TEXAS BOWL: CONNER WEIGMAN LEADS HOUSTON’S COMEBACK IN STATEMENT WIN OVER LSU
Updated: Oct 31
HOUSTON — After falling behind 14 points in the opening minutes, the Houston Cougars responded with composure and resilience, rallying to defeat the LSU Tigers 38-35 on Saturday night at NRG Stadium. At the heart of the comeback was Conner Weigman, whose commanding performance earned him Texas Bowl MVP honors.
Conner Weigman completed 27 of 36 passes for 236 yards and four touchdowns, adding 56 rushing yards to steady Houston’s offense. The Cougars’ night began poorly, as Barion Brown returned the opening kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown, followed by a 23-yard scoring pass from Michael Van Buren Jr. to Trey’Dez Green, giving LSU an early 14-0 advantage.
Rather than forcing the issue, Weigman calmly brought Houston back. He connected with Amare Thomas for an eight-yard touchdown late in the first quarter, then struck again with Thomas early in the second. Just before halftime, a seven-yard touchdown pass to Tanner Koziol capped a 21-point unanswered surge and sent the Cougars into the break with a 21-14 lead.
The second half turned into a back-and-forth battle. LSU regained momentum with touchdown catches by Trey’Dez Green and Kyle Parker, tying the game at 28 early in the fourth quarter. Houston answered when Ethan Sanchez drilled a 25-yard field goal, and moments later Dean Connors broke loose for a decisive 20-yard touchdown run with 2:23 remaining.
LSU made one final push, cutting the deficit to three on a rushing touchdown by Zavion Thomas, but Houston recovered the onside kick to secure the victory.
Tanner Koziol led all receivers with nine catches for 76 yards and a touchdown, while Amare Thomas added seven receptions for 66 yards and two scores. Dean Connors powered the running game with 126 yards, as Houston outgained LSU 437-344 overall.
The loss closed a turbulent season for LSU under interim head coach Frank Wilson, while Lane Kiffin had already been installed as LSU’s head coach. For Houston and head coach Willie Fritz, the win capped a 10-3 season and delivered a signature bowl victory, underscoring the program’s continued progress on the national stage.
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