Texas running back CJ Baxter ran in a 16-yard touchdown and Houston failed to convert a key fourth-and-inches down as the No. 8 Longhorns claimed a 31-24 win on Saturday afternoon.
Houston kicker Jack Martin made a 40-yard field goal to tie the game at 24 points apiece with 7:43 left in the fourth quarter.
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It took six plays for Texas to answer back, as Baxter found a hole and punched it in 16 yards later to give the Longhorns the lead 31-24.
The Cougars began their final drive at their own 25-yard line and marched down the field. On third and 1 from Texas’ 10-yard line, Houston running back Stacy Sneed rushed for no gain as his forward progress was stopped.
The referees spotted the football back at the 10-yard line, and Cougars quarterback Donovan Smith’s pass intended for Stephon Johnson Jr. to the right fell incomplete, sealing the Longhorns’ first win since falling to No. 5 Oklahoma in Week 6.
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Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers exited the game due to injury midway through the third quarter. He finished with 211 passing yards and two touchdowns, and backup Maalik Murphy went 1-of-2 for seven yards.
Smith finished with 378 passing yards, three touchdowns and an interception. Houston outgained Texas 392 yards to 360.
