# No. 17 Houston Football Defeats Cincinnati 31-24 Behind Re’Shaun Sanford II’s Game-Winning Touchdown

- Link: https://exclusiveaccess.net/no-17-houston-football-defeats-cincinnati-31-24-behind-reshaun-sanford-iis-game-winning-touchdown/
- Published: 2026-11-08T13:52:49-05:00
- Author: Michael Graves

**HOUSTON, TX (November 7, 2026)** – With the game hanging in the balance and Cincinnati
threatening to spoil Houston’s championship aspirations, **Re’Shaun Sanford II delivered
the biggest play of the afternoon**, breaking free for a 51-yard touchdown run late
in the fourth quarter to lift No. 17 Houston to a thrilling **31-24 victory over
the Bearcats** on Saturday.

Sanford rushed for 126 yards, but none were more important than his explosive touchdown
with 5:10 remaining. The run broke a 24-24 tie and helped the Cougars improve to
7-2 overall and 4-2 in Big 12 play, keeping Houston firmly in the conference championship
race.

Houston wasted little time establishing its offense, jumping out to a 14-0 first-
quarter lead behind quarterback **Conner Weigman** and wide receiver **Amare Thomas**.
The duo connected on touchdown passes of 8 and 31 yards, giving the Cougars an early
advantage. Thomas became the first Houston player since Tank Dell in 2022 to record
two receiving touchdowns in the opening quarter of a game.

However, Cincinnati refused to go away. The Bearcats battled back throughout the
afternoon, eventually pulling even at 24-24 and setting the stage for a dramatic
finish. With momentum shifting toward the visitors, Sanford provided the answer 
Houston desperately needed, bursting through the defense and outrunning the secondary
for the go-ahead score.

The Bearcats had one final opportunity to respond, driving into Houston territory
before a controversial fourth-quarter play sealed their fate. A pass from Cincinnati
quarterback JC French IV was ruled a backward lateral following a replay review,
resulting in a fumble recovery by Houston with just over two minutes remaining. 
The Cougars maintained possession and ran out the clock to secure the victory.

Weigman finished the afternoon completing **17 of 24 passes for 227 yards and two
touchdowns**, while also adding a rushing score. Thomas led Houston’s receivers 
with six catches for 78 yards and two touchdowns, while Patrick Overmyer contributed
four receptions for 66 yards. Running back Makhi Hughes added 90 rushing yards as
the Cougars piled up **468 yards of total offense**.

Houston also received important contributions on defense. Defensive lineman **Quindario
Lee** recorded a season-high three tackles and his first full sack in a Cougars 
uniform, helping a Houston defense that came up with a critical stop when it mattered
most.

For Cincinnati, French threw for 217 yards and two touchdowns while adding a rushing
score. Gi’Bran Payne finished with 71 rushing yards, and Cole Tabb contributed 60
yards on the ground along with a touchdown reception. Despite converting nine of
14 third-down opportunities, the Bearcats dropped to 5-4 overall and 2-4 in conference
play.

The victory carries significant implications for Houston, which entered the weekend
ranked No. 17 in the initial College Football Playoff rankings. Under head coach**
Willie Fritz**, the Cougars continue to position themselves as contenders in the
Big 12, with every remaining conference matchup carrying added importance.

**Up next**, Houston travels to Boulder to face Colorado on Friday, November 13,
before visiting West Virginia on November 21. The Cougars will close the regular
season at home against Baylor on November 28.

With Sanford delivering the decisive moment and Houston finding a way to win a tightly
contested conference battle, the Cougars continue to build momentum heading into
the final stretch of the season.