Stroud’s Two Touchdowns Lift Texans Past Titans, 26-3

Stroud breaks it open

C.J. Stroud’s 2-yard touchdown run gave Houston the separation it needed, and the Texans went on to defeat the Tennessee Titans 26-3 Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, at Nissan Stadium. Stroud later threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to Jaylin Noel as Houston, the visiting team, finished with a 26-3 edge.

The rushing score came in the third period, with Ka’imi Fairbairn’s kick pushing the Texans’ lead to 19-3. In the fourth, Stroud connected with Noel for the final touchdown and Fairbairn added the extra point.

Field goals build early lead

Tennessee opened the scoring when Joey Slye made a 30-yard field goal in the first period. Fairbairn answered with a 45-yard field goal, leaving the teams tied 3-3 after one period.

Houston then took control with three Fairbairn field goals in the second period. He converted from 35, 26 and 53 yards, sending the Texans into halftime with a 12-3 lead. Tennessee was held scoreless in the third and fourth periods, while Houston added seven points in each quarter.

Houston’s quarter-by-quarter scoring was 3, 9, 7 and 7. Tennessee’s was 3, 0, 0 and 0.

Stroud leads passing totals

Stroud completed 26 of 34 passes for 261 yards and one touchdown for Houston. Woody Marks carried 15 times for 62 yards, and Xavier Hutchinson had four receptions for 65 yards.

For Tennessee, Cam Ward completed 23 of 36 passes for 170 yards with one interception. Tony Pollard rushed 14 times for 52 yards, while Wan’Dale Robinson made six receptions for 53 yards.

Records

The game drew 52,097 at Nissan Stadium. Houston finished the game with a 1-4 record, while Tennessee moved to 0-5.

Sources

ESPN