Houston Upsets Kansas State in Thrilling Finale
HOUSTON — In a remarkable comeback, Zeon Chriss led Houston to a 24-19 victory over No. 17 Kansas State on Saturday, throwing for 103 yards and a touchdown without a single incompletion. The Cougars found themselves down 19-10 as the fourth quarter began, but Chriss quickly changed the tide of the game.
With 11 minutes remaining, Chriss connected with Maliq Carr for a 1-yard touchdown pass to narrow the gap. Following a successful defensive stand that forced Kansas State to punt, Chriss showcased his dual-threat capabilities by sprinting 41 yards for another touchdown with just 2:31 left on the clock.
Finishing the day with an impressive 11 completions on 11 attempts, Chriss added 75 rushing yards and even contributed an 8-yard reception to the offensive stats. Impressively, he also registered an interception on Kansas State’s Avery Johnson during the Wildcats’ next possession.
Despite a late-game punt by Houston with only 40 seconds remaining, Kansas State managed to push to the Houston 39-yard line. However, Johnson’s desperation pass was swatted away, securing the win for the Cougars.
This victory marks a significant achievement for Houston, as it is their first win over a ranked opponent since they defeated No. 19 SMU back in October 2021. Earlier in the game, Donovan Smith contributed to the score with a 1-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, providing Houston an early 7-3 advantage.
Kansas State’s Avery Johnson completed 23 of 39 passes for 238 yards, throwing one touchdown along with two interceptions. Johnson connected with teammate Keagan Johnson for a 7-yard touchdown with just nine seconds left in the first half, which allowed Kansas State to enter halftime with a 16-10 lead. Keagan Johnson ended the game with 76 receiving yards.
DJ Giddens also played a key role for Kansas State, rushing for 50 yards and a touchdown. The Wildcats outpaced the Cougars in total yardage, gaining 327 yards compared to Houston’s 232. However, the start of the game was marred by a 55-minute delay due to lightning.
The implications of the game weigh heavy for Kansas State, as this loss jeopardizes their chances of qualifying for the Big 12 championship and even consideration for the College Football Playoff. For Houston, the game showcased a marked improvement as they successfully converted all three of their red zone opportunities, especially after struggling in their previous game against Utah.
Following this outcome, Kansas State faces the possibility of falling out of the rankings after the defeat. The Wildcats will next host Arizona State on November 16, while Houston prepares to visit Arizona on November 15.