Cougars claw back, capture W over Orange
Article By: THE HOUSTON POST
Staff writer
Lincoln Financial Field - Philadelphia, PA – The Houston Cougars narrowly escaped a relentless second-half comeback by the Syracuse Orangemen in a nail-biting ACC vs. Big 12 Challenge showdown on Monday night. "When we got down for the first time I got to thinking, I missed RAW for THIS!", coach Yragha1 said jokingly. Despite leading 24-7 early, Houston found themselves trailing 35-34 with just over a minute remaining. However, a late touchdown with only 20 seconds left gave them the 42-35 victory and redeemed their spirits after last week’s humbling 35-0 loss to the Kansas Jayhawks.
Senior quarterback Donovan Smith led the charge for the Cougars, completing an impressive 30 of 36 passes for a staggering 469 yards, three touchdowns, and only one interception. His precise arm and command in the pocket helped the Cougars overcome defensive struggles that saw them surrender 413 total yards to Syracuse—200 on the ground and 213 through the air. Syracuse quarterbacking and a powerful run game kept the Houston defense on its toes all night, as the Orangemen steadily chipped away at a 24-14 halftime deficit.
The game’s momentum swung dramatically in the fourth quarter. Syracuse took its first lead of the night, 35-34, with just over a minute to play. Coach Rags’s Houston squad, however, displayed resilience, responding with a determined final drive that concluded with a decisive touchdown. "We didn't mean to leave them anytime, I told the guys run down the clock, they had used their timeout's and I'll call ours with :03 on the clock, kick the field goal and we'll go back to our hotel and celebrate. What happens? Re'Shaun (Sanford) gets pulled in from the 2yd line and they get a chance to throw." Despite Syracuse's dynamic playmaking, the Houston defense came up with a crucial turnover on the game’s final play, sealing the Cougars’ hard-fought win.
After the game, Coach Rags praised Syracuse coach Mberokoff’s preparation and gave respect to the challenging matchup in their first head-to-head meeting. "He had his squad well-prepared—props to him," Rags said. "As long as we’ve both been around the NDL, this is our first meeting, although I know his brother very well as we both run similar versions of the spread offense. Great game; could’ve gone any which way, but luckily the last break went ours. Go Coogs!"
Houston’s defensive struggles may still be a concern for the Cougars, but Smith’s veteran leadership and playmaking ability helped lift them to a dramatic win in Philadelphia. The victory moves Houston back in a positive direction, proving they can hold strong even when the momentum shifts against them. The Cougars (2-4 on the regular season) will look to build on this comeback effort as they prepare for their next matchup in what promises to be a challenging Big 12 schedule.
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