HOUSTON, TX— No. 22 Houston scored touchdowns on each of its first 10 possessions and overwhelmed Southern 77-6 on Saturday night at TDECU Stadium.
Southern was limited to 121 total yards and minus-6 yards rushing on 22 attempts. The Jaguars converted just 1 of 13 third downs, while Houston went 8 for 8. Southern also lost two fumbles and threw an interception, with Houston turning the turnovers into 14 points.
Two Southern fumbles helped Houston break the game open. Christian Johnson was sacked and lost a fumble at the Southern 22, and the Cougars scored two plays later. Southern fumbled again on its next possession, again giving Houston the ball at the Jaguars' 22.
Southern avoided the shutout with its biggest play of the night. Wyatt McCauley connected with Wydell Clark Jr. for a 79-yard touchdown with 4:38 left in the third quarter. The scoring drive lasted one play and 14 seconds. The extra point was blocked. McCauley finished 2 of 3 for 85 yards and a touchdown. Johnson completed 5 of 12 passes for 29 yards, while Ashton Strother was 3 of 5 for 13 yards with an interception. Clark's 79-yard reception accounted for more than half of Southern's 127 passing yards.
The Cougars controlled the ball for 38:18 and recorded 34 first downs to Southern's four. Houston also scored on all nine of its red-zone opportunities.
BY THE NUMBERS
Minus-6 — Southern's net rushing total on 22 carries. The Jaguars gained 23 yards on the ground but lost 29.
79 — Yards on Southern's lone touchdown, a McCauley-to-Clark connection in the third quarter.
21:42 — Southern's time of possession, compared with Houston's 38:18.
14 — Jaguars gave up 14 points off turnovers.
KEY STATS
Houston finished with a 591-121badvantage in total offense and averaged 9.2 yards per play. Southern averaged 2.9 yards on its 42 offensive snaps. The Cougars' rushing attack was particularly damaging, producing 388 yards and six touchdowns, while Houston's quarterbacks combined to complete 15 of 19 passes for 203 yards and five touchdowns without an interception.
Southern's offense produced 127 yards through the air but finished below zero on the ground. The Jaguars punted six times, turned the ball over three times, and reached the end zone only once. Houston did not punt.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
Wydell Clark Jr., WR: Clark supplied Southern's biggest offensive moment, turning his only reception into a 79-yard touchdown. He finished as the Jaguars' leading receiver and accounted for 79 of their 127 passing yards.
Wyatt McCauley, QB: McCauley provided Southern's lone touchdown pass and finished 2 of 3 for 85 yards, including the 79-yard strike to Clark. His 85 passing yards were the most among the three Jaguars quarterbacks who played.
Cody Morris and Justin Lawton, defense: Morris and Lawton shared the team lead with five tackles apiece. Jeremiah Coleman added four solo tackles and a pass breakup.
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