UPDATE: In a stunning comeback, the Houston Cougars defeated the LSU Tigers 38-35 in the Texas Bowl on December 30, 2023, showcasing a remarkable performance by quarterback Conner Weigman. Weigman threw for 236 yards and a staggering four touchdowns, leading Houston to victory right in their home city.
The Cougars, now with a record of 10-3, rallied from an early 14-0 deficit at the home of the NFL’s Houston Texans, just six miles from their campus. This victory marks a significant achievement for head coach Willie Fritz, demonstrating a six-win improvement from his first season.
LSU’s season ended with a disappointing 7-6 record, having lost six of their last nine games. Interim coach Frank Wilson III led the team in their final game before new coach Lane Kiffin takes the reins next season. Kiffin, hired on November 30, will officially begin his tenure with the Tigers next year.
Houston’s Weigman was unstoppable, completing 27 of 36 passes and rushing for 56 yards. He connected with Amare Thomas for two touchdown passes of 8 and 4 yards and a 7-yard touchdown pass to Tanner Koziol, turning a dire situation into a 21-14 lead at halftime.
The second half saw Ethan Sanchez kick a 25-yard field goal, pushing Houston ahead 31-28 with 7:42 remaining. Following a quick three-and-out from LSU, Dean Connors dashed for a 20-yard touchdown, extending the lead to ten points with just 2:23 left on the clock. Although Zavion Thomas scored a late touchdown for LSU, the Cougars recovered an onside kick to secure their victory.
Houston outgained LSU with a total of 437 yards compared to LSU’s 344 yards. Koziol had a standout performance, catching nine passes for 76 yards and a touchdown, while Thomas recorded seven catches for 66 yards and two scores. LSU’s quarterback, Michael Van Buren Jr., completed 16 of 26 passes for 267 yards and three touchdowns.
As the season wraps up, the Cougars are ranked No. 21 in the College Football Playoff rankings. Looking ahead, LSU will host Clemson on September 5, 2024, marking the start of the Kiffin era, while Houston prepares to face Oregon State on the same day.
This thrilling matchup not only highlights the resilience of the Houston Cougars but also sets the stage for an exciting future for both teams. Stay tuned for more developments as the college football landscape shifts in the coming months.