News Summary
The Houston Cougars secured a dominant 36-20 victory against the Colorado Buffaloes in their Big 12 opener at TDECU Stadium. Houston, now 2-0 on the season, showcased impressive performances from quarterback Conner Weigman and running back Simeon Price. Despite a competitive first half, Houston’s sustained control and strong offensive drives led them to outgain Colorado by nearly 150 yards. This matchup marked a significant moment for the Cougars as they look to maintain momentum against upcoming ranked opponents.
Houston – The Houston Cougars dominated the Colorado Buffaloes with a convincing 36-20 victory in their Big 12 opener held at TDECU Stadium. This marked a significant moment for Houston as they improved to 2-0 on the season, having outscored opponents by a combined total of 62-9 in their first two games.
Houston quarterback Conner Weigman was a standout performer, throwing a remarkable 54-yard pass to Stephon Johnson early in the fourth quarter, which set the stage for a decisive 7-yard touchdown run, pushing Houston’s lead to 33-14. This play effectively solidified Houston’s control over the game.
Despite a competitive first half where Colorado narrowed Houston’s lead to 16-14 just before halftime, Houston responded strongly. They initiated the third quarter with a meticulous 17-play field goal drive that consumed an impressive 8 minutes and 35 seconds. This drive exemplified their offensive prowess and control of the game.
During the third quarter, Houston held possession for 12:49 and capitalized on a subsequent three-and-out from Colorado by executing a 76-yard touchdown drive, further extending their lead. Over the course of the game, Houston outgained Colorado by nearly 150 yards, producing a total of 430 yards of offense, including over 200 yards on the ground.
Houston’s ground game was bolstered by running back Simeon Price, who notched his first career rushing touchdown with a total of five carries for 51 yards, featuring a notable 38-yard run. Safety Tawfiq Byard, who came off the bench, led the defense with 14 tackles and contributed with a pass breakup, highlighting the depth and effectiveness of Houston’s defense.
Kickoff returner Quentin Gibson also made a notable impact, racking up 150 yards on six returns, including a significant 40-yarder, which provided Houston with advantageous field position throughout the game.
For Colorado, this defeat marks a disappointing 1-1 record for the season, raising concerns regarding their defense, which previously struggled against Georgia Tech, allowing 320 rushing yards in that game. Colorado’s coach Deion Sanders faced scrutiny after opting to start third-string quarterback Ryan Staub, who completed 204 yards passing and 36 yards rushing, though his fumble handed Houston an easy touchdown.
Following the loss, Colorado must prepare for a challenging schedule ahead, facing several ranked opponents that pose a tough test to their season aspirations. The team previously lost key players, including star quarterback Shedeur Sanders and standout Travis Hunter, to the NFL, which has impacted their overall performance.
This matchup was particularly significant as it marked the first meeting between these two teams since 1971, when Colorado emerged victorious. With such a commanding performance, Houston not only showcased their offensive and defensive capabilities but also drew a packed crowd, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for the Cougars under coach Willie Fritz.
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Additional Resources
- Athlon Sports: Colorado Buffaloes vs. Houston Cougars Preview
- Houston Chronicle: UH Football Sellout Against Colorado
- USA Today: Deion Sanders’ Colorado Football Loss Analysis
- Sports Illustrated: Injuries in Houston’s Win Over Colorado
- CBS Sports: Colorado’s Lopsided Loss Analysis
- Wikipedia: 2025 College Football Season
- Google Search: Colorado Buffaloes football
- Google Scholar: Colorado Buffaloes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Houston Cougars football
- Google News: Houston Cougars

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