Despite Nine Turnovers, Houston Rallies to Overcome TCU, 49-46

HOUSTON —  Lamar Smith ran for three touchdowns and Jamie Mouton scored on a 78-yard punt return for the go-ahead points as Houston overcame nine turnovers Saturday for a 49-46 victory over Texas Christian.

Houston, 3-4 overall and 1-2 in the Southwest Conference, was victimized by its own mistakes as the Horned Frogs (1-6-1, 0-4) jumped to a 21-7 lead early in the second quarter.

Despite throwing five interceptions, Jimmy Klingler rallied the Cougars to a 49-38 lead with 5:20 to play.

TCU closed the margin when Lenoy Jones scooped up Lamar Smith’s fumble, Houston’s fourth of the game, and returned it 30 yards for a touchdown with 2:40 left, but the Cougars held on.

With TCU leading 35-28, the Cougars came back to tie it with 19 seconds left in the third quarter on Klingler’s 24-yard pass to Sherman Smith before Mouton’s return gave Houston a 42-35 lead. Klingler added an 11-yard touchdown pass to Sherman Smith.