The Houston Cougars announced their presence in the Big 12 Championship race with a commanding 24-16 upset over No. 24 Arizona State on Saturday night, fueled by a spectacular dual-threat performance from junior quarterback Conner Weigman. This crucial road victory snapped a long-standing streak and marked a significant milestone for the program.
TEMPE, Ariz. — In a game that sent shockwaves through the Big 12 Conference, the Houston Cougars delivered a statement victory, defeating the No. 24 ranked Arizona State Sun Devils 24-16 in their first meeting as conference opponents. This wasn’t just another win; it was Houston’s first road triumph over a ranked opponent since October 29, 2017, when they beat then-No. 17 South Florida, and it ended Arizona State’s impressive 10-game home winning streak, which dated back to November 25, 2023.
The Cougars, now 7-1 overall and 4-1 in Big 12 play, have officially stamped their presence in the race for the Big 12 Championship. This third straight win for Houston underscores a special 2025 season that continues to exceed expectations. Meanwhile, Arizona State’s record now stands at 5-3 overall and 3-2 in Big 12 play.
Weigman’s Dual-Threat Masterclass Powers Houston Offense
Junior quarterback Conner Weigman orchestrated one of the most impressive performances of his collegiate career, solidifying his status as a legitimate dual-threat playmaker. Weigman threw for 201 yards and a touchdown, completing 17 of 22 passes (77% completion rate) with no interceptions. He also carved up the Sun Devils’ defense on the ground, rushing for a career-high 111 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries. This marks the third straight game, and fourth time in the last five outings, that Weigman was responsible for at least three touchdowns.
Weigman’s ability to command the offense was evident from the start. His 50-yard rush on a key third down early in the game set up Houston’s initial scoring drive. He was also instrumental in converting crucial third downs, showcasing excellent pocket presence and leadership throughout the contest.
Dominant Start and Defensive Grit Seal the Win
Unlike some of their previous outings, the Cougars started strong, taking the opening kickoff and marching 68 yards downfield to set up a 26-yard field goal from senior kicker Ethan Sanchez, giving Houston an early 3-0 lead. Sanchez extended his streak of consecutive games with at least one field goal to six.
Houston continued its offensive momentum on its second possession, with Weigman plunging in for a 1-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 10-0 by the end of the first quarter. The Cougars piled up 153 total yards in the opening frame, with 84 coming from their potent rushing attack, and converted 3 of 4 third downs.
The Cougars carried this momentum into the second half, scoring touchdowns on back-to-back drives to establish a commanding 24-0 lead. Following a crucial defensive stop, Weigman connected with senior tight end Tanner Koziol for a 7-yard touchdown pass. Later in the third quarter, Weigman added his second 1-yard rushing touchdown, capping a 10-play, 75-yard drive that consumed nearly five minutes off the clock, as reported by uhcougars.com.
Despite a strong fourth-quarter rally by Arizona State, which saw them close the gap to 24-16, the Houston defense held firm. They turned the Sun Devils over on downs deep in ASU territory late in the game, with junior defensive back Kentrell Webb breaking up a pass to seal the victory. Senior defensive back Latrell McCutchin Sr. led the defense with seven solo tackles and two pass breakups, limiting Arizona State to just 98 rushing yards.
Tanner Koziol: Weigman’s Reliable Target
Senior tight end Tanner Koziol proved to be Weigman’s most reliable target, delivering a signature performance with seven catches for 100 yards and a 7-yard touchdown. His 6-foot-7 frame made him a formidable presence, especially on high-point catches. Koziol’s critical plays included a 32-yard reception and his touchdown grab in the back of the end zone, where he showed excellent route running and secured the ball with two feet inbounds. A member of the Mackey and Biletnikoff Award watch lists, Koziol continues to demonstrate why he’s one of the best tight ends in the game.
Defensive Line Dominance and Clutch Plays
The Cougars’ defense built on the offensive momentum, creating significant pressure on Arizona State quarterbacks. Senior defensive lineman Eddie Walls III was a standout, contributing five tackles, including three tackles for loss and three sacks, along with a pass breakup and a quarterback hurry. His performance was crucial in forcing the Sun Devils into tough situations, contributing to their 5/15 third-down conversion rate.
Even with Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt being hampered by injuries (and briefly leaving the game for concussion protocol), and backup Jeff Sims leading a late charge, Houston’s defense ultimately made the plays needed to secure the win. Leavitt still managed 270 yards and a touchdown, with Malik McClain leading ASU receivers with seven receptions for 159 yards, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Cougars’ early lead.
Special Teams and Penalties: A Decisive Factor
Penalties and special teams miscues played a significant role in the outcome. Arizona State accumulated 12 penalties for 76 yards, many of which came at critical junctures, including an offsides penalty and a personal foul that aided a Houston touchdown drive. Conversely, Houston had just seven flags. The Sun Devils also had a touchdown called back due to an illegal shift, further highlighting their operational struggles.
Arizona State kicker Jesus Gomez, despite recently being named Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week, missed two crucial field goal attempts from 31 and 42 yards. In an eight-point game, these missed opportunities proved incredibly costly for the Sun Devils, as noted in a report by Field Level Media.
A New Era for Houston Football
This victory signifies a turning point for the Houston Cougars program. Improving to 7-1 overall and 4-1 in the Big 12, they remain firmly in contention for a spot in the Big 12 Championship game in Arlington. The team’s resilience, dual-threat quarterback, and opportunistic defense are key hallmarks of this exciting season.
What’s Next for the Cougars
The Cougars will look to continue their winning ways next Saturday, November 1, as they return home to TDECU Stadium to host the West Virginia Mountaineers. Game time and broadcasting network details are expected soon. Following that, Houston faces a short week before traveling to Orlando, Fla., to take on UCF at 7 p.m. (CST) on Friday, November 7, with the game airing on FS1.
