Jackson Arnold led No. 13 Oklahoma to a narrow 16-12 victory over Houston, throwing two touchdown passes in a hard-fought game Saturday night. The Sooners, now 2-0 on the season, struggled to find an offensive rhythm, punting seven times and struggling to gain significant yards. Meanwhile, the Cougars, who fell to 0-2, outperformed Oklahoma in total yards, gaining 318 yards to the Sooners’ 249. That included a significant advantage in passing yards, with Houston collecting 260 yards through the air to Oklahoma’s 174.

The game was defined by defense from both teams, especially Oklahoma, which boasted six sacks and six forced turnovers in the season opener. Defense was again key against Houston, highlighted by Robert Spears-Jennings’ last-minute interception that stopped a crucial Houston drive. A last-minute safety helped the Sooners extend their slim lead, further highlighting how much they rely on defense to secure the win.

Oklahoma took a 14-6 lead into halftime, although both offenses struggled to find their footing early in the game. The Sooners punted on their first two possessions but took advantage of a special teams error when Houston’s Mekhi Mews botched a punt. Arnold quickly turned the turnover into points, throwing a 10-yard touchdown pass to Brenan Thompson. The Sooners offense got going on the next drive, marching 81 yards in eight plays. Arnold capped the drive with an 11-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jake Roberts, increasing Oklahoma’s lead to 14-3. Houston answered before halftime, however, when kicker Joseph Kim made a 43-yard field goal as time expired, keeping the game within reach.

Houston struck quickly early in the third quarter when Smith found Joseph Manjack for a 44-yard touchdown pass that brought the Cougars within two points. A failed two-point conversion attempt left the score at 14-12. Oklahoma looked poised to extend its lead on the next drive, but Houston’s Jeremiah Wilson intercepted Arnold’s pass intended for Deion Burks at the 7-yard line, marking the first interception of Arnold’s career and the first turnover of the season for the Sooners.

The conclusion from the game is clear: Oklahoma’s offense continues to face challenges and often relies on the defense to close out games. Despite Houston’s improved performance after a disappointing loss to UNLV, the Cougars fell short of expectations. Both teams look to rebound in their next matchups, with Houston hosting Rice for the Bayou Bucket. Oklahoma prepares for a home game against Willie Fritz’s former team, Tulane.