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Weigman's dual-threat surge powers Houston past Georgia Southern 42-28

Conner Weigman threw four touchdowns and rushed for two to lead Houston to a 42-28 victory over Georgia Southern on Saturday. The Cougars extended their winning streak to 3-1.

Cody Ferris

September 27, 20262 min read

football victory - illustration, Jake Team LLC
NCAA FootballFinal
Houston Cougars42
Georgia Southern Eagles28

September 26, 2026

A Decisive Second-Half Surge

Conner Weigman’s ability to attack on both the ground and through the air proved decisive for the Houston Cougars, who defeated the Georgia Southern Eagles 42-28 on Saturday at Allen E. Paulson Stadium in Statesboro, Georgia. The visiting team dominated the statistical battle, with Weigman completing 17 of 22 passes for 239 yards and four touchdowns, while also rushing for two scores.

This performance helped Houston extend its record to 3-1, while the home Eagles fell to 1-3. Attendance at the venue was 24,112.

Scoring Sequence and Momentum Shifts

The game unfolded with Houston establishing an early lead. In the first period, Weigman rushed five yards for a touchdown, followed by a 22-yard pass to Koby Young, putting the Cougars up 14-0. Georgia Southern responded in the second quarter with a 40-yard pass from Max Johnson to Alex Taylor, capped by Ty Cummings’ two-yard run to tie the game at 14-14.

However, Houston reclaimed control late in the half. Weigman rushed one yard for a touchdown, and Traville Frederick Jr. caught a two-yard pass from Weigman, giving Houston a 28-14 lead entering the third quarter.

The third quarter saw both teams score, with Trent Walker catching a 23-yard pass from Weigman to extend Houston's lead to 35-14. Georgia Southern cut the deficit to 35-21 when Alex Taylor caught another 23-yard pass from Max Johnson. In the final quarter, Amare Thomas caught an 11-yard pass from Weigman to make it 42-21.

River Helms’ five-yard reception from Max Johnson provided the final score, but it was too little, too late to overcome Houston’s offensive firepower.

Key Performances and Stat Lines

Beyond Weigman’s 239 passing yards and four touchdowns, Re'Shaun Sanford II provided a strong rushing threat with 17 carries for 120 yards. Trent Walker led the receiving corps with six catches for 83 yards and one touchdown. For Georgia Southern, Max Johnson connected on 26 of 38 passes for 284 yards and three touchdowns.

Alex Taylor was the Eagles' primary target, recording six receptions for 119 yards and two touchdowns. David Mbadinga contributed on the ground with six carries for 37 yards. Despite the Eagles' efforts, Houston’s balanced attack and defensive pressure secured the final 42-28 victory.

Sources

ESPN

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Cody Ferris

Cody Ferris covers Van Alstyne Panthers athletics and area high school and college sports.

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