The University of Houston kept its unbeaten start alive Friday night at TDECU Stadium, defeating Colorado 36-20 behind a career performance from junior quarterback Conner Weigman.
Weigman threw for 222 yards and rushed for a career-best 83 yards and two touchdowns, guiding the Cougars (3-0, 1-0 Big 12) to their first 3-0 start since 2016.
Houston led 19-14 midway through the third quarter when senior running back Dean Connors broke loose for an 18-yard run to set up a Weigman 1-yard touchdown, extending the advantage to 26-14. Early in the fourth, senior defensive back Blake Thompson intercepted Colorado quarterback Ryan Staub, but the Cougars failed to capitalize after kicker Ethan Sanchez—perfect on his other five attempts—missed from 50 yards.
Houston quickly regrouped. Following a 54-yard strike to Stephon Johnson, Weigman found the end zone again on a 7-yard run to put the game out of reach at 33-14.
Colorado (1-2, 0-1) started Staub at quarterback for the first time this season after he impressed in last week’s win over Delaware. He finished 19-of-35 for 204 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions but struggled to find rhythm after halftime, as the Buffaloes managed only six points in the second half.
The Cougars set the tone early, jumping out to a 13-0 lead after scoring on their first three possessions. Colorado responded with a 93-yard drive capped by Simeon Price’s 38-yard touchdown run. After a Houston field goal stretched the margin to 16-7, the Buffaloes answered just before halftime when Staub fumbled at the goal line and Zach Atkins recovered in the end zone to make it 16-14.
From there, it was all Houston. The Cougars’ defense clamped down while Weigman continued to deliver, building momentum for a program that looks revitalized under his leadership.
