Oregon State Falls 33-20 to Houston in Season Opener

Beavers Trail Early in Season Opener

Oregon State Beavers fell 33-20 to the Houston Cougars on Saturday, September 5, at TDECU Stadium in Houston, Texas. The visiting team dropped their first game of the season, falling to a 0-1 record, while the home squad improved to 1-0. Attendance at the venue reached 28,742 fans.

Although Oregon State’s offense moved the ball effectively through the air, they were unable to keep pace with Houston’s consistent scoring drives throughout the contest.

Houston Builds Early Lead

The Cougars struck first in the first period. Conner Weigman connected with Amare Thomas for a 31-yard touchdown pass. The extra point attempt by Jonathan Dimas failed, leaving the score at 6-0 in favor of Houston.

Oregon State responded quickly with Braden Atkinson rushing for a three-yard touchdown, followed by a successful kick from Caleb Ojeda to make it 7-6. Houston then extended their lead with a 42-yard field goal by Dimas, ending the first quarter 9-7. In the second quarter, Houston continued to pressure the Beavers.

Re'Shaun Sanford II broke a 56-yard run for a touchdown, and Dimas added a 32-yard field goal before halftime. The Cougars led 19-7 after two quarters.

Oregon State Attempts Comeback

The Beavers showed resilience in the third quarter. Makhi Hughes scored on a one-yard run for Houston, but Oregon State answered with a seven-yard pass from Atkinson to Jesse Legree. The two-point conversion failed, leaving the score at 26-13 in favor of Houston.

In the final period, AJ Newberry ran for a four-yard touchdown for Oregon State, narrowing the gap to 26-20. However, Weigman sealed the victory with a one-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a successful kick from Dimas.

Key Performances

Houston’s offense was led by Weigman, who completed 20 of 30 passes for 305 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Hughes contributed on the ground with 17 carries for 98 yards and a touchdown. Thomas was a key target, catching eight passes for 133 yards and a touchdown.

For Oregon State, Atkinson completed 29 of 48 passes for 376 yards and one touchdown. Jesse Legree led the Beavers in receiving with five catches for 136 yards and a touchdown, while Kourdey Glass carried the ball six times for 25 yards.

Sources

https://www.espn.com/college-football/game/_/gameId/401856778