Houston defensive back Zaylen Cormier (22) holding up the cougar paw after an NCAA college football match between the Houston Cougars and the Texas Tech Raiders, Friday, September 18, 2026 in Lubbock, Texas. | Gillian Wisniewski/The Cougar
No. 14 Houston Cougars visited the No. 10 Utah Utes in a major battle for the top of Big 12. The game was close, but Houston ended up losing after a game-winning interception sealed the victory for Utah.
This loss is the first time Utah has won against Houston all time and it is also the first time the Cougars were back on College GameDay in 15 years. While the loss on prime-time television may sting for the team, Houston still remains bowl-eligible heading into their next game against Cincinnati.
Game recap
Utah started off the game with a powerful drive that had backed Houston into a corner early in the game. They were able to get into the Houston 41, but ended up punting away their chance at a touchdown after failing to get past third down.
Houston took the ball on their next possession but fail to do anything with it as well, punting away their chances at a score early in the game. The first quarter ended with nobody being able to score, and both defenses were able to take over the game.
The second quarter started off much like the first, but Houston began to trickle in some points after the Utah defense started showing signs of exhaustion. The half ended with a 3-0 lead for Houston, but the second half began to spell doom for the Cougars.
Houston entered the second half with a touchdown, but the Utes responded with a touchdown of their own leaving the score at 10-7.
The shootout between fifth-year Houston quarterback Conner Weigman and senior Utah quarterback Devon Dampier continued late in the third quarter, and Utah took a one-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.
The fourth quarter was chaos for the Utes, as two major takeaways from the Houston defense kept Houston in the game. However, Houston had a turnover of their own and Dampier rushed it in to seal the Cougars’ fate.
The game ended in heartbreaking fashion as Houston wasn’t able to capitalize on their turnovers and ended up losing because of it. Utah remains undefeated throughout the season and Houston will be leaving Salt Lake City with their first loss to Utah in program history.
“It was a great opportunity for us,” said Houston Head Coach Willie Fritz on the loss. “Unfortunately we didn’t take advantage of it.”
What’s next?
Houston now looks to week ten as they come back home to face off against the Cincinnati Bearcats in what will be a get-right game for the Cougars.
Houston will also have a bye week for the upcoming week, and it will be a crucial week to rest and recharge. Players like senior tight end Patrick Overmyer and Weigman need time to heal up before their game against the Bearcats.
“He’s been a great weapon in the red zone,” said Fritz on Overmyer’s injury after their game against Utah. “Obviously we weren’t able to have him down there. We still need to score and get some points out of it. We didn’t take advantage of the great field position.”
While Houston may not be in contention for the Big 12 championship for this year, the chances to make a major bowl game still remain. And while the Cougars are still ranked in the AP poll for this week, the chances of keeping that spot will be in the hands of fate.
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