Houston left the Bounce House with a win and a warning. Despite four turnovers and three interceptions from junior quarterback Conner Weigman, the Cougars muscled past UCF 30-27 on Friday night behind a bruising late ground game and two timely takeaways at Acrisure Bounce House in Orlando.

Weigman’s line was a roller coaster: 223 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions, plus 22 carries for 82 yards that repeatedly moved the chains when it mattered. After UCF (4-5, 1-5 Big 12) knotted the score late, Houston’s offensive line and backs took over, grinding out a 15-play, 62-yard march capped by senior kicker Ethan Sanchez’s 22-yard go-ahead field goal.

Sophomore running back  D.J. Butler (14 carries, 69 yards) and senior Dean Connors (10 carries, 68 yards) powered the closing drive, while junior wideout Amare Thomas and senior tight end Tanner Koziol remained the focal points in the passing game. Thomas posted six catches for 103 yards, including a 64-yard TD, and Koziol added 8 for 66.

Houston’s defense delivered the swing plays. Senior DB Latreveon McCutchin jumped a route for a 45-yard pick-6 to put UH up 14-10, and with 11 seconds left, junior DB Kentrell Webb sealed it with his first career interception, snuffing out UCF’s last gasp.

The Cougars (8–2, 5-2 Big 12) escaped with a rare win despite losing the turnover battle, but it’s now back-to-back weeks with three Weigman giveaways, an area the staff will target during the bye. Still, the takeaways, red-zone composure, and late trench dominance were enough to secure a road victory in one of the AAC’s rowdiest settings.

Next Up, the Cougars will enjoy a bye week before hosting the TCU Horned Frogs on Nov. 22.