Technically, the No. 24 ranked Houston Cougars defeated the University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners in the season-opening game between the two teams on Saturday. More accurately, though, the Cougars survived, prevailing 37-35 in a triple-overtime classic.
UTSA led 21-7 entering the fourth quarter. But Houston scored a touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter. Then, after an interception, the Cougars tied the game on the first play of the ensuing offensive possession. Houston then forced a punt and drove to kick a field goal to go ahead 24-21, seemingly completing the comeback. In reality, the fun was only just beginning.
The Roadrunners moved down the field quickly, which gave kicker Jared Sackett a chance to send the game to double overtime with a 37-yard field goal. He did not miss.
TIE GAME!!! Jared Sackett sends us to OT with a 37-yard field goal 🤩#210TriangleOfToughness #LetsGo210 | #BirdsUp 🤙 pic.twitter.com/0usTW2jhDG
— UTSA Football 🏈 (@UTSAFTBL) September 3, 2022
Houston and UTSA then exchanged field goals in the first overtime. Then, after a dramatic exchange of touchdowns and two-point conversions in double overtime, the game went into triple overtime, where the game would be decided in a battle of two-point conversions.
The Cougars went first and after a false start, scored on a keeper from quarterback Clayton Tune. Officially, Tune ran for the eight yards. In reality, he flew for the final part of the play.
CLAYTON TUNE FOR THE W!!!#GoCoogs pic.twitter.com/elbTh68HXd
— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) September 3, 2022
With that, the Roadrunners had one play to answer. The Houston defense, though, was up to the task and stopped UTSA to end the game.
https://twitter.com/MrMatthewCFB/status/1566210119360200709
The wild game captivated the college football world, who loved the intense and exciting battle between the two programs.
UTSA Vs Houston game right now!! 🔥🔥🔥
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) September 3, 2022
This UTSA-Houston game is just stupid good.
— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) September 3, 2022
This Houston/UTSA game is absolutely bonkers.
— Big Game Boomer (@BigGameBoomer) September 3, 2022
Houston and UTSA just played the game of the week
neither team deserved a loss. Houston's quest to 12-0 will continue and we'll see how UTSA bounces back.
Unreal game!
— The Transfer Portal CFB (@TPortalCFB) September 3, 2022
HOUSTON WINS IN TRIPLE OT! What an effort by U.H. QB Clayton Tune! He flies into the end zone for a two-point conversion. UTSA fails to match it and the University of Houston comes away with a dramatic 37-35 victory. I’m exhausted and I didn’t play a down. @UHouston #khou11
— The Bishop (@BillBishopKHOU) September 3, 2022
Hell of an effort from UTSA in the second opener vs Houston. What a wild game.
— JJ Perez (@theJJPerez) September 3, 2022
My sincere gratitude to Houston and UTSA for that game.
— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) September 3, 2022
Time to make Houston-UTSA a permanent rivalry
— Matt Brown (@MattBrownCFB) September 3, 2022
Time will tell if this will become a permanent rivalry — but we will get a rematch next year. The Cougars will host the Roadrunners in the first game of the 2023 season next September.
That game will have quite a contest to live up to.
About Michael Dixon
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