utes linebacker Lander Barton (8) runs after a catch against the BYU Cougars during the second quarter at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

No. 15 BYU holds off No. 23 Utah for third straight win in Holy War rivalry

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After fourth-quarter touchdown runs by receiver Parker Kingston and quarterback Bear Bachmeier in the fourth quarter, No. 15 BYU held off No. 23 Utah for a 24-21 Big 12 and rivalry win Saturday at Provo, Utah.

BYU (7-0, 4-0 Big 12) won its third consecutive game against Utah (5-2, 2-2) in the Holy War rivalry.

Utah scored with 1:24 left on a 2-yard pass from Devon Dampier to Larry Simmons.

The ensuing onside kick did not go 10 yards before the Utes touched the ball. That gave BYU the ball, allowing the Cougars to run out the clock.

Kingston took a sweep to the left before cutting back upfield for a 12-yard score, putting the Cougars in front 17-14 with 11:19 remaining.

The run capped a five-play, 81-yard drive, answering a 49-yard scoring run by Utah’s Daniel Bray on the previous possession.

Bachmeier, who rushed for 64 yards on 11 carries, increased the lead to 24-14 with 4:22 left when he scored on a 22-yard run on third-and-11.

Bachmeier also completed 13 of 22 pass attempts for 166 yards and a touchdown.

Dampier, who was 20 of 36 for 244 yards with two touchdowns and an interception, accounted for all the plays that led to his pass to Simmons that cut the lead to 24-21.

He completed all five passes for 58 yards on the possession.

Utah had two of its first three drives end with a turnover on downs, stalling at the BYU 13 and 28.

The Utes suffered the same result on a drive that ended at the BYU 6 with 8:47 left in the third quarter and the Cougars holding on to a 10-7 lead.

After BYU also had a turnover on downs at the Utah 32 on its second possession of the game, the Cougars scored first on a 17-yard touchdown pass from Bachmeier to Chase Roberts with 13:37 left in the second quarter.

Dampier’s 11-yard pass to Ryan Davis tied the game at 7 with 3:24 left in the half.

BYU took advantage of a muffed punt return by Mana Carvalho to take a 10-7 lead with a 26-yard field goal by Will Ferrin with three seconds left in the first half.

–Field Level Media

Oct 18, 2025; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Chandler Morris (4) passes the ball against the Washington State Cougars during the first half at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Late safety lifts No. 18 Virginia over Washington State for fifth straight win

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No. 18 Virginia erased a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit and took its only lead on a safety with 2:41 left for a 22-20 victory over Washington State on Saturday night in Charlottesville, Va.

The Cavaliers (6-1) won their fifth consecutive game and became bowl eligible for the first time since 2021 with the dramatic win in the school’s 100th homecoming game.

It was the first meeting with the Cougars (3-4), who took a 20-10 lead into the fourth quarter before the Cavaliers launched the rally with a 97-yard drive, capped by a 2-yard touchdown run by Harrison Waylee with 9:45 to play.

Ja’son Prevard intercepted Zevi Eckhaus to set up Will Bettridge’s game-tying 34-yard field goal for Virginia with 2:55 remaining.

Kam Robinson and Hunter Osborne tackled Washington State running back Kirby Vorhees in the end zone for the decisive safety.

Chandler Morris passed for 179 yards as the Cavaliers improved to 5-0 at home. Jahmal Edrine caught five passes for 102 yards, and Cam Ross added a touchdown run.

Eckhaus threw for 183 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions and also ran for a score. Joshua Meredith had seven receptions for 108 yards and a TD.

The six victories are the most in a season for Virginia under fourth-year head coach Tony Elliott.

The winning streak is the Cavaliers’ longest since 2007, which was also the last time they were 6-1.

Eckhaus was 5 for 5 on his first drive, finding Meredith in the end zone from 32 yards out for an early 7-0 lead.

The Cavaliers countered, leveling the score at 7-7 on a 19-yard run by Ross with 4:48 left in the first quarter.

Eckhaus punched it in from the 1 to put Washington State back on top 14-7 midway through the second quarter.

The lead reached double figures at 17-7 on Jack Stevens’ 37-yard field goal 35 seconds before intermission.

The Cougars took a 20-10 lead into the fourth quarter after the teams traded field goals in the third.

