No. 20 UH storms back from three-score deficit to beat UCF for first win in Big 12 play

Houston’s space exploration took them across the galaxy in search of points Saturday. 

They finally found some on Pluto.

The No. 20 Cougars‘ normally explosive offense was lost in space for most of the game before wiping out a 17-point deficit late in the second half for a 27-17 victory over UCF before a crowd of 25,593 at TDECU Stadium.

UH improved to 4-1, 1-1 in Big 12 play. UCF (3-2, 1-1 Big 12) lost its 11th consecutive game on the road.

As part of its “Built By Houston” game, UH unveiled 10 handpainted helmet designs that featured the Sun, eight planets and Pluto. 

With only one created, Pluto was the rarest helmet in the collection. It was worn by Conner Weigman, the fifth-year quarterback who scored on runs of 19, 1 and 1 yards in the second half.

For nearly three quarters, the Knights played the role of planet killers. Much of the Cougars’ problems were self-inflicted as they failed to score on three red-zone trips to end the first half.

On the first trip, the Cougars had the ball fourth-and-1 from the UCF 3-yard line. Weigman’s pass was tipped by Tackett Curtis near the line of scrimmage.

On the next drive, UH had fourth-and-2 from the UCF 3. Weigman rolled to his right and rushed a throw intended from Re’Shaun Sanford II.

Late in the second quarter, with the Cougars at the UCF 14, Weigman completed a pass to Patrick Overmyer. Jayden Williams jarred the ball loose, and the Knights recovered in the end zone. 

Three trips, no points.

UCF built a 17-0 lead on a 13-yard catch by Josh Derry, 30-yard field goal by Will Stone anf 5-yard run by Keyone Jenkins.

No. 20 UH 27, UCF 17

UCF7370-17Houston001413-27

First Quarter

UCF_Derry 13 pass from Jenkins (Stone kick), 11:17.

Second Quarter

UCF_FG Stone 30, 1:36.

Third Quarter

UCF_Jenkins 5 run (Stone kick), 6:01.

HOU_Weigman 19 run (Dimas kick), 3:38.

HOU_Weigman 1 run (Dimas kick), 1:11.

Fourth Quarter

HOU_Weigman 1 run (Dimas kick), 10:15.

HOU_FG Dimas 40, 4:14.

HOU_FG Dimas 46, 1:56.

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First downs1323Total Net Yards334393Rushes-yards21-7544-154Passing259239Punt Returns1-03-45Kickoff Returns0-01-21Interceptions Ret.0-01-17Comp-Att-Int25-38-118-33-0Sacked-Yards Lost2-101-1Punts5-43.03-37.667Fumbles-Lost1-01-1Penalties-Yards9-737-60Time of Possession26:3833:22

___

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING_UCF, Watson 9-50, Swint 3-19, Chambers 3-9, (Team) 1-0, Bibbs 1-(minus 1), Jenkins 4-(minus 2). Houston, Sanford 18-62, Weigman 13-50, Hughes 10-27, K.Young 2-17, (Team) 1-(minus 2).

PASSING_UCF, Jenkins 23-35-1-253, Annett 2-3-0-6. Houston, Weigman 18-33-0-239.

RECEIVING_UCF, Derry 7-101, Charles 4-68, Hornes 4-34, Flagg 4-23, Bibbs 1-22, Bridgewater 1-9, Piening 1-6, Farmer 1-1, Watson 1-(minus 1), Swint 1-(minus 4). Houston, Overmyer 6-76, A.Thomas 4-43, T.Walker 2-51, Sanford 2-30, Hughes 2-19, McGary 1-15, K.Young 1-5.

MISSED FIELD GOALS_None.

After failing to score on its first 50 plays – a span or more than 41 minutes – UH finally broke through when Weigman scrambled for a 19-yard touchdown with 3:38 left in the third quarter.

It didn’t take long for the next score as edge Latreveon McCutchin intercepted a pass from Jenkins and returned it to near the goal line.

Two plays later, Weigman scored on a 1-yard run.

UH scored the go-ahead tohchdown on an 11-play drive that took more than 4 ½ minutes and included roughing the passer and pass interference calls against UCF.

Weigman gave the Cougars their first lead, 21-17, on a 1-yard run early in the fourth quarter.

Jonathan Dimas added field goals of 40 and 46 yards.

UH scored 27 unanswered points to end the game. A touchdown run by Sanford was wiped out by a holding call.

UH’s defense held the Knights scoreless for the game’s final 24 minutes. The Knights had two punts, an interception and two failed fourth-down attempts among their final five drives.

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This article originally published at No. 20 UH storms back from three-score deficit to beat UCF for first win in Big 12 play.