Colorado vs Houston — Weigman’s Dual-Threat Night Lifts Cougars Past Buffs 36–20 in Big 12 Opener

Conner Weigman rushes for 83 and throws for 222 as Houston beats Colorado 36–20. Injury updates, player stats, how to watch, predictions and what it means for both teams.

Colorado vs Houston — the headline in one line

Conner Weigman starred as the Houston Cougars routed the Colorado Buffaloes 36–20 in their Big 12 opener at TDECU Stadium — a night of offense, a few ugly injuries, and clear early-season momentum for UH.

Why this game mattered

This matchup was more than another league game: it was Houston’s chance to show they belong in a re-aligned Big 12 and Colorado’s first true acid test under Deion Sanders. With conference positioning and national perception on the line, both programs wanted to prove their offseason work translated to the field. For Houston, a convincing home win establishes early credibility; for Colorado, a loss exposes areas needing immediate attention.

The result also has clear short-term consequences:

• Houston improves its résumé for midseason rankings and builds confidence entering a tough conference slate.
• Colorado must answer questions about offensive rhythm, run defense, and depth — especially as injuries mounted during the game.

The final score and the five most important facts (quick verification)

1. Final: Houston 36, Colorado 20.
2. Conner Weigman finished with 222 passing yards and 83 rushing yards, including two rushing TDs — the breakout performance that decided the game.
3. Dean Connors ran for 111 total yards and scored a touchdown, giving UH a powerful ground complement to Weigman’s dual-threat game.
4. Houston kicker Ethan Sanchez made five field goals (including a 52-yard kick), a major scoring factor.
5. Injury note: UH left tackle David Ndukwe suffered a lower-leg injury and was carted off; Colorado’s season plans must account for their own injury list as well.

[Note: Images are collected from Instagram]

 

Game flow — how Houston built and kept control

Houston set the tone early. The Cougars struck quickly — a 52-yard Ethan Sanchez field goal and a Dean Connors 4-yard touchdown put UH up 10–0 after the game’s opening possessions. Houston kept pressure on Colorado with a balanced approach: effective short-to-intermediate passing from Weigman mixed with explosive runs from Connors. By halftime the Cougars led comfortably; Colorado staged spurts but couldn’t sustain consistent drives against Houston’s defense. In the second half, UH stretched the lead with a mixture of field goals and touchdowns while the Buffaloes managed only flashes of offensive life. UH’s defense forced several three-and-outs and turnovers that swung momentum decisively in the Cougars’ favor.

Key statline: Houston finished with 431 total yards (including 209 rushing yards), while Colorado totaled 300 yards (with only 96 rushing yards), underlining Houston’s control of both lines of scrimmage.

Standout performers — players who changed the game

Conner Weigman — The breakout star

Weigman looked comfortable and explosive in his first season as UH’s starting QB. He mixed crisp deep throws with aggressive zone-read looks, finishing with 222 passing yards and 83 rushing yards, including two touchdown runs that turned forth-and-short situations into scoring plays. His mobility kept Colorado defenders honest and opened lanes for the ground game.

Dean Connors — The ex-Buffalo making a statement

Facing his former school, Dean Connors delivered a huge night: 111 total yards and a touchdown, highlighted by a long 54-yard sprint that pushed UH’s lead and deflated Buffalo momentum. Connors’ performance gave the Cougars an effective one-two punch with Weigman.

Ethan Sanchez — The unsung hero

Houston’s kicker provided steady scoring with five field goals, including a long 52-yard boot. Those three-point plays proved critical as they allowed UH to extend leads without always needing touchdowns.

Houston defense — timely takeaways

The Cougars defense limited Colorado in key moments: they forced turnovers, registered three sacks and clamped down on the ground game in the third quarter, allowing UH to control clock and field position. Colorado finished with just 96 rushing yards, a stat the Buffs’ staff will examine closely.

 

Injury report & roster implications

The game was marred by injury scares that could affect both teams down the stretch:

• David Ndukwe (UH LT) suffered a lower-leg injury early and was carted off; the team listed him as hospitalized for evaluation. UH shuffled its line after the injury and still managed to sustain a productive rushing attack. Coach Willie Fritz cautioned about the recovery timeline and the need to protect the left side in the coming weeks.
• Houston also reported other line — and availability — concerns (e.g., McKenzie Agnello exiting with an undisclosed injury), which may prompt depth tests ahead of their trip to Oregon State.
• Colorado entered the game with a few injury questions and left with fresh ones; their limited rushing output (96 yards) suggests they must evaluate offensive line performance and running back health as Big 12 play ramps up.

Both staffs will have less than two weeks to prepare for their next games; monitoring practice reports and injury updates (team sites and beat reports) will be vital.

