University of Houston
3-5 , 1-3
No. 16 SMU
8-0 , 4-0
Football Drops 34-31 Decision to #16 SMU
10/24/2019 10:51:00 PM | Football
Tune throws for 407 passing yards, Stevenson records 211 receiving yards
Returning to the Houston (3-5, 1-3 American) starting lineup, Tune posted his career-high yardage total on 18-of-35 passing. Stevenson accounted for a career-high 211 receiving yards, including a 96-yard touchdown reception late in the fourth quarter that pulled the Cougars to within three points.
The 96-yard touchdown was the fourth longest passing play in school history and the longest reception since Terry Peel hit Robert Ford for a 99-yard touchdown against San Diego State on Oct. 14, 1972.
The Cougars trailed 34-23 following SMU (8-0, 3-0 American) kicker Kevin Robledo's 33-yard field goal midway through the fourth quarter but continued to chip away. Following a turnover, the Houston defense forced an SMU punt, which pinned the Cougars at their 4-yard line.
However, Houston did not stay there long as Tune hit Stevenson in stride, and the Shreveport, La., native outraced everyone to the end zone to move Houston to 34-31 with 4:47 left.
Houston's defense forced punt on SMU's next two possessions but were unable to capitalize with scores.
Tune became the 11th quarterback in school history to record a 400-yard passing game, while Stevenson became the 14th player to enjoy a 200-yard receiving game. In addition to the aerial numbers, senior running back Mulbah Car totaled 136 rushing yards on 18 carries in the loss.
Early in the third quarter, Stevenson hauled in a Tune pass and outraced every one to the end on zone on a 75-yard touchdown strike to move the Cougars to within 28-20.
SMU running back Xavier Jones led the Mustangs with 133 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while quarterback Shane Buechele added 203 passing yards and touchdown passes to James Proche and Kylen Granson.
UP NEXT
The Cougars hit the road to take on UCF at 11 a.m. CT, Nov. 2, inside Spectrum Stadium in Orlando. That game can be seen on ESPN and heard on 950 AM KPRC.
Houston returns to the friendly confines of TDECU Stadium to play host to Memphis on Nov. 16 during its annual Homecoming contest. Game time and network for that game will be announced soon.
Tickets are available any time by visiting UHCougars.com/tickets and following the appropriate links or by calling the Athletics Ticket Office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.
Team Stats
SMU 7, HOU 0
SMU - PROCHE, James 15 yd pass from BUECHELE, Shane (ROBLEDO, Kevin kick) 7 plays, 85 yards, TOP 2:03
SMU 7, HOU 7
HOU - SMITH, Bryson 1 yd run (WITHERSPOON, Da kick), 5 plays, 88 yards, TOP 2:05
SMU 14, HOU 7
SMU - JONES, Xavier 62 yd run (ROBLEDO, Kevin kick), 2 plays, 83 yards, TOP 0:29
SMU 21, HOU 7
SMU - GRANSON, Kylen 11 yd pass from BUECHELE, Shane (ROBLEDO, Kevin kick) 5 plays, 32 yards, TOP 1:03
SMU 21, HOU 10
HOU - WITHERSPOON, Da 25 yd field goal 14 plays, 67 yards, TOP 6:18
SMU 21, HOU 13
HOU - WITHERSPOON, Da 34 yd field goal 5 plays, 29 yards, TOP 1:46
SMU 28, HOU 13
SMU - JONES, Xavier 2 yd run (ROBLEDO, Kevin kick), 1 plays, 2 yards, TOP 0:04
SMU 28, HOU 20
HOU - STEVENSON, Marq 75 yd pass from TUNE, Clayton (WITHERSPOON, Da kick) 1 plays, 75 yards, TOP 0:12
SMU 31, HOU 20
SMU - ROBLEDO, Kevin 23 yd field goal 7 plays, 53 yards, TOP 3:05
SMU 31, HOU 23
HOU - WITHERSPOON, Da 40 yd field goal 9 plays, 71 yards, TOP 3:36
SMU 34, HOU 23
SMU - ROBLEDO, Kevin 33 yd field goal 6 plays, 65 yards, TOP 2:00
SMU 34, HOU 31
HOU - STEVENSON, Marq 96 yd pass from TUNE, Clayton (TRAHAN, Christi pass) 1 plays, 96 yards, TOP 0:12
