No. 18 Houston loses to Memphis 48-44

Memphis wide receiver Anthony Miller (3) dives into the end zone after breaking a tackle attempt by Houston's Khalil Wiliams, left, for a touchdown in the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 25, 2016, in Memphis, Tenn. Memphis defeated Houston 48-44. (AP Photo/Nikki Boertman) Memphis wide receiver Anthony Miller (3) dives into the end zone after breaking a tackle attempt by Houston's Khalil Wiliams, left, for a touchdown in the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 25, 2016, in Memphis, Tenn. Memphis defeated Houston 48-44. (AP Photo/Nikki Boertman)

By Associated Press November 25, 2016 5 min read

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) – Amid all the very-public speculation about where he will be coaching his next game, Tom Herman still was able to motivate his Cougars.

He just didn’t get the result he wanted.

In what might be the sought-after coach’s final game with No. 18 Houston, Riley Ferguson threw a 10-yard touchdown pass with 19 seconds left in a wild fourth quarter Friday to lift Memphis to a 48-44 win over the Cougars.

Herman guided the Cougars (9-3, 5-3 American Athletic Conference, No. 20 CFP) back from a 17-point halftime deficit.

“We had a decision to make at halftime on whether we were going to give up and give in or if we were going to come out in the second half and fight. Our guys fought,” Herman said. “Obviously it wasn’t quite enough, but I think our guys have a lot to be proud of in terms of how they fought in the second half.”