HOUSTON — Donovan Smith threw for 233 yards and two touchdowns, Samuel Brown had 106 yards receiving and Houston held on for a 17-14 win over UTSA on Saturday night in a season opener and the Cougars’ first game as a Big 12 Conference member.
Smith, who was 22-of-34 passing, threw touchdown passes of eight yards to Joseph Manjack IV in the first quarter and six yards to Matthew Golden in the third as Houston built a 17-7 lead. The Cougars finished with 334 yards of offense.
Frank Harris was 18 of 36 for 209 yards passing with a touchdown, but he was intercepted three times. Kevorian Barnes rushed for 103 yards and a touchdown for UTSA, which finished with 417 yards.
After UTSA cut the lead to three on a 20-yard touchdown pass from Harris to Joshua Cephus with 5:42 remaining, Houston was able to run out the clock, including a crucial 3-yard gain by Smith to just get the first down with 1:45 remaining.
Houston has beaten UTSA in consecutive season openers after outlasting the Roadrunners, 37-35, in triple overtime last season in San Antonio.
THE TAKEAWAY
UTSA: The Roadrunners, which joined the American Athletic Conference this season, had issues staying on the field going 4 for 13 on third downs. … UTSA had an even offense with 209 yards passing and 208 yards rushing.
Houston: The Cougars’ defense kept Harris under pressure for most of the night, which contributed to the three interceptions. Two of the interceptions were by Malik Fleming. Houston had issues rushing the ball, finishing with 101 yards on the ground.
LUV YA HOUSTON
The Cougars wore alternate “Luv Ya Houston” uniforms, which paid homage to the “Luv Ya Blue” Houston Oilers jerseys. The jerseys are a powder blue with Houston in italics on the helmet.
UP NEXT
UTSA: Hosts Texas State Saturday.
Houston: Plays at crosstown rival Rice on Saturday before hosting TCU on Sept. 16 in its Big 12 Conference opener.
