Halfback Pass Sparks Texas, 34-16

Curtis Jackson tricked Houston’s defense with a 33-yard halfback pass for a touchdown, and Scott Szeredy kicked a 56-yard field goal, capping a 17-point second quarter and leading Texas to a 34-16 victory over the Cougars Thursday night.

The Longhorns, 3-4-1 overall and 3-1 in the Southwest Conference, ended a three-game losing streak at Houston, where Texas hadn’t won since a 34-24 victory in 1985.

Houston (1-6-1, 1-3-1) was still close until Rodrick Walker scored on runs of 15 yards with 6:13 to play and 10 yards with 5:19 to go.

Shea Morenz completed 19 of 35 passes for 278 yards with one touchdown for Texas. Mike Adams made six catches for 120 yards.

Houston was playing without starting quarterback Jimmy Klingler, sidelined because of bruised cartilage in his rib cage. Freshman Chuck Clements completed 22 for 39 passes for 234 yards and a touchdown in his place.

The Cougars, held to four rushing yards in a 28-10 loss to Texas Christian last week, gained 137.