Southwest Roundup : Arkansas Holds Off Houston, 26-21

Neither injury nor a late Houston rally could keep Arkansas from taking another step toward its first Cotton Bowl berth in 13 years.

Kendall Trainor kicked four 4 goals, extending his string to 15, and John Bland subbed for injured starting quarterback Quinn Grovey, leading the 13th-ranked Razorbacks to a 26-21 victory Saturday over the Cougars at Houston.

“We don’t have anything wrapped up, but we’re one step closer to where we want to be,” Arkansas Coach Ken Hatfield said.

The Razorbacks (7-0 overall, 4-0 in the Southwest Conference) have conference games remaining against Rice, Baylor and Texas A&M; in a bid for their first Cotton Bowl berth since they beat Georgia, 31-10, in the 1976 game.

The victory also gave Arkansas its first 7-0 start since 1982.

Bland played all but one series for Grovey, who has a bruised shoulder. Grovey returned for a drive in the 4th quarter in leading Arkansas to the clinching touchdown.

Bland directed the Hogs to a touchdown on the first series of the game, setting the tone for his performance.

Texas A&M; 24, Rice 10--Darren Lewis scored on a 47-yard run and posted his fifth consecutive 100-yard rushing day as the Aggies beat the Owls at College Station, Tex.

The win was the fourth straight for the Aggies (4-3, 2-1), who are ineligible for their fourth straight Cotton Bowl because of National Collegiate Athletic Assn. probation. Rice, which has the nation’s longest losing streak at 13 games, dropped to 0-6 and 0-4.

Texas Christian 24, Baylor 14--The Horned Frogs converted 6 interceptions into 24 points in a victory at Ft. Worth.

The Horned Frogs (4-3, 2-1) are flirting with their first winning season since 1984. Baylor is 0-4 and 4-4.