No. 23 Houston kicked off their 2026 season with a 33-20 win over Oregon State on Saturday, but man, did the underdog Beavers make ’em sweat before the Cougars pulled away at TDECU Stadium. This wasn’t some smooth sailing for UH, nope. They had to earn every single bit of that victory, especially after a shocking early deficit.
The Underdog Had Houston on the Ropes (For a Second)
Talk about an early season gut check. Oregon State, who everyone had pegged as a nearly three-touchdown underdog, came out swinging. They actually took a 7-6 lead thanks to Braden Atkinson’s 3-yard touchdown run. Seriously? An underdog leading the No. 23 team in their opener? That’s the kind of stuff that makes you stop scrolling. But then BAM, the Cougars dropped twenty unanswered points on ’em! Quarterback Conner Weigman started things off hot, slinging a 31-yard touchdown to Amare Thomas on their very first possession. Then Re’Shaun Sanford II decided he wanted to make a statement, busting loose for an incredible 51-yard touchdown run. Makhi Hughes added a 1-yard TD, and Jonathan Dimas, in his career debut, nailed two field goals from 42 and 32 yards out. They were rolling, taking a 26-7 lead into the second half after Hughes’ touchdown with six and a half minutes left in the third quarter. It felt like they had finally put Oregon State away.
A Late Scare and the Clutch Play That Sealed It
Just when you thought UH had this thing locked, Oregon State found a spark. Jess Legree snagged a 7-yard touchdown catch, and A.J. Newberry powered in a 4-yard run that was set up by Sailasa Vadrawale III near the goal line in the fourth. Legree ended up with a massive five catches for 136 yards, keeping the Beavers in it. But when it mattered most, Weigman stepped up. He cemented the win with a 1-yard touchdown run, a score that was brilliantly set up by a huge 37-yard catch from Amare Thomas. That sealed the deal with just over five minutes left on the clock. Thomas, who’s their All-Big 12 wide receiver, was a beast with eight catches for 133 yards. And on the ground, Hughes (98 yards) and Sanford (75 yards) combined for 173 of the Cougars’ 228 rushing yards. Javion White even chipped in with two sacks! Oh, and this wild opener also featured a fan running onto the field and a 30-minute weather delay. What a way to start the season!
Houston’s got to feel good about gutting out this opener, showing they can take a punch and rally. Winning five of their last seven openers means they know how to kick things off right. This early season victory, especially with that late rally they had to hold off, sets a strong tone for what’s to come.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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