No. 22 Houston was *right there*! They went toe-to-toe with No. 13 Texas Tech on Friday night, losing a tight 28-26 game that felt like it slipped away. This wasn’t just a loss, though, it was a statement about what this team can do, even against the defending Big 12 champions in a hostile environment. They had the Red Raiders on the ropes in that first quarter, and frankly, Texas Tech might not see a better team all regular season.
“Coogs Don’t Beat Coogs” Just Rang Too True
Coach Willie Fritz always says it, “Coogs don’t beat Coogs,” and man, did that line sting in the third quarter! UH was driving, looking to take the lead. It was fourth-and-2 at the Tech 4-yard line, prime scoring position that could have put them up 24-21. But then, right guard McKenzie Agnello gets flagged for a false start. Seriously? That pushed them back, forced them to settle for a 28-yard field goal from Jonathan Dimas, and instead of leading, they trailed 21-20 heading into the fourth. Fritz put it plainly himself: “When you play a close ball game like that, you have to play close to error-free, and we did not.” That one play, man, it felt like the whole game turned right there. Cornerback Jalen Mayo already knows it: “We’re going to see them again.” You bet we are.
Offensive Stars Stepping Up (But Needing Help!)
Despite the heartbreaking loss, some guys absolutely shined, making it clear who the go-to targets are. Wide receivers Amare Thomas and Koby Young, along with tight end Patrick Overmyer, accounted for *all three* touchdowns against Texas Tech! Thomas is leading the team with 18 catches and is tied with Young for three touchdowns. Overmyer, who had the tough job of stepping in for Tanner Koziol, is racking up 16 catches and has touchdowns in consecutive games, including a 10-yarder with only 49 seconds left on the clock last night. He’s totally proving he can be that reliable second option behind Thomas. These three are legit, totaling eight touchdowns so far. The frustrating part? UH isn’t getting much from anyone else in the receiving corps, besides a touchdown from fourth-string running back John Hebert. Trent Walker, who was Oregon State’s leading receiver last year, is off to a slow start with just six catches for 64 yards. We need someone else to step up, no doubt about it!
Oh, and for all the preseason worries about the kicking game, Jonathan Dimas is proving everyone wrong. He’s a perfect 4-for-4 on field goals after hitting from 31 and 28 yards against Texas Tech, and he’s 16-of-17 on extra-point attempts. That one bad snap wasn’t even his fault on the first PAT of the season. The kid’s got a reliable right foot, and that’s huge.
Running Game Is Legit, But Let’s See More Butler!
The Cougars’ run game actually impressed, racking up 176 rushing yards against a Texas Tech defense famous for stuffing the run. Think about it: before Friday, the Red Raiders had held seven straight opponents under 100 rushing yards! Makhi Hughes is still carrying a huge load with 40 carries for 213 yards so far this season. Weigman got more involved too, with 13 carries for 56 yards, using some designed runs and scrambles. But Re’Shaun Sanford II only saw a handful of touches. Honestly, it’s time to unleash D.J. Butler more often! The guy is averaging a ridiculous 8.3 yards per carry, and that kind of efficiency needs to be on the field more.
Look, this 28-26 loss stings like crazy. You can feel the frustration. But the way this team fought, especially showing they can hang with the best in the Big 12, gives you a ton to look forward to. Jalen Mayo isn’t wrong: a rematch in the Big 12 championship game, set for December 4 in Arlington, absolutely wouldn’t be a surprise. Get ready, because these teams are going to clash again, and next time, UH has to clean up those costly errors!
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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