Houston, TX—-Before Friday night, Houston quarterback Conner Weigman had never rushed for more than 66 yards or scored more than one rushing touchdown in a game. That changed in a big way as Weigman posted career highs in both categories, rushing for 83 yards and two touchdowns in the Cougars’ 36-20 victory over Colorado (1-2). The Buffaloes never led in the game and had no answer for Houston’s balanced and relentless offense.
Transfer kicker Ethan Sanchez, formerly of Old Dominion, also had a standout night. He opened the scoring with a 52-yard field goal—the longest in head coach Willie Fritz’s FBS career—and went on to make 5-of-6 field goal attempts, accounting for 18 of Houston’s 36 points.
“I owe it all to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” said Sanchez after the game.
Houston’s opening drive went 63 yards from their own 3-yard line, culminating in Sanchez’s booming field goal to put the Cougars ahead 3-0. Weigman then broke loose for a 49-yard run—his longest career rush—down the right sideline. Senior running back Dean Connors followed that up with a 4-yard touchdown to make it 10-0.
Sanchez added a 43-yard field goal early in the second quarter to stretch the lead to 13-0.
Colorado finally responded with a 93-yard scoring drive, capped by senior running back Simeon Price’s 38-yard touchdown burst through the middle to make it 13-7. Sanchez quickly answered with a 47-yard field goal.
Just before halftime, Colorado’s offense showed signs of life. Sophomore Dre’lon Miller broke off a 36-yard run, and freshman Micah Welch added 25 more. Then, with under a minute to go, quarterback Ryan Staub ran 19 yards but fumbled as he flipped into the end zone. Fortunately for the Buffaloes, junior tight end Zach Atkins recovered the loose ball in the end zone, cutting Houston’s lead to 16-14 at the half.
Houston took control in the second half, scoring 17 unanswered points. Weigman scored on a 1-yard quarterback keeper after an 18-yard run and followed that up with a 7-yard touchdown on the next drive, extending the lead to 33-14 with 11:39 remaining.
Colorado’s only second-half score came on a 37-yard touchdown pass from Staub to sophomore wide receiver Joseph Williams, narrowing the gap to 33-20 after a failed two-point conversion attempt.
Sanchez closed out the scoring with a 49-yard field goal, sealing the win at 36-20.
Despite flashes of offensive success, the Buffaloes struggled to find rhythm for much of the game but battled until the end.
Staub, who was named the starter earlier in the week over five-star freshman Julian Lewis and Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter, finished with 204 passing yards, 36 rushing yards, one touchdown, and two turnovers, completing 19-of-35 passes.
Weigman had a clean, efficient game, throwing for 222 yards on 15-of-24 passing with no turnovers.
“It’s one game at a time. Gotta go in, gotta stick your nose in there and go get it,” Weigman said postgame.
The Cougars (3-0) now head into a bye week before traveling to face Oregon State on Friday, Sept. 26 at 9:30 p.m. CST.
