The Houston Cougars and BYU Cougars put on a show on Saturday, with BYU pulling out the 47-46 win in Reliant Stadium. The two teams combined to go over 1000 yards in terms of total offense, and they didn't waste any time getting into it.
BYU comes back late to outshoot Houston, 47-46
BYU and Houston put on a show, and BYU held on late for a 47-46 win on the road to knock Houston from the ranks of the unbeaten.
BYU opened the scoring less than a minute into the game on a Jamaal Williams rushing touchdown, but Houston stayed right there with them. Demarcus Ayers got them on the board with a 95 yard kickoff return a few minutes later, and then things got really crazy. Taysom Hill threw two touchdown passes two Ross Apo, and another to Derrick Mathews (who, unfortunately for Hill, plays for Houston). Throw in a 69-yard bomb from Greg Ward to Xavier Maxwell, and you have a 24-21 first quarter. We got more of the same in the second quarter, and the teams went into halftime at 38-34.
Things slowed down dramatically in the second half, though. Derrick Mathews scored again for Houston, this time sacking Hill for a safety, but Hill hit Cody Hoffman for a touchdown to take a 41-40 lead early in the fourth quarter. John O'Korn's touchdown pass to Deontay Greenberry gave Houston the lead again at 46-41 lead with five minutes to play, but BYU chewed clock and retook the lead on a touchdown pass from Hill to Skyler Ridley with just over a minute remaining. Houston had one last shot, but O'Korn threw an interception to end their chances.
Box Score Hero:
Taysom Hill was magnificent for BYU, going 29-44 for 417 yards, four touchdowns, and three picks, and rushing for 113 yards as well. Honorable mention goes to true freshman John O’Korn, who went 29-44 for 363 yards, three touchdowns, and two picks.
Rankings Ramifications:
Neither team came into the game ranked, and neither will be after this.
But Did They Cover?
BYU entered the game as 10-point favorites, so they did not cover the spread.
For More On This Game:
For more on the Cougars, check out Vanquish The Foe.
Next Week’s Schedule:
BYU: 10/25, vs. Boise State
Houston: 10/26, at Rutgers
More from SB Nation college football:
See More:
