Chriss Sparks Football Road Win at TCU on Friday Night

FORT WORTH, Texas – Making the first start of his University of Houston career, sophomore quarterback Zeon Chriss threw for 141 yards and a touchdown and ran for 97 yards, including a 71-yard touchdown, to lead the Cougars to a 30-19 win over Big 12 Conference rival TCU inside Amon G Carter Stadium on Friday night.

After being shutout in their last two games, the Cougars did everything well in earning their first league win of the season. Houston posted 361 yards of offense with 207 yards and a pair of touchdowns on the ground while its defense forced four TCU turnovers, leading to 10 points, and added three sacks.

On special teams, kicker Jack Martin booted a career-high three field goals, including a 27-yarder to give the Cougars a double-digit lead with less than two minutes remaining in the game.

With the win, the Cougars improved to 2-4 overall and 1-2 in Big 12 play, Houston also collected its first road win at TCU since Nov. 4, 1989, and snapped a nine-game losing streak to the Horned Frogs in the series history. TCU fell to 3-3 overall and 1-2 in league play.

After the Cougars' opening drive stalled deep in TCU territory, the defense turned the Horned Frogs over on downs on TCU's initial possession. Chriss then led the Cougars on a 7-play, 58-yard drive that was capped by Chriss' 8-yard touchdown pass to sophomore wide receiver Devan Williams in the back of the end zone.

Junior defensive back A.J. Haulcy halted the next TCU possession with an interception and 14-yard return late in the opening period. That started an 8-play, 62-yard drive that was capped by redshirt freshman running back Re'Shaun Sanford II's 2-yard touchdown plunge for a 14-0 Houston lead with 13:38 left in the first half.

The Cougar defense forced a three-and-out on the next TCU possession, and senior Jack Martin gave the Cougars a 17-0 lead with a 34-yard field goal with 4:55 left.

TCU put its first mark on the scoreboard on Josh Hoover's 21-yard touchdown pass to Savion Williams with 2:18 left in the first half.

However, Chriss and the Houston offensive wasted little time on the next possession with Chriss keeping the snap and rushing 71 yards up the middle give the Cougars a 24-6 advantage at the break.

TCU pulled to within 24-12 on Jeremy Payne's 2-yard touchdown plunge with 5:27 left in the third quarter and were threatening for more before the Cougar defensive forced its third turnover of the night when Hershey McLaurin forced a JP Richardson fumble.

That giveaway put the Cougars on the TCU 35 and, while the drive stalled, Martin's second field goal of the night – a 28-yard effort, gave Houston a 27-12 lead with 13:35 remaining in the game.

Hoover connected with Jack Bech on a 29-yard touchdown reception to move TCU to within 27-19 midway through the final period. Behind senior quarterback Donovan Smith who took over for an injured Chris, the Cougars took over on their 25-yard line and embarked on a 14-play, 66-yard drive that took more than seven minutes off the clock.

The Cougars twice converted on third downs on the drive with Smith rushing for 10 yards on third-and-9 to the TCU to set up Martin's final field goal with less than four minutes in the contest.

UP NEXT
The Cougars enjoy their bye weekend next weekend before returning to action to face Big 12 rival Kansas at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City Mo., on Oct. 19.

Kickoff time and broadcasting network for that game will be announced soon.

Houston returns to TDECU Stadium for its annual Homecoming game when it meets #18/18 Utah on Oct. 26. Kickoff time and broadcasting network for that game will be announced soon.

Tickets for all home Football contests are available by calling 713-462-6647 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, or by clicking here at any time.

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