Snapshot: Key points, game balls from CU Buffs’ loss at Houston
Sealing the deal: Houston quarterback Conner Weigman threw a 54-yard pass to Stephon Johnson early in the fourth quarter and then scored on a 7-yard touchdown run on the next play. That gave Houston an insurmountable 33-14 lead.
Turning point: CU pulled within 16-14 just before halftime, but Houston opened the third quarter with a 17-play field goal drive that took 8 minutes, 35 seconds off the clock. CU followed with a three-and-out and then Houston put together a 76-yard touchdown drive. Houston had possession for 12:49 of the third.
Quotable: “I think they had the ball for 13 more minutes than we did, and normally when you give up 200 yards rushing that’s not in a winning cause.” – CU head coach Deion Sanders
BuffZone game balls
Offense: RB Simeon Price. Finished with five carries for 51 yards, including a 38-yard run for his first career rushing touchdown.
Defense: S Tawfiq Byard. Didn’t start, but wound up with a game-high 14 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss and a pass breakup.
Special teams: KOR Quentin Gibson. The freshman finally got some opportunities, racking up 150 yards on six kickoff returns, including a 40-yarder.
