Houston and West Virginia gave CFB fans one of the best finishes in recent memory Thursday night. Donovan Smith and the Cougars were down four after a shocking touchdown by WVU’s Hudson Clement put the Mountaineers ahead with 12 seconds to go. What happened on the next drive would go down in Cougars history.
Texas Tech transfer Donovan Smith played lights out for the Cougars Thursday and has been an incredible addition to a team that lost Clayton Tune to the NFL. Smith played near perfect football for Houston, throwing for 253 and four touchdowns, while having only six incompletions. On top of that, Smith carried the ball 12 times and was able to grind out 34 yards and a touchdown.
The seemingly unfathomable touchdown thrown by Garret Greene and WVU seemed to be the end to a thrilling Big-12 matchup. Houston’s defense broke down, allowing Clement to come open in the middle of the field and break multiple tackles, taking the fourth and ten throw to the house.
Twelve seconds was too much for Donovan Smith and Houston. With no timeouts and a four-point deficit, the Cougars needed the end zone from 57 yards out. After a quick eight-yard throw to get into Hail Mary range, Smith rolled out and launched a prayer.
That prayer was answered, as the tipped ball from Joseph Manjack IV landed in the hands of Oklahoma State transfer Stephon Johnson. Smtih was able to connect with Johnson for 98 yards and two touchdowns on the game, including the one that sent TDECU Stadium and Cougars fans into a frenzy.
Donovan Smith has been incredible to start the year for Houston, using his athleticism and arm to propel the Houston offense. Although the Cougars are off to a 3-3 start, Thursday’s win has things looking up, and No.8 Texas comes to town Saturday. If Donovan Smith can pull off the upset in front of what should be a record-breaking crowd at Houston, he’ll cement his name in the Cougars storied history.