Tactical breakdown — what worked for Houston, what hurt Colorado

Houston’s blueprint

1. Establish QB mobility: Weigman’s ability to run opened seams against Colorado’s linebackers — his 83 rushing yards kept the Buffs off balance.
2. Balanced attack: UH mixed high-percentage throws, explosive outside runs (Connors) and field-goal range efficiency (Sanchez’s five kicks) to keep drives alive and converts points off stalled possessions.
3. Defensive pressure: Late-quarter stands and forced punts prevented Colorado from turning momentum in the third quarter. UH’s front seven created pressure without gambling away coverage responsibilities.

Colorado’s issues

1. Run game failure: Only 96 rushing yards were gained on the night — Colorado couldn’t sustain long drives via ground control, which allowed UH to dictate tempo.
2. Third-down conversion: Colorado struggled on third downs in key moments, leading to punts and short fields that favored the Cougars’ attack.
3. Turnovers & penalties: While not a box-score bloodbath, Colorado’s self-inflicted mistakes at critical times killed drives and momentum. Defensive adjustments will be necessary ahead of their next game.

Coaches’ take & locker-room tone

• Willie Fritz (Houston) praised his team’s discipline and Weigman’s leadership while expressing cautious optimism about injured players. Fritz highlighted the offensive line’s depth in handling the Ndukwe injury and lauded Sanchez’s clutch kicking.
• Deion Sanders (Colorado) acknowledged his team’s fight to close the gap but admitted UH’s consistent drives were decisive. Sanders emphasized corrections on the running game and third-down situations in practice this week. He also warned that the Buffaloes’ season goals depend on how quickly the team responds to league adversity.

What the result means for the season — short and medium term

Houston Cougars

• Momentum builder: By starting 3–0 (first time since 2016), Houston establishes early confidence and shows they can execute in the Big 12. The offense now has a clear identity — dual threat QB with a powerful complementary run game.
• Schedule & rankings: UH’s next notable nonconference test is Oregon State — a trip that will test their depth and health; how the Cougars handle injuries will influence mid-season ranking movement.

Colorado Buffaloes

• Response required: As inheritors of high expectations under Deion Sanders, the Buffaloes must answer quickly. The staff will prioritize run-game fixes and in-game adjustments as Big 12 play intensifies.
• Player development: Younger players must step up in run blocking and pass protection to avoid a season-long hole in consistency.

Betting & prediction takeaways (what oddsmakers will watch)

Before kickoff many outlets projected a tight game with Houston as the slight favorite (lines varied across sportsbooks). Postgame, bets and prop markets will react to:

• Weigman’s breakout: His passing/rushing upside will raise expectations and future QB prop lines.
• Injury effects: The Ndukwe injury raises liability for future lines; bettors should watch official injury reports and depth chart changes.
• College football markets: Vegas books may tighten Big 12 futures based on UH’s dominant performance. Early money on Cougars may now be slightly more expensive.

If you’re making a short-term pick: monitor injury reports, watch Weigman’s practice reports and consider line movement into the Oregon State game.

The icing on the cake 🍰@WrookB pic.twitter.com/4jtDXlJwgT

— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) September 13, 2025

 

How to watch & follow (where to watch Colorado vs Houston)

If you missed the live broadcast, here’s how fans can follow and rewatch:

• Live TV / streaming (game day): National coverage and local regional networks carried the game — check CBS Sports, ESPN or your conference partner listings.
• Full replay & highlights: ESPN’s game page and the official UH athletics site host extended highlights and condensed replays. YouTube and team channels display key plays and postgame interviews.
• Box score & play-by-play: Visit ESPN, UH’s official boxscore page, or Colorado’s official site for complete drive charts, player stats and scoring summaries.

Final take — Houston established an identity; Colorado has work to do

Friday’s Colorado vs Houston matchup revealed a clear winner and several storylines. Houston’s balanced, explosive offense — led by Conner Weigman and Dean Connors — controlled the game and built a convincing win that will resonate as the Cougars enter their conference schedule. The Buffaloes, meanwhile, showed flashes but must shore up the run game, clean penalties and figure out how to handle dual-threat quarterbacks in a loaded Big 12.

Expect both programs to evolve quickly: Houston to manage injuries and keep momentum, Colorado to adjust schemes and try to get back on track. For neutral fans this game was a preview of the Big 12’s physicality and the kind of midseason battles that will determine bowl placements and ranking climbs.

 

Quick FAQ (fans ask)

Q: What was the final score of Colorado vs Houston?
A: Houston 36, Colorado 20. (ESPN.com)

Q: How did Conner Weigman perform?
A: He passed for 222 yards and rushed for 83 yards, with two rushing TDs. (Houston Chronicle)

Q: Who is Dean Connors and how did he play?
A: Dean Connors is Houston’s running back (and a transfer with ties to Colorado); he had 111 total yards and a touchdown in the win. (SI)

Q: Was there a major injury?
A: UH left tackle David Ndukwe suffered a lower-leg injury and was taken to a hospital; updates will come from UH medical staff. (Houston Chronicle)

Q: Where can I watch highlights and box score?
A: ESPN and UH’s official athletics site host highlights and the full box score. (ESPN.com)