–Field Level Media

Oct 4, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Behren Morton (2) completes a pass against the Houston Cougars in the first half at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

QB Behren Morton lights up Houston as No. 11 Texas Tech remains undefeated

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Behren Morton threw for 345 yards and a touchdown Saturday night and No. 11 Texas Tech never trailed en route to a 35-11 Big 12 Conference win at Houston in a matchup of unbeatens.

Morton hit 28 of 40 passes for the Red Raiders (5-0, 2-0), which also got a pair of touchdown runs and 107 yards rushing from J’Koby Williams. Texas Tech also got three field goals from Stone Harrington and two more from Upton Bellenfant.

The Cougars (4-1, 1-1) were forced to play two quarterbacks when starter Connor Weigman was knocked out late in the first half with an undisclosed upper-body injury after completing 5 of 12 passes for 71 yards and one interception.

Backup Zeon Chriss was 5-of-13 passing for 93 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Houston managed only 267 total yards and 12 first downs, converting just 1 of 12 third downs, and coughed up three turnovers that led to 10 points.

The Red Raiders initiated the scoring in the first quarter with three field goals. Harrington hit from 26 yards out at the 10:31 mark, followed by Bellenfant’s 33-yarder 53 seconds later and a 23-yard boot from Harrington with 4:34 remaining.

The Cougars got on the board on a 24-yard field goal from Ethan Sanchez with 2:19 left in the first quarter. But Texas Tech answered back, as Morton and Cameron Dickey hooked up for a 69-yard touchdown with 56 seconds left for a 15-3 advantage. It was the biggest play of a big game for Dickey, who also rushed for 98 yards on 21 attempts to finish with 167 yards from scrimmage.

Williams ran for a 5-yard score with 11:11 remaining in the half and Harrington converted from 26 on the first play after the 2-minute timeout. But Houston found the end zone when Chriss teamed with Amare Thomas for a 64-yard touchdown connection 1:27 before halftime.

Bellenfant made it 28-11 on a 29-yard field goal at the 7:44 mark of the third quarter and Williams tacked on the final score with a 1-yard scoring run with 11:34 remaining in the game.

–Field Level Media

Sep 20, 2025; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (2) carries the ball against Washington State Cougars safety Tucker Large (1) in the first half of Apple Cup at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images

Washington piles up points in final quarter, routs Washington State

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Demond Williams Jr. threw four touchdown passes and rushed for another and Washington scored 28 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to defeat Washington State 59-24 on Saturday in the Apple Cup in Pullman, Wash.

Jonah Coleman scored three touchdowns (two rushing, one receiving) for the Huskies (3-0), Denzel Boston had a pair of TD receptions and Alex McLaughlin intercepted two passes, returning one for a score.

For Washington State (2-2), Zevi Eckhaus completed 26 of 37 passes for 277 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Eckhaus also rushed for a score.

Williams was 16-of-19 passing for 298 yards and rushed for a game-high 88 yards on 13 attempts. Coleman added 59 yards on 12 carries and caught six passes for 104 yards. Boston had six receptions for 107 yards.

After the Cougars pulled within 31-24 late in the third quarter, Williams hit Boston with a 7-yard pass in the back right corner of the end zone to give the Huskies a 14-point lead with 12:59 remaining in regulation.

McLaughlin returned an interception 47 yards for a touchdown with 11:34 left to make it 45-24 and the Huskies forced Eckhaus to fumble on WSU’s next play.

Coleman scored on a 34-yard screen pass from Williams four plays later, making it 52-24 with 10:08 to go.

Williams hit Omari Evans with a 59-yard scoring strike with 2:40 left to wrap up the victory.

The Huskies took a 24-10 halftime lead.

Williams hit Boston with a 29-yard scoring strike on the game’s first drive and, after an interception, Williams scampered untouched around the right end for a 23-yard TD.

The Cougars responded, with Eckhaus hitting freshman tight end Beau Baker on a 12-yard pass to pull WSU within 14-7 early in the second quarter.

Coleman dragged three defenders over the goal line on a 12-yard run.

The teams traded field goals before the intermission, with the Cougars’ Jack Stevens connecting on a 36-yarder and the Huskies’ Grady Gross converting from a career-long 51 yards with 25 seconds left in the half.

WSU scored on the opening drive of the second half, with Eckhaus hitting Devin Ellison on an 8-yard slant, to pull within 24-17.

After a failed onside kick, Coleman scored on a 2-yard run to put the Huskies back up by 14.

Eckhaus’ 1-yard plunge pulled the Cougars within 31-24 late in the third.

–Field Level Media