Sanchez kicks game-winning field goal to give Houston 27-24 win over Oregon State
Houston defeated Oregon State 27-24 in overtime on Sept. 26 at Reser Stadium. Ethan Sanchez kicked a 24-yard field goal in the extra period to secure the victory for Houston.
Oregon State built a 14-0 lead in the first half. Jake Reichle opened the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, and Maalik Murphy threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Marquis Crosby early in the second quarter. Houston responded with a 25-yard field goal by Sanchez and a 1-yard touchdown run by Conner Weigman to cut the deficit to 14-10. Before halftime, Latrell McCutchin Sr. blocked a 49-yard field goal attempt by Oregon State's Caleb Ojeda.
Ojeda extended Oregon State's lead with a 31-yard field goal in the third quarter. Cornell Hatcher Jr. then ran for an 18-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, putting Oregon State ahead 24-10.
Houston answered with two passing touchdowns from Weigman to tie the game. Weigman threw a 27-yard touchdown pass to Stephon Johnson and a 50-yard touchdown pass to Tanner Koziol. Oregon State attempted a 46-yard field goal on the final play of regulation, but Will James blocked Cameron Smith's kick.
In overtime, Oregon State turned the ball over on downs after Hatcher Jr. was stopped for no gain on fourth-and-1 at the Houston 16-yard line. Houston took possession and drove to the 6-yard line before Sanchez converted the game-winning field goal.
Weigman completed 20 of 36 passes for 270 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Amare Thomas caught six passes for 104 yards, while Koziol added six receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown. Dean Connors led Houston on the ground with 53 yards on 17 carries. Sione Fotu recorded a team-high 15 tackles.
For Oregon State, Murphy completed 20 of 33 passes for 201 yards and one touchdown. Hatcher Jr. rushed 17 times for 93 yards and a touchdown, and Anthony Hankerson carried the ball 23 times for 74 yards. Trent Walker caught seven passes for 103 yards. Aiden Sullivan tallied 13 tackles.
Houston generated 352 total yards of offense, while Oregon State finished with 390 total yards. Houston improved its record to 4-0, and Oregon State fell to 0-5.