# Houston Cougars Rally From 17-Point Deficit to Beat UCF 27-17 in Front of Sparse TDECU Stadium Crowd

- Link: https://exclusiveaccess.net/houston-cougars-rally-from-17-point-deficit-to-beat-ucf-27-17-in-front-of-sparse-tdecu-stadium-crowd/
- Published: 2026-10-03T08:07:13-04:00
- Author: Ariel Quistiano

 

HOUSTON — The Houston Cougars overcame a 17-point deficit to rally past UCF 27-17
on Saturday at TDECU Stadium, turning what appeared to be a difficult afternoon 
into one of the most dramatic comebacks of their season. Houston entered the matchup
ranked No. 20 in the AP Poll and No. 20 in the USA Today Coaches Poll and wore its
Houston Blue alternate uniforms and customized Gridiron Galaxy helmets for the first
time this season. Despite the team’s strong start to the season and the high-profile
matchup, large portions of TDECU Stadium appeared sparsely attended, with several
empty sections visible before kickoff. The early 11 a.m. local start and hot, humid
Houston weather may have contributed to the low turnout, but the Cougars ultimately
gave those in attendance plenty to cheer about.

UCF controlled the game early, building a 17-0 advantage behind quarterback Keyone
Jenkins, who threw for 253 yards and a touchdown. Houston finally found its breakthrough
late in the third quarter when senior quarterback Conner Weigman broke free for 
a 19-yard touchdown run. Weigman then added two more rushing touchdowns in the fourth
quarter, giving him a career-best three rushing scores and sparking a 27-point Houston
scoring run. The Cougars’ defense also completely flipped the momentum, holding 
UCF to just 48 total yards and minus-six rushing yards in the fourth quarter while
forcing an interception, two three-and-outs and two turnovers on downs during the
Knights’ final five possessions. Jonathan Dimas added field goals of 40 and 46 yards
to seal the comeback. Houston improved to 4-1 with the victory and remained ranked
nationally, while Weigman finished as the centerpiece of the comeback and the Cougars
extended their winning streak against UCF to two games.