In a thrilling matchup on Friday night, Conner Weigman showcased his prowess on the field, leading the Houston Cougars to a decisive 36-20 victory over the Colorado Buffaloes. Weigman, who has quickly become a standout player for Houston, threw for 222 yards and added 83 rushing yards, marking a career high with two rushing touchdowns.
The Cougars, now boasting a record of 3-0 and 1-0 in the Big 12, took control early in the game. They established a 13-0 lead by scoring on their first three possessions, demonstrating a potent offensive strategy that left Colorado scrambling. The Buffaloes, however, managed to respond, narrowing the gap to 13-7 with a 38-yard touchdown run by Simeon Price, capping a lengthy 10-play, 93-yard drive.
Game Highlights and Turning Points
As the game progressed, Houston maintained its momentum. Late in the third quarter, with a narrow 21-14 lead, Dean Connors made a crucial 18-yard run to set up Weigman’s touchdown from the 1-yard line, extending the lead to 26-14. This pivotal moment underscored Houston’s ability to capitalize on opportunities, a theme that would continue throughout the game.
In the fourth quarter, Blake Thompson intercepted Colorado quarterback Ryan Staub on the very first play, but Houston was unable to convert the turnover into points after a missed 50-yard field goal attempt by Ethan Sanchez. Nevertheless, the Cougars’ defense remained strong, forcing a punt shortly after. Weigman then added to his impressive performance with a 7-yard touchdown run, following a spectacular 54-yard pass to Stephon Johnson, bringing the score to 33-14.
Staub, who was making his first start of the season, had previously served as a backup to Shedeur Sanders and entered the game as the third-string quarterback. Despite showing promise with two touchdown passes in a prior game against Delaware, he struggled against Houston’s defense, completing 19 of 35 passes for 204 yards and a touchdown, but also throwing two interceptions.
A Tale of Two Halves
The first half of the game was a rollercoaster of emotions for both teams. Houston’s early dominance was met with a spirited comeback from Colorado, who managed to score just before halftime. Staub scrambled for a 19-yard gain but fumbled just short of the goal line, allowing Zach Atkins to recover the ball in the end zone, bringing the score to 16-14 at the half.
However, the second half was a different story. Colorado’s offense faltered, managing only six points after halftime. This stark contrast highlighted the Cougars’ defensive adjustments and their ability to stifle the Buffaloes’ offensive efforts.
Coaching Decisions and Future Implications
For Colorado, the loss raises questions about the quarterback position. Head coach Deion Sanders faces a critical decision regarding whether to stick with Staub or consider giving opportunities to other quarterbacks like Kaidon Salter or freshman Julian Lewis. The Buffaloes, now 1-2 and 0-1 in conference play, will need to regroup quickly as they prepare to host Wyoming next Saturday.
On the other hand, Houston’s future looks bright with Weigman at the helm. Since transferring from Texas A&M, he has thrown four touchdown passes without an interception and has added three rushing touchdowns in just three games. His performance against Colorado solidifies his status as a key player for the Cougars as they look to build on their early success.
Looking Ahead
As the Cougars take a week off before facing Oregon State on September 26, they will have time to refine their strategies and prepare for the challenges ahead. Meanwhile, Colorado will need to address its offensive struggles and find a way to regain momentum against Wyoming.
In conclusion, the matchup between Houston and Colorado served as a testament to the unpredictable nature of college football. With standout performances, critical coaching decisions, and the ever-present pressure of conference play, both teams will be looking to learn from this experience as they move forward in the season.
