Football Upsets #17/15 Kansas State in Wild Wet Win

HOUSTON – University of Houston sophomore quarterback Zeon Chriss rushed for 75 yards and the game-winning 41-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, threw for 103 yards and another score and added an 8-yard catch to lead the Cougars to a 24-19 win over #17/15 Kansas State inside TDECU Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Trailing 19-10 early in the fourth quarter, the Cougars scored 14 points and forced a pair of turnovers to hold the Wildcats scoreless in the final period and win their second straight game. Following last weekend's win over Utah, Houston also collected their second straight victory over the two teams picked to finish 1-2 in the Big 12 Conference Coaches Preseason Poll.

Junior defensive back Jeremiah Wilson started the comeback by intercepting Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson and returning it to the Kansas State 9 with 12:18 left in the game.

Three plays later, Chriss connected with senior tight end Maliq Carr on a 1-yard touchdown, and kicker Jake Martin's PAT pulled Houston to within 19-17 with 10:58 remaining.

The teams traded punts on the next three possessions before the Cougars took over at their 44-yard line with less than three minutes remaining.

After a Kansas State pass interference penalty moved the Cougars into Wildcat territory, Chriss took the snap, burst through the middle and outraced all KSU defenders to the end zone to give the Cougars a 24-19 advantage with 2:26 left.

Kansas State took over on the next drive and converted a first down before senior linebacker Michael Batton stepped in front of a Johnson pass and picked it off.

The Wildcats had one last opportunity with no timeouts, but Johnson's Hail Mary on the final play was knocked down by junior defensive back Latrell McCutchin Sr. in the back of the end zone as time expired.

With the win, Houston improved to 4-5 overall and 3-3 in Big 12 play. #17/15 Kansas State fell to 7-2 overall and 4-2 in league action.

Chris led all players with 75 rushing yards on 22 carries and completed all 11 pass attempts in the win. He became the first quarterback in school history to complete 100 percent of his passes in games with 10+ attempts.

Meanwhile, the Houston defense limited Kansas State to only 327 yards of total offense, including 89 rushing yards on 34 attempts, with three forced fumbles and a pair of interceptions.

With Houston playing in all black uniforms for the first time this season, the game was delayed for 55 minutes due to lightning in the area before kickoff.

Rain continued to fall throughout the game with the heaviest deluge coming in the fourth quarter.

UP NEXT
Following Saturday's game, the Cougars will enjoy their second bye weekend before returning to action at Arizona at 9:15 p.m. (CST) Friday, Nov. 15. That game will air on FS1 and can be heard on 950 AM KPRC and the Varsity Network app.

Houston closes its home schedule when it plays host to Baylor inside TDECU Stadium on Nov. 23. Game time and broadcasting network for that game will be announced soon.

Tickets for all home Football contests are available by calling 713-GO-COOGS (462-6647) during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, or by clicking here at any time.

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