(BCSNN) — Senior kicker Ethan Sanchez drilled a 41-yard field goal as time expired to lift Houston to a 31–28 win over Arizona on Saturday night at TDECU Stadium. The game-winner capped a 13-play, 52-yard drive and secured bowl eligibility for the Cougars (6–1, 3–1 Big 12) for the first time since 2022.

Junior quarterback Conner Weigman led the way with 164 passing yards and three touchdowns, adding 98 rushing yards and a 10-yard score on the ground. He threw touchdown passes of 52 and 15 yards in the first half as Houston built a 21–14 lead at the break. Weigman’s third touchdown pass—a 2-yard strike to Amare Thomas—came midway through the third quarter and gave the Cougars a 28–14 advantage.

Arizona (4–3, 1–3) rallied in the fourth quarter behind quarterback Noah Fifita, who finished 24-of-26 for 269 yards and two touchdowns. Tre Spivey and Kedrick Reescano each ran in scores to tie the game at 28 with under five minutes remaining. But Houston’s final possession drained the clock and set up Sanchez’s decisive kick.

Senior running back Dean Connors rushed for 100 yards on 20 carries, helping Houston outgain Arizona 396–381 overall and 232–112 on the ground. The Cougars converted 10-of-16 combined third and fourth downs and recorded four sacks and six tackles for loss, despite struggling to contain Fifita’s efficient passing.

Houston returns to action Saturday, Oct. 25, with a road game against Arizona State at Mountain America Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CDT. The Cougars will host West Virginia on Nov. 1 at TDECU Stadium