University of Houston
3-4 , 3-3
Memphis
7-3 , 5-3
Houston Comeback Falls Short at Memphis
12/12/2020 6:12:00 PM | Football
Cougars fall, 30-27, after trailing by 21 in final period
Trailing 27-6 entering the final period, the Cougars (3-4, 3-3 American) began their comeback with a 13-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Clayton Tune to senior wide receiver Marquez Stevenson with 13:01 remaining.
After Houston's defense forced Memphis (7-3, 5-3 American) to punt with 9:40 left, Tune moved Houston to within 27-20 after scampering into the end zone from 19 yards out.
The Cougar defense again held and forced Memphis to punt on its next possession. From there, Tune led the Cougars on a 15-play drive to the Memphis 18. Facing 4th-and-8 with about 32 seconds left, Tune connected with junior wide receiver Bryson Smith for a touchdown to knot the game at 27-27.
Unfortunately, that would be as close as Houston would get. The Tigers took advantage of two passes from quarterback Brady White for 34 yards and a pass interference penalty to move deep into Houston territory. On the final play of the game, kicker Riley Patterson drilled a 47-yard field goal to lift the Tigers to the win.
Tune finished the game with 270 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 30-of-49 passing. Nathaniel Dell hauled in six catches for 64 yards, while tight end Christian Trahan posted five catches for a game-high 84 yards. Senior running back Kyle Porter led Houston with 70 rushing yards on 15 carries.
The Cougars outgained the Tigers, 409-310, in total offense and enjoyed two sacks and 10 tackles for losses.
White led Memphis with 246 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 22-of-35 passing, while Calvin Austin finishing with seven receptions for 74 yards and a score.
Saturday's game was Houston's first action since a 56-21 Homecoming win over USF in TDECU Stadium on Nov. 14.
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Team Stats
HOU 3, MEM 0
HOU - WITHERSPOON, Da 28 yd field goal 15 plays, 64 yards, TOP 7:03
HOU 3, MEM 3
MEM - PATTERSON, R. 34 yd field goal 14 plays, 56 yards, TOP 4:59
HOU 6, MEM 3
HOU - WITHERSPOON, Da 29 yd field goal 10 plays, 60 yards, TOP 4:32
HOU 6, MEM 10
MEM - WASHINGTON, T. 4 yd pass from WHITE, Brady (PATTERSON, R. kick) 8 plays, 75 yards, TOP 2:53
HOU 6, MEM 17
MEM - ALLEN, Jaylon 85 yd fumble recovery (PATTERSON, R. kick)
HOU 6, MEM 24
MEM - AUSTIN, Calvin 15 yd pass from WHITE, Brady (PATTERSON, R. kick) 9 plays, 75 yards, TOP 3:14
HOU 6, MEM 27
MEM - PATTERSON, R. 49 yd field goal 12 plays, 55 yards, TOP 6:30
HOU 13, MEM 27
HOU - STEVENSON, Marq 13 yd pass from TUNE, Clayton (WITHERSPOON, Da kick) 11 plays, 75 yards, TOP 4:09
HOU 20, MEM 27
HOU - TUNE, Clayton 19 yd run (WITHERSPOON, Da kick), 6 plays, 40 yards, TOP 1:33
HOU 27, MEM 27
HOU - SMITH, Bryson 18 yd pass from TUNE, Clayton (WITHERSPOON, Da kick) 15 plays, 70 yards, TOP 4:46
HOU 27, MEM 30
MEM - PATTERSON, R. 47 yd field goal 5 plays, 46 yards, TOP 0:28
