University of Houston
0-2 , 0-0
Oklahoma
2-0 , 0-0
Football Falls in Thriller at #15/13 Oklahoma on Saturday Night
9/7/2024 11:00:00 PM | Football
Senior quarterback Donovan Smith throws for 260 yards and touchdown on 24-of-28 passing
NORMAN, Okla. (AP) – University of Houston senior quarterback Donovan Smith threw for 260 yards and a touchdown on 24-of-28 passing, but it would not be enough as #15/15 Oklahoma escaped with a 16-12 win over the Cougars at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on Saturday night.
Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold threw two touchdown passes to lead the Sooners.
The Sooners (2-0) struggled to move the ball and punted seven times. The Cougars (0-2) outgained Oklahoma 318-249 in total yards, including 260-174 in passing.
Oklahoma, which had six sacks and six turnovers in its opener, got a late interception from Robert Spears-Jennings to end one drive and a late safety to extend a slim lead.
Oklahoma led 14-6 at the half. The Sooners punted on their first two possessions, but led 7-0 after converting a muffed punt by Houston's Mekhi Mews into points when Arnold found receiver Brenan Thompson for a 10-yard touchdown pass on the next play.
The offense got going on the next possession, driving 81 yards in eight plays. Arnold threw to tight end Jake Roberts for an 11-yard touchdown strike to make it 14-3. Houston's Joseph Kim kicked a 43-yard field goal as time expired to pull the Cougars closer.
Houston scored quickly on its first possession of the third quarter. Smith found Joseph Manjack behind the defense for a 44-yard touchdown pass to make it 14-12.
A promising Oklahoma drive followed but fell short of the end zone when Arnold's pass intended for Deion Burks was intercepted by Jeremiah Wilson at the 7. It was Arnold's first pick and the team's first turnover of the season.
THE TAKEAWAY
The Sooners continued to struggle offensively and had to rely on their defense to bail them out. The Cougars needed a bounce-back performance after losing at home to UNLV last weekend, and they got one against Oklahoma even though they came up short.
UP NEXT
The Cougars return to TDECU Stadium to play host to crosstown rival Rice at 7 p.m., Saturday.
Tickets for that game and 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.
Oklahoma hosts Tulane on Saturday.
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Team Stats
HOU 0, OKL 7
OKL - Thompson,Brenen 10 yd pass from Arnold,Jackson (Keltner,Tyler kick) 1 plays, 10 yards, TOP 00:06
HOU 3, OKL 7
HOU - Kim,Joseph 43 yd field goal 12 plays, 63 yards, TOP 08:25
HOU 3, OKL 14
OKL - Roberts,Jake 11 yd pass from Arnold,Jackson (Keltner,Tyler kick) 8 plays, 81 yards, TOP 03:11
HOU 6, OKL 14
HOU - Kim,Joseph 44 yd field goal 6 plays, 55 yards, TOP 01:17
HOU 12, OKL 14
HOU - Manjack IV,Joseph 44 yd pass from Smith,Donovan () 4 plays, 75 yards, TOP 01:45
HOU 12, OKL 16
OKL - Halton,Gracen 0 yd safety
