Once again, the Oklahoma State Cowboys were off to a good start and it appeared they might be headed for a victory, but just like previous weeks, OSU could not maintain the momentum and Houston beat OSU, 39-17, on Saturday at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater.

Houston is now 5-1 overall, for the first time since 2021, and 2-1 in the Big 12. OSU dropped to 1-5, 0-3 Big 12.

“I thought our guys did a really good job,” said Houston head coach Willie Fritz. “We got an opportunity to play a lot of our guys. I know this is a tough situation for these guys (OSU), but I was proud of our guys how we battled, offense, defense and kicking game.”

The Cowboys scored on their first possession of the game with a trick play. OSU quarterback Sam Jackson V threw a pass to Shamar Rigby in the left flats and Rigby connected with a wide-open Rodney Fields for a 63-yard scoring play. It was the longest passing touchdown for the Cowboys since September 28, 2024, at Kansas State.

Jackson, who has primarily played at the wide receiver position this season, made his first OSU start at quarterback, due to injuries to Zane Flores and Hauss Hejny. It marked his fourth collegiate start at quarterback, with his previous three coming during his time at California.

Houston responded quickly on their first drive capped with a three-yard touchdown run by quarterback Conner Weigman, and the score was tied 7-7 with 7:43 left in the first quarter.

Just before the end of the first quarter, the Cougars extended their lead with a 46-yard field goal by Ethan Sanchez.

With 13:01 left in the second quarter, OSU recovered a fumble by the Houston punter on the Houston 22-yard line. Two penalties later, the Cowboys had to settle for a 37-yard field goal by Logan Ward, to tie the game, 10-10.

After that, Houston controlled the rest of the game.

The Cougars scored back-to-back touchdowns in the second quarter to take a 24-10 lead into halftime.

Sanchez kicked three more field goals in the second half from 48, 30 and 29 yards.

Houston had a 39-10 lead before OSU scored late in the fourth quarter when Noah Walters connected with Gavin Freeman for a 33-yard touchdown. Walters was making his first appearance at OSU and replaced Jackson in the fourth quarter.

For the Cougars, Weigman completed 21-of-30 passes for 306 yards and two touchdowns, with no interceptions. Connors carried the ball 15 times for 83 yards and one touchdown. Amare Thomas caught seven passes for a career high 157 yards.

Fritz was happy with his quarterback’s performance considering he was nursing an injury and missed some practice time this week.

“He did a good job, you know, he didn’t have the whole week of practice,” Fritz said. “That last ball he threw was beautiful. He did a good job running and leading the offense. That’s what we expect out of him. He’s an excellent leader and very good quarterback.”

Houston outgained OSU 485 to 225 on total yards, including 166 to 45 on the ground, and the Cougars had 25 first downs compared to OSU’s 10

For OSU, Jackson completed 7-of-16 passes for 84 yards. Fields picked up 44 yards on 14 carries.

OSU will be home again this Saturday to host Cincinnati, kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.