Houston Found a Way to Win but Willie Fritz Still Has a Problem to Solve
Fast start, tighter finish
Houston opened with a 72-yard touchdown drive that took six minutes, then added another touchdown after forcing Cincinnati to go three-and-out. The Cougars held an 11-point lead at halftime.
Scoring slowed after the opening period. Houston scored seven points in the second quarter, three in the third and seven in the fourth, while Cincinnati began to close the gap.
Cincinnati controlled the clock
Houston's offense struggled to maintain possession late. After Cincinnati scored, the Bearcats held the ball for most of the fourth quarter, while Houston had possession for only three minutes.
Cincinnati controlled the ball for 33 minutes overall and stayed in the game despite trailing by 11 at halftime. Houston also reached the Bearcats' 10-yard line in the third quarter but settled for a field goal.
Sanford's run seals the win
Fritz addressed the near collapse after Cincinnati tied the game. A 51-yard touchdown run by Re'Shaun Sanford II put Houston back in front, and the Cougars went on to close out the game.
Houston finished with 468 total yards: 227 passing and 241 rushing. The issue was finishing drives and sustaining possession, rather than a lack of production in either part of the offense.
Upcoming opponents pose tests
Houston's remaining games include Colorado, West Virginia and Baylor. The offense that produced the opening drive will need to show up in the second half, the story argues.
West Virginia scored 48 points against Texas Tech despite losing. Baylor beat Iowa State 42-31 and has a 4-2 conference record, third in the Big 12.
Key points
- Houston led by 11 at halftime before Cincinnati made the game close.
- The Cougars gained 468 yards but struggled to sustain drives and control the clock.
- Re'Shaun Sanford II's 51-yard touchdown run restored Houston's lead.
- Houston has upcoming games against Colorado, West Virginia and Baylor.