Houston’s defense stole the show as the Cougars opened the season with a 27-0 win over Stephen F. Austin at TDECU Stadium, achieving the program’s first season-opening shutout since 1989 and the first shutout in a Week 1 game in 36 years (the last came in back-to-back 60-0 and 69-0 wins in 1988-89).
A standout on defense, Latrell McCutchin Sr. helped anchor a unit that limited SFA to 144 total yards, with 56 of those coming on the Jacks’ final two possessions. Houston’s defense also forced two interceptions, while SFA managed only seven first downs and didn’t reach UH’s side of the field after mid–third quarter.
On offense, quarterback Conner Weigman, the former five-star transfer from Texas A&M, guided a more polished attack than a year ago. He finished 15 of 24 for 159 yards and added 39 rushing yards. Weigman connected on three touchdown passes—11 yards to Tanner Koziol, 39 yards to J’Marion Burnette, and 20 yards to Amare Thomas—showing off a balanced passing game complemented by a ground game that produced multiple big plays.
Koziol, a 6-foot-7 transfer from Ball State, was a focal point in the air, pulling in seven catches for 63 yards and snagging a highlight reel touchdown on a high ball in the corner of the end zone. Burnette contributed a 39-yard scoring grab as part of Houston’s early 17-point lead, and Weigman’s 39-yard connection to Burnette came on a stretch that helped spark a 96-yard drive late in the second quarter.
Houston finished with 343 total yards, compared with SFA’s 144, and the Cougars turned that advantage into a comfortable victory. The defense helped the cause by stifling SFA’s attempts to sustain drives, and Stampley II and the secondary were opportunistic, teaming with others to create turnover opportunities.
Statistically, the Cougars were efficient but not flawless. Weigman had a solid debut with multiple weapons contributing, and tight end Koziol provided an additional dimension with his size and versatility. The offense showed improvements from last season’s scoring woes, though head coach Willie Fritz cautioned that there’s plenty to clean up, including penalties that clouded a strong start.
Key moments and notes:
– Weigman produced a 9-play, 96-yard drive in the second quarter, highlighted by a busted play that turned into a 27-yard gain, followed by Burnette’s 39-yard touchdown.
– Houston’s defense stifled SFA’s offense, which was held to 0 points for the entire game.
– The Cougars were flagged eight times for 65 yards, and the coaching staff emphasized graded performance across the line, special teams, and consistency in situational plays.
– An early scare for UH came when Koziol briefly left with an injury before returning, but he remained a key factor throughout.
What this means moving forward:
– Houston looks like a transformed squad on both sides of the ball, especially with a new defensive coordinator in Austin Armstrong and several transfers contributing immediately.
– The 1-0 start builds confidence and sets a positive tone for a season that fans hoped would show systemic improvement after last year’s 4-8 record.
– There are still improvements to make, with clean execution in short-yardage situations and penalties to trim, but the foundation appears strong.
Additional comments:
– The defense’s ability to bend but not break, plus the offense’s surge with Weigman at the helm, suggests UH can compete with a broader slate of opponents this season.
– Look for continued development from Koziol, Burnette, and a versatile receiving corps, alongside a defensive line that produced pressure and created turnovers.
Summary:
Houston opened 2025 with a dominant defensive performance and a more efficient, multi-target offense, securing a 27-0 victory that marked the program’s first season-opening shutout since 1989 and signaling a hopeful path forward under new leadership and a strengthened roster. The Cougars showcased growth, discipline, and potential as they prepare for the challenges ahead.