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Thursday, November 12, 2026Nov 12

In wild finish, No. 13 Houston holds off Tulsa 38-31

Houston quarterback Greg Ward Jr. (1) celebrates a first down in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Tulsa, Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston quarterback Greg Ward Jr. (1) celebrates a first down in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Tulsa, Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith) Houston quarterback Greg Ward Jr. (1) celebrates a first down in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Tulsa, Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

HOUSTON (AP) – Emeke Egbule returned a fumble 24 yards for a touchdown with 1:21 remaining to give No. 13 Houston a 38-31 win over Tulsa on Saturday night.

The game was tied at 31-31 when Garrett Davis knocked the ball out of the hands of quarterback Dane Evans. Egbule scooped it up and dashed into the end zone for the score.

Tulsa (4-2, 1-1 American) had a chance to tie it, but Jesse Brubaker was stopped just short of the goal line after a reception on the last play of the game to seal Houston’s victory. The play was reviewed and upheld.

It was a close call for the Cougars (6-1, 3-1) a week after Navy beat them 46-40 for their first loss of the season after a 5-0 start.

“We got the taste out of our mouth,” Houston coach Tom Herman said.