University of Houston
1-0 , 0-0
UTSA
0-1 , 0-0
Houston Tops UTSA, Earns Season Opening Victory
9/2/2023 10:30:00 PM | Football
Cougars open 2023 with win in front of largest home opening crowd since 2017
HOUSTON (AP) – Junior quarterback Donovan Smith threw for 233 yards and two touchdowns, Samuel Brown had 106 yards receiving and Houston held on for a 17-14 win over UTSA on Saturday night in a season opener and the Cougars' first game as a Big 12 Conference member.
Smith, who was 22-of-34 passing, threw touchdown passes of eight yards to Joseph Manjack IV in the first quarter and six yards to Matthew Golden in the third as Houston built a 17-7 lead. The Cougars finished with 334 yards of offense.
Frank Harris was 18 of 36 for 209 yards passing with a touchdown, but he was intercepted three times. Kevorian Barnes rushed for 103 yards and a touchdown for UTSA, which finished with 417 yards.
After UTSA cut the lead to three on a 20-yard touchdown pass from Harris to Joshua Cephus with 5:42 remaining, Houston was able to run out the clock, including a crucial 3-yard gain by Smith to just get the first down with 1:45 remaining.
Houston has beaten UTSA in consecutive season openers after outlasting the Roadrunners, 37-35, in triple overtime last season in San Antonio.
THE TAKEAWAY
UTSA: The Roadrunners, which joined the American Athletic Conference this season, had issues staying on the field going 4 for 13 on third downs. UTSA had an even offense with 209 yards passing and 208 yards rushing.
Houston: The Cougars' defense kept Harris under pressure for most of the night, which contributed to the three interceptions. Two of the interceptions were by Malik Fleming. Houston had issues rushing the ball, finishing with 101 yards on the ground.
LOVE YOU, HOUSTON
The Cougars wore alternate "Love You, Houston" uniforms, which paid homage to the City of Houston. The jerseys are a light blue with Houston in italics on the helmet.
UP NEXT
Houston: Plays at crosstown rival Rice at 6 p.m., Saturday before hosting TCU on Sept. 16 in its Big 12 Conference opener inside TDECU Stadium.
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Team Stats
TSA 0, HOU 7
HOU - Manjack IV,Joseph 8 yd pass from Smith,Donovan (Martin,Jack kick) 3 plays, 22 yards, TOP 01:22
TSA 7, HOU 7
TSA - Barnes,Kevorian 4 yd run (Sandell,Tate kick), 8 plays, 80 yards, TOP 03:23
TSA 7, HOU 10
HOU - Martin,Jack 31 yd field goal 12 plays, 74 yards, TOP 01:26
TSA 7, HOU 17
HOU - Golden,Matthew 6 yd pass from Smith,Donovan (Martin,Jack kick) 7 plays, 35 yards, TOP 02:55
TSA 14, HOU 17
TSA - Cephus,Joshua 20 yd pass from Harris,Frank (Sandell,Tate kick) 15 plays, 94 yards, TOP 05:14
