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UH quarterback Conner Weigman has played in hostile environments and big games. Now he gets another chance as the Cougars look to take a big step in Friday\u2019s Big 12 opener at Texas Tech.<\/p>\n
Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<\/p>\n
The challenge this week for University of Houston<\/a> quarterback Conner Weigman<\/a> isn\u2019t preparing for a big game.<\/p>\n It\u2019s making sure he doesn\u2019t treat it any differently.<\/p>\n Same routine. Same preparation.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s pretty even-keel,\u201d UH offensive coordinator Slade Nagle said. \u201cHe has a routine, he\u2019s consistent and we expect no different this week.\u201d<\/p>\n Weigman has been through his share of high-pressure games in college. But Friday\u2019s Big 12 opener against No. 13 Texas Tech<\/a> in Lubbock carries added significance \u2014 a chance for the No. 22 Cougars to make an early statement against the defending conference champion.\u00a0<\/p>\n And an opportunity for Weigman to make his case as one of the Big 12\u2019s top quarterbacks.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m always hungry and motivated to perform,\u201d Weigman said of the high stakes of the Cougars\u2019 biggest game of the season<\/a>. \u201cThis is my last year, and I have to go make something happen.\u201d<\/p>\n Sign up for Cougar Confidential<\/p>\n You’ll get get in-depth news and analysis about UH\u2019s basketball and football teams from reporter Joseph Duarte by signing up for the Cougar Confidential newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n In three seasons at Texas A&M<\/a>, Weigman was never able to reach his full potential because of nagging injuries<\/a> that eventually cost him the starting job. He found a fresh start at UH, leading the Cougars to a 10-win season<\/a> that was capped by his MVP performance in a win over LSU<\/a> in the Texas Bowl.\u00a0<\/p>\n Continuity was one reason Weigman returned to UH this season<\/a>. For the first time in his career, Weigman is playing consecutive seasons in the same system with the same offensive coordinator (Nagle) and quarterbacks coach (Shawn Bell).<\/p>\n There was another reason: a shot at a Big 12 title.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n \u201cI for sure had a chip on my shoulder last year,\u201d Weigman said this summer.<\/p>\n \u201cI felt like I had something to prove. I still do. It was a good season, but I feel like I\u2019m one of the more talented quarterbacks in the country and can do whatever is asked of me. I just have to do it at a very consistent level, and I\u2019m ready to do that this year.\u201d<\/p>\n When: 7 p.m. Friday That consistency has become one of Weigman\u2019s defining traits in 15 games as UH\u2019s quarterback.\u00a0<\/p>\n Nagle said he noticed the consistency midway through last season, and it\u2019s helped establish Weigman as the leader of a UH offense that is averaging 55 points and 562 yards\u00a0\u2014 both among the top 10 nationally\u00a0\u2014 through two wins against Oregon State<\/a> and Southern<\/a>. Weigman has thrown for 425 yards with four touchdowns and only one interception in about six quarters of action.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s the leader of our offense,\u201d Nagle said. \u201cI just think the consistency and maturity level that he showed obviously wears off on the rest of the guys.\u201d<\/p>\n His teammates noticed the change, too. Right guard McKenzie\u00a0Agnello said Weigman began to show a commanding presence in the huddle a month into last season.<\/p>\n \u201cYou could see it in his eyes,\u201d Agnello said at Big 12 media days in July. \u201cYou could see it in his face and demeanor.\u201d<\/p>\n To date,\u00a0Weigman\u2019s biggest wins at UH are against No. 24 Arizona State<\/a> and\u00a0LSU. He ran for 111 yards and two touchdowns in the road upset against the Sun Devils last October. Two months later, he threw for 230 yards and four touchdowns in the bowl win.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n And against ranked teams? Weigman is 4-3 against the Top 25. Two of the wins came against Missouri<\/a> and LSU<\/a> in his final season with the Aggies in 2024.<\/p>\n \u201cConner has played in a lot of hostile environments,\u201d UH coach Willie Fritz said. \u201cHe\u2019s done this a bunch of times. I like the fact he\u2019s got experience doing that. He\u2019ll do a great job.\u201d<\/p>\n
Where: Galaxy Stadium, Lubbock
TV: Fox
Radio: 950 AM<\/p>\n