Houston, Texas — Conner Weigman delivered a career-best performance to keep Houston’s winning streak alive, throwing five touchdown passes as the No. 20 Cougars edged No. 18 Oklahoma State 35-32 on Saturday night.
Weigman completed 24 of 33 passes for 343 yards and matched his career high with five touchdown throws. He also contributed 52 yards on the ground as Houston improved to 6-1 overall and 3-1 in Big 12 play, extending its winning streak to four games.
The Cougars generated 505 total yards in a tightly contested matchup against an Oklahoma State offense that produced 499 yards of its own.
Amare Thomas was Weigman’s leading target, hauling in seven receptions for 126 yards and two touchdowns. Trent Walker also made a significant impact, finishing with seven catches for 104 yards and a touchdown. Patrick Overmyer and Koby Young accounted for Houston’s other touchdown receptions.
Houston’s passing attack repeatedly found ways to break through the Cowboys’ defense, but Oklahoma State kept the pressure on behind quarterback Drew Mestemaker.
Mestemaker completed 22 of 34 passes for 365 yards and three touchdowns, giving the Cowboys a chance to pull off the road victory until the final minutes. Oklahoma State fell to 4-2 overall and 2-1 in the Big 12.
Caleb Hawkins was a major contributor to the Cowboys’ offense, rushing for 68 yards while recording seven receptions for 125 yards and a touchdown. Wyatt Young added five catches for 99 yards and a score, while Justin Bowick also found the end zone on a reception.
The game remained in doubt late in the fourth quarter. Oklahoma State pulled within three points when Bowick caught an eight-yard touchdown pass with 4:54 remaining, putting the pressure on Houston to protect its narrow advantage.
The Cougars responded with a crucial possession that allowed them to control the closing minutes. Facing third-and-7 with approximately two and a half minutes remaining, Weigman connected with Walker for an 18-yard gain to keep the drive moving.
Weigman then used his legs to pick up another first down with roughly two minutes left, helping Houston drain valuable time and prevent the Cowboys from getting another opportunity to take the lead.
The late execution proved decisive as the Cougars secured their fourth consecutive victory and added a significant win against a ranked opponent.
The Takeaway
Oklahoma State: The Cowboys demonstrated their offensive firepower but came up short in a game decided by late execution. The defeat was their first Big 12 loss of the season, leaving them needing a strong response to remain in contention for the conference title. Their national ranking could also be affected by the setback.
Houston: The Cougars earned their first victory over a ranked opponent this season and strengthened their position in the Big 12 race. Weigman’s five-touchdown performance highlighted Houston’s offensive potential, while the team’s ability to manage the final minutes showed its composure in a close game.
Up Next:
Oklahoma State returns home Saturday to face Colorado, looking to rebound from its first conference defeat.
Houston faces another major test on the road Saturday when the Cougars travel to take on No. 11 Utah in a matchup that could have important implications for the Big 12 standings.
