Weigman's Third-Quarter Surge Powers No. 20 Houston Past UCF 27-17

A Decisive Third-Quarter Turnaround

The momentum shifted dramatically in the third quarter when No. 20 Houston quarterback Conner Weigman took control of the game. Entering the final two frames, the Cougars trailed the visiting UCF Knights 17-0. However, Weigman responded with a 19-yard rushing touchdown, followed immediately by a one-yard score. This rapid succession of plays cut the deficit to 17-7 and set the stage for a fourth-quarter comeback. The Cougars ultimately secured the 27-17 victory at TDECU Stadium in front of 25,593 fans on Saturday, October 3, 2026.

Scoring Breakdown

UCF established an early lead with a 13-yard pass from Keyone Jenkins to Josh Derry in the first quarter. Will Stone extended that advantage with a 30-yard field goal in the second quarter. Jenkins added a 5-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter to make it 17-0. The turning point came when Weigman scored twice in that same period. In the fourth quarter, Weigman added a third touchdown on a one-yard run. Houston kicker Jonathan Dimas sealed the result with field goals from 40 and 46 yards out.

Key Performances

Weigman was the offensive engine for Houston, completing 18 of 33 passes for 239 yards. His rushing threat was vital, as he accounted for three touchdowns. On the ground, Re'Shaun Sanford II provided a steady presence with 18 carries for 62 yards. Patrick Overmyer led the receiving corps with six catches for 76 yards. For UCF, Jenkins completed 23 of 35 passes for 253 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception while also rushing for a score. Duke Watson carried the ball nine times for 50 yards, and Josh Derry was the primary target with seven receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown.

Final Records

The win improves Houston’s record to 4-1, while UCF drops to 3-2. The Cougars' ability to overcome a double-digit deficit highlights their resilience on the road for UCF, though the game was played at home in Houston. The final score of 27-17 reflects a game defined by Weigman's individual performance and Houston's late-game execution.

Sources

ESPN