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Weigman’s Late Surge Powers Houston to 27-17 Victory Over UCF

Conner Weigman scored three second-half touchdowns to lead the No. 20 Houston Cougars past the UCF Knights 27-17 at TDECU Stadium. The late rally capped a season record of 4-1 for Houston.

Theo Vance

October 4, 20262 min read

Stadium Comeback - illustration, Jake Team LLC
NCAA FootballFinal
UCF Knights17
Houston Cougars27

October 3, 2026

Late Rally Decides the Duel

Conner Weigman’s relentless drive in the final two quarters was the defining factor as the No. 20 Houston Cougars defeated the UCF Knights 27-17 on Saturday at TDECU Stadium. The home team overcame a 17-0 deficit entering the fourth quarter to secure a victory that improved their season record to 4-1. Meanwhile, the visiting Knights fell to 3-2 in the contest.

The game featured a stark contrast in offensive momentum, with Houston’s backfield generating the decisive points while UCF struggled to maintain its early lead in the second half.

Scoring Sequence

The Knights established an early advantage with a 13-yard pass from Keyone Jenkins to Josh Derry in the first quarter, followed by a 30-yard field goal from Will Stone in the second. Jenkins added a 5-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter to extend the lead to 17-0.

However, the tide turned quickly as Weigman scored on a 19-yard run, followed immediately by a 1-yard touchdown, bringing Houston within seven points. In the fourth quarter, Weigman capped his scoring spree with another 1-yard touchdown to give Houston the lead at 21-17.

The Cougars then sealed the win with two field goals from Jonathan Dimas, first from 40 yards and then from 46 yards, to close the scoring at 27-17.

Statistical Highlights

Weigman’s performance was central to the comeback, though he also contributed significantly to the passing attack with 239 yards on 18 of 33 attempts. On the ground, Re’Shaun Sanford II provided a steady presence with 62 yards on 18 carries. In the receiving corps, Patrick Overmyer led Houston with 76 yards on six catches.

For UCF, Jenkins was the primary playmaker, throwing for 253 yards on 23 of 35 attempts with one touchdown and one interception. Duke Watson rushed for 50 yards on nine carries, while Josh Derry led the Knights in receiving with 101 yards on seven catches, including one touchdown.

Final Stance

The attendance at TDECU Stadium was 25,593, witnessing a game where Houston’s second-half execution proved superior. The Cougars’ ability to convert pressure into points in the final twelve minutes was the difference maker. With the final whistle, Houston stands at 4-1, while UCF’s record is now 3-2.

The outcome reflects the impact of Weigman’s three second-half touchdowns in shifting the momentum decisively in favor of the home team.

Sources

ESPN

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Theo Vance

Theo Vance writes about Frisco sports, from high school programs to the city's pro and collegiate teams.

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