BREAKING: The Houston Cougars triumphed over the LSU Tigers with a nail-biting 38-35 victory in the Texas Bowl on December 30, 2023. Conner Weigman delivered a stunning performance, throwing for 236 yards and four touchdown passes, leading Houston to rally from an early 14-0 deficit.
Houston, playing just six miles from their campus at NRG Stadium, showcased resilience against a struggling LSU team. Interim coach Frank Wilson III, who took over after Brian Kelly’s firing, saw his Tigers finish the season with a disappointing 7-6 record, dropping six of their last nine games.
Weigman, completing 27 of 36 passes, was instrumental in the Cougars’ comeback, connecting with Amare Thomas for two critical touchdowns of 8 and 4 yards, and Tanner Koziol for another 7-yard score, flipping the score to 21-14 by halftime.
With just under eight minutes left in the game, Ethan Sanchez nailed a 25-yard field goal to give Houston a 31-28 lead. Following a quick three-and-out from LSU, Dean Connors surged down the field for a 20-yard touchdown run, extending Houston’s lead to ten points with 2:23 remaining.
Despite a late rally from LSU, capped by a 3-yard touchdown from Zavion Thomas with 1:15 left, Houston recovered the onside kick to seal their victory, concluding their season with a commendable 10-3 record.
Koziol emerged as a key target, catching 9 passes for 76 yards and a touchdown, while Thomas added 7 receptions for 66 yards and two touchdowns. Connors shined on the ground, rushing for 126 yards as the Cougars outgained LSU 437-344.
LSU’s Michael Van Buren Jr. had a solid outing, finishing 16 of 26 for 267 yards and three touchdowns, but the early lead could not be maintained. The Tigers’ season marks a transition period as they prepare for the Lane Kiffin era, with their first game against Clemson scheduled for September 5, 2024. Meanwhile, Houston will face Oregon State on the same day, looking to build on their successful season.
This thrilling matchup not only showcased the competitive spirit of college football but also highlighted the evolving dynamics within both teams as they look to the future. Stay tuned for more updates as the off-season unfolds and expectations rise for both programs.
