HOUSTON, TX — Conner Weigman delivered a career performance, throwing five touchdown passes to lead No. 20 Houston to a 35-32 victory over No. 18 Oklahoma State on Saturday night, giving the Cougars another statement win in front of a packed crowd at TDECU Stadium.
Weigman completed 24 of 33 passes for 343 yards and five touchdowns as Houston improved to 6-1 overall and 3-1 in Big 12 play. The Cougars won their fourth consecutive game and showed they could withstand a late surge from one of the conference’s ranked opponents.
“I just think he’s a really good quarterback,” Houston coach Willie Fritz said. “I’m glad we got him. We wouldn’t trade him for anybody. He’s a darn, darn good quarterback. He just keeps getting a little bit better every single week.”
Houston built a 14-3 halftime lead after the defense forced a key interception and the offense converted the opportunity into points. Weigman connected with tight end Patrick Overmyer for a 2-yard touchdown in the first quarter before finding Amare Thomas for a 7-yard score late in the second.
Oklahoma State moved within 14-10 early in the third quarter, but Houston answered with another scoring drive. Weigman found Trent Walker for a 2-yard touchdown to restore the Cougars’ 11-point advantage.
The Cowboys kept pushing, cutting the margin to 21-17 before Houston responded again. Facing fourth-and-3, Weigman connected with Thomas for a 21-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 28-17 late in the third quarter.
Oklahoma State threatened once more in the fourth after Caleb Hawkins hauled in a 66-yard touchdown pass to make it 28-25. Houston answered immediately as Weigman found Koby Young for a 48-yard touchdown, pushing the Cougars ahead 35-25 with less than 10 minutes remaining.
The Cowboys scored again to pull within three with 4:54 left, but Houston’s offense delivered when it mattered most. Weigman connected with Walker on a critical third-down completion and later ran for a first down to help the Cougars drain the clock.
“We had to stay aggressive,” Fritz said. “We knew we weren’t going to stop them three or four times in a row. They’re a very good offense. We had to keep going.”
Thomas finished with seven catches for 126 yards and two touchdowns, while Walker added seven receptions for 104 yards and a score. Houston totaled 505 yards of offense and held the ball for more than 35 minutes.
Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker threw for 365 yards and three touchdowns, but the Cowboys fell to 4-2 overall and 2-1 in conference play.
Houston now turns its attention to a road matchup against Utah as the Cougars continue their push in the Big 12 race.
