KICK IN THE GUT

After erasing 21-point deficit, UHloses fifth straight in series on 47-yard field goal on final play

Memphis stifles Cougars’ rally with 47-yard FG as time expires.

The University of Houston waited a few extra weeks to begin the season, played for six straight weeks, and then waited some more.

After a monthlong pause, the Cougars had to wait three more quarters Saturday.

In a cruel twist, the Cougars fought back from a 21point deficit in the fourth quarter to tie the game with 28 seconds remaining. That was more than enough time for Memphis, which set up Riley Patterson’s 47-yard field goal as time expired for a 30-27 victory at the Liberty Bowl.

“I’m not disappointed with our guys. I’m not down on them,” coach DanaHolgorsen said. “I’m disappointed with them; I’m disappointed for them. Guys have been through a lot — 2020 has been hard for a lot of different people. You’ve got to catch breaks to win games, and we just didn’t catch any breaks.”

Playing for the first time since a Nov. 14 win against

South Florida, the Cougars looked the part with a slow start that included missed red-zone chances, ill-timed penalties and one costly fumble that shifted the momentum of the game.

Holgorsen refused to lay complete blame on the Cougars’ slow start following a 27-day pause that forced the cancellation of three straight games due to COVID-19 issues.

“Yeah, I think it did a little bit,” said Holgorsen, whose team has dealt with eight virus-interrupted games. It had a Tulane feel to it. We’re not going to use that as an excuse. I think we outplayed them. We just made a couple of mistakes that cost us the game.”

UH (3-4, 3-3 AAC) had to settle for a pair of Dalton Witherspoon field goals on two red-zone trips to begin the game. Even so, the Cougars only trailed 10-6 with the ball at the Tigers 13-yard line and less than a minute before halftime.

Quarterback Clayton Tune could not get a handle on a high snap from center Jack Freeman IV. Jaylon Allen, a defensive end from Atascocita, picked up the loose ball and returned it 85 yards for a touchdown and 17-6 halftime lead.

Memphis (7-3, 5-3 AAC) scored on the opening drive of the second half — a 15-yard touchdown pass from Brady White to Calvin Austin — to take a commanding 24-6 lead.

“I’m not putting it on that one play,” Holgorsen said of the fumble. “I’m not putting this loss on that one play. I would never do that to a young man. There were so many other snaps that could dictate the outcome of the game. (But) it was a big one.”

Patterson added a 49yard field goal late in the third quarter before UH made its comeback.

A 13-yard touchdown catch by Marquez Stevenson. A 19-yard run by Tune for another score. On fourth down from the Memphis 18, Tune connected with Bryson Smith, who made a diving catch in the right corner with 28 seconds left to pull the Cougars within 27-26.

Holgorsen said the Cougars

considered a twopoint conversion before deciding on the extra-point that tied the game at 27.

“I just felt like we were outplaying them at that point,” Holgorsen said. “At the end of the day it didn’t matter.”

UH had some momentum after forcing three straight Memphis punts before the final drive. Brady White hit Caden Prieskorn for a 12-yard completion. On the next play, UH safety Thabo Mwaniki was called for a 15-yard pass interference penalty as he defended Calvin Austin III.

“I thought (Mwaniki) made a pretty good play on the ball there at the end,” Holgorsen said. “Therewas probably a little bit of contact. I don’t think that was pass interference. Probably shouldn’t have called that at that time.”

Two plays later, White and Austin hooked up again, this time for 22 yards, and the Tigers ran one more play to line up Patterson’s eventual gamewinner. Memphis has beaten UH five straight seasons.

“It’s as tough as you think it is,” said Tune, who threw for 270 yards and two touchdowns. “Coming back this far and not getting it done sucks. It’s not fun.”

The Cougars got off to a slow start and had a few “self-inflicted” mistakes in the first half.

UH committed a pair of personal fouls on defense that extended scoring drives for the Tigers. Grant Stuard was called for a late hit on third-and-long that led to a field goal in the first quarter, and David Anenih was penalized for a face mask, again on third down, that led to another field goal.

In three trips inside the 20, UH managed 13 yards on 11 plays.

Tune said the fourthquarter rally showed the Cougars’ toughness.

“Howwe are not going to lay down and quit,” he said.

Holgorsen said UH continues to actively seek one more regular season game for Friday. The Cougars are also in the mix for a bowl invitation, reportedly the New Mexico Bowl, scheduled for Christmas Eve in Frisco.