#23 Football Falls to TCU in Home Finale

Sophomore Will James snags two interceptions, forces fumble in home finale

HOUSTON (AP) – Despite forcing five TCU turnovers with three on consecutive possessions in the first half, No. 23 Houston fell short 17-14 following a missed late game-tying field goal attempt at TDECU Stadium on Saturday.

After stopping the Horned Frogs (7-4, 4-4 Big 12) on the 5-yard line with just under two minutes remaining, the Cougars (8-3, 5-3) drove the ball all the down to the opposing 20-yard line for a chance to level the score before senior kicker Ethan Sanchez's 38-yard attempt with 46 seconds remaining went wide left.

TCU's Nate McCashland hit a 29-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter to give the Horned Frogs a three-point lead.

Trailing 14-7 at the half, Houston overcome consecutive three-and-out possession after sophomore corner back Will James grabbed his second interception of the game and third forced turnover of the day to give the Cougars the ball midway through the third.

Houston drove 71 yards down the field in six plays, stringing together three design plays at the end of the possession. Junior quarterback Conner Weigman capped off the drive with a short pass right to senior running back Dean Connors for an 8-yard score to level the score at 14-14.

Down 14-0 at the end of the first following two touchdown throws from TCU's Josh Hoover, the Cougars sparked momentum following James' first interception of the game early in the second quarter. Houston capitalized on the ensuing drive, marching down the field to end a 13-play, 62-yard drive with a 13-yard strike from Weigman to junior wide receiver Amare Thomas for the Cougars' first score of the day.

Weigman was 15 of 29 for 161 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 114 yards. Connors ran for 75 yards and caught five passes for 47 yards and a touchdown while Thomas had five receptions for 72 yards and a score.

Defensively, James notched his first multi-turnover outing with three on day including a punch-out in the third quarter recovered by sophomore safety Jordan Allen.

UP NEXT
Houston returns to action and closes its regular season when it faces Baylor on Saturday, Nov. 29, at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas.

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

SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Football by providing NIL opportunities and by joining The Huddle which provides financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond its operating budget.

STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on X, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.