The Houston Cougars had been chasing six wins in general during their first two seasons in the Big 12. But in year three holding membership in the conference, Houston got to six wins — if you only count the road games.
The Cougars concluded the 2025 campaign at 6-0 on the road, holding off Baylor 31-24 in a closely-contested finish in Waco. By spoiling the Bears’ senior day, Houston (9-3, 6-3 Big 12) denied Baylor (5-7, 3-6 Big 12) bowl eligibility.
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Houston had been subject to slow starts lately, but the Cougars saw a welcome change in the regular season finale. Conner Weigman hit Amare Thomas on a crossing route for a 27-yard touchdown on the opening series, marking the team’s first opening drive touchdown in five games. On the other side, Houston’s defense played a spectacular opening frame by forcing two crucial turnovers inside Cougar territory. Inside linebacker Carmycah Glass deflected a ball high into the air, and cornerback Marc Stampley II made an athletic grab to secure the floating ball in the end zone for the unit’s first takeaway. Then on the ensuing drive, Brandon Mack produced a strip sack to stall a promising Baylor drive, and inside linebacker Sione Fotu pounced on the ball for a Houston recover.
Houston continued to build on its early momentum as Weigman rushed in a 28-yard touchdown down the left sideline to create a 14-0 lead. The Bears notched three Connor Hawkins field goals in the second quarter to slice the deficit to 17-9, but the Cougars rebuilt cushion in the third quarter. Set up by his own 42-yard scamper, Weigman punched in his second rushing touchdown and 11th of the season to rewrite the score to 24-9 — Houston’s largest of the game.
But Baylor is no stranger to erasing two-touchdown fourth quarter deficits. The Bears erased a 38-24 fourth quarter deficit to SMU in September and a 31-17 fourth quarter deficit to Kansas State in October, emerging victorious in both down-to-the-wire finishes. With the ever-explosive Sawyer Robertson leading the charge, Baylor found itself right back in the mix. Robertson guided two touchdown drives early in the frame, completing a 31-yard heave to Josh Cameron on 4th and 9 with 8:53 remaining in the contest, knotting the score at 24 apiece.
Houston responded with an incredibly efficient drive, consuming 6:52 of clock on a 15-play drive comprised of runs and quick passes. The Cougars were required to overcome a 4th and 7 on the drive, and Weigman delivered a dime to Thomas to extend the series. Right after the 2-minute timeout, senior running back Dean Connors plunged into the end zone to recreate a Houston advantage at 31-24.
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Baylor looked poised to respond with a 48-yard completion to initiate its final drive, and the Bears traveled as far as the Houston 13-yard line. Upon reaching striking distance, Houston defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong dialed up the pressure. Robertson threw four-straight incompletions to conclude the game, with Latrell McCutchin breaking up his only potential touchdown pass on the third down try.
In the winning effort, Weigman reset his career-high in rushing yards for the fourth time this season and for the second consecutive game. The quarterback rushed for 121 yards and two touchdowns, producing his third 100-yard outing in his debut year as a Cougar. He also delivered 201 passing yards with Thomas responsible for 97. On the other side, Robertson concluded his college career with his 11th 300-yard game as a Bear and seventh of the 2025 season. The Bears barely out-gained Houston 421-417, but the early turnovers and the Cougars’ impressive fourth down efficiency (4-of-5) were deciding factors in this in-state showdown.
Baylor clinched its fourth losing season in a 5-year span. The Bears committed to retaining head coach Dave Aranda for the 2026 season, releasing a statement on Nov. 21 to address the matter. Without a bowl game, Baylor turns the page to next season after dropping five of its final six.
Houston’s 2025 is far from over. The Cougars can clinch a 10th victory in their upcoming bowl game, continuing to build on their winningest season since their American Conference days of 2021. Fritz’s team will learn of its bowl destination on Sunday, Dec. 7, earning its first shot at a postseason matchup under the Big 12 label.
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