Houston survives 'Space battle' over UCF with 30-27 win

Jeff Hauser

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Houston survives 'Space battle' over UCF with 30-27 win image

Connor Weigman threw for 223 yards and two touchdowns despite being intercepted three times as Houston escaped with a 30-27 win over UCF on Friday night in the Knights’ annual “Space Game.”

The Cougars (8-2, 5-2 Big 12) outgained UCF 443-282 and clinched their best start since 2021 under second-year coach Willie Fritz. Houston sealed the victory with an eight-minute fourth-quarter drive capped by Ethan Sanchez’s 22-yard field goal.

Backup quarterback Davi Belfort led UCF (4-5, 1-5) to the Houston 24-yard line in the final minute, but his pass intended for Duane Thomas Jr. Was intercepted in the end zone to end the rally. Tayven Jackson finished with 136 yard passing and an interception. 

UCF raced to a 10-0 lead behind Myles Montgomery’s 1-yard touchdown run before Houston stormed back with a 64-yard touchdown pass from Weigman to Amare Thomas and a 45-yard interception return by Latreveon McCutchin.

Phillip Dunnam nearly swung the game for the Knights with three interceptions, including a 43-yard pick-six late in the second quarter to give UCF a 24-14 lead.

But Houston’s offense steadied behind running back Dean Connors, who caught a 9-yard touchdown to tie the game at 24. Sanchez’s third field goal, following Belfort’s late interception, preserved Houston’s third consecutive road win and kept its Big 12 title hopes alive.

UCF must win two of its final three games to secure bowl eligibility.

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Staff Writer