WVU Snaps 5-Game Skid, Defeats No. 22 Houston 45-35

**Mountaineers Snap Five-Game Skid, Upset No. 22 Houston 45-35 Behind Fox Jr.’s Heroics**

Morgantown, WV – West Virginia football emphatically ended its five-game losing streak Friday night, pulling off a significant 45-35 upset victory over No. 22 Houston at Milan Puskar Stadium. The Mountaineers, now 2-5 on the season (1-3 Big 12), showcased a revitalized offense and crucial fourth-quarter defensive stops to secure their most impactful win of the season against the Cougars, who fell to 5-2 (2-2 Big 12).

Quarterback Scotty Fox Jr. was the undisputed catalyst for the Mountaineers’ resurgence, delivering a standout performance that accounted for three touchdowns. Fox Jr. threw for 157 yards, completing two crucial scoring passes, and added a vital rushing touchdown. He ignited the crowd early in the first quarter with a spectacular 75-yard bomb to Josiah Trotter, setting the tone for West Virginia’s aggressive attack. In the second quarter, Fox Jr. connected with Brayden Yost for an 18-yard score, showcasing precision passing. He later sealed a drive with a 2-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter, demonstrating his dual-threat capability.

West Virginia’s ground game was equally dominant, churning out a robust 269 rushing yards. Running back Sammy Brown contributed significantly, breaking free for a 20-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Chase Williams also found the end zone with a 6-yard score in the third, underscoring the team’s balanced offensive effort. By halftime, the Mountaineers were in full control, leading Houston 38-14 after a thrilling run of 31 unanswered points that electrified the home crowd.

However, the No. 22 Cougars, under coach Willie Fritz, refused to yield without a fight. Houston quarterback Ethan Burke displayed resilience, throwing for 219 yards and three touchdowns. His primary targets, Jamal Williams, hauled in two touchdown receptions, while Kevin Davis added another. Running back Jason Miller had a productive night on the ground for Houston, rushing for 110 yards and scoring a touchdown. The Cougars mounted a furious comeback in the third quarter, putting up 21 points to narrow the margin significantly. Despite their surge, West Virginia managed to hold on, maintaining a 45-35 lead heading into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter became a defensive battle, with both teams digging in and neither able to add to their scoring totals. West Virginia’s defense, after facing a strong challenge in the third, held firm, preventing Houston from completing their comeback bid. The Cougars finished the game with 454 total yards of offense, slightly edging West Virginia’s 426, but it was the Mountaineers’ ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and their clutch defensive stands that made the difference.

“This win means everything to us right now,” said West Virginia head coach Neal Brown after the game. “Breaking that losing streak against a ranked opponent at home, that’s a testament to the character of these kids. Scotty Fox Jr. was phenomenal tonight, he really stepped up and led us.”

Fox Jr. echoed his coach’s sentiments. “We knew we had it in us. The O-line played incredible, the receivers made plays, and our defense got huge stops when it mattered. This is just the beginning for us.”

The victory provides a much-needed morale boost and shifts the narrative for West Virginia as they navigate the challenging Big 12 conference schedule. The Mountaineers will look to build on this momentum when they hit the road next Saturday, October 26, to face Baylor. Houston will aim to bounce back from their upset loss when they return home to host Kansas State next weekend.