Conner Weigman's 3 second-half touchdowns rally No. 20 Houston past UCF 27-17

Conner Weigman's incredible second-half performances propelled No. 20 Houston to a 27-17 victory over Central Florida on Saturday. The Cougars quarterback completed 239 yards and rushed for three touchdowns in the second half, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. Houston's defense, led by Re’Shaun Sanford II with 62 rushing yards, and Patrick Overmyer with six receptions for 76 yards, were crucial in the win.

Houston trailed 17-0 early, but Weigman's 19-yard touchdown run with 3½ minutes left in the third quarter ignited the rally. They extended the lead to three after an interception by Latreveon McCutchin of Keyone Jenkins, who returned it 17 yards to the UCF 2. Two plays later, Weigman rushed for another touchdown to cut the lead to three.

Another UCF three-and-out led to a 11-play, 62-yard drive that culminated in Weigman scoring from one yard out, giving Houston a 21-17 lead. Jonathan Dimas contributed two field goals to widen the margin to 10. Central Florida's Latreveon McCutchin had a notable interception, returning it 17 yards for his team. The Knights' final drive saw them gain only 65 yards and a first down over their last five attempts, highlighting Houston's dominance.

Jonathan Derry was instrumental for UCF with seven receptions for 101 yards, while Duke Watson contributed 50 yards on the ground. Despite a 17-0 halftime lead, UCF struggled to maintain momentum, only gaining 65 more yards and a first down in their final five drives. Houston's strong finish could help them maintain their position in the AP Top 25 poll. Looking ahead, UCF faces No. 19 Oklahoma State, while Houston will host Kansas State.