Dec. 28, 2007

TCU's defense pressured Houston all night long, limiting the high-powered Cougars offense to just one touchdown to win the 2007 Texas Bowl at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Friday, 20-13. Its final pressure came on the last play of the game when DE Chase Ortiz knocked down Houston quarterback Case Keenum, as he was attempting his third consecutive throw to the end zone to try and tie the game.

TCU quarterback Andy Dalton finished the night 21-of-30 for 249 yards, setting TCU single-season passing records for attempts and completions during the game. He distributed the ball well, completing passes to 10 different receivers, with five different players catching three passes.

Keenum gave the Cougars an early lead with a 67-yard touchdown pass to Andre Kohn with eight seconds remaining in the opening quarter.

TCU answered on its next possession, driving 75 yards in 11 plays, capped off by a three-yard scoring scamper by quarterback Andy Dalton.

Houston would gain the lead just before halftime, as T.J. Lawrence booted home a 39-yard field goal that finished off a 13-play, 68-yard drive.

TCU took their first lead of the game on the second play of the fourth quarter when Justin Watts scored on a seven-yard run. The scoring play capped off a 13-play, 80-yard drive for the Horned Frogs.

The teams exchanged field goals to make the score 20-13, with three minutes remaining, but TCU recovered an onsides kick. Houston was able to hold the Horned Frogs on downs, but Derek Walsh's punt was downed at the two-yard line, giving the Cougars a long field to navigate to send the game into overtime.

Houston primarily used the duo of Keenum to Donnie Avery to drive down to the TCU 19-yard line with 16 seconds remaining. Keenum's first pass from the 19 went just outside of Jevon Harvey's arms in the left corner of the end zone. His next pass was a jump ball into a crowd of five players that fell flat into the end zone, leading to the game's final deciding play.

Keenum, who was sacked six times, finished 23-of-37 for 335 yards and one touchdown. Avery caught 10 passes for 120 yards. Anthony Alridge, who entered the game chasing UH's single-season rushing record, was held to 28 yards on 15 carries.

Houston, playing for interim head coach Chris Thurmond, finishes the season at 8-5.