MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) – In what might be sought-after coach Tom Herman’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, who came into the game amid speculation he could be close to taking another job, guided the Cougars (9-3, 5-3American Athletic Conference, No. 20 CFP) back from a 17-point halftime deficit.
Greg Ward gave Houston a 44-41 lead with 1:29 remaining with his fourth TD toss, a 3-yard pass to Chance Allen.
But Memphis (8-4, 5-3) drove 72 yards in five plays and snapped a six-game losing streak against Houston after Ferguson found Anthony Miller for a 10-yard touchdown reception with 19 seconds left.
Ward was spectacular, completing 47 of 67 passes for 487 yards. He also rushed for a team-high 65 yards.