Texas Longhorns Allow Two Late Scores, Lead Houston Cougars at Halftime

The Texas Longhorns lead through one half of Saturday's meeting with the Houston Cougars.

Steve Sarkisian said Monday that he's okay with his team being a little "pissed off." And if the Texas Longhorns' performance through the first of Saturday's meeting with the Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium is any indication of his team playing angry, Sarkisian's going to want some more moving forward.

Coming off a loss to the Oklahoma Sooners and a bye week to soak it in, the No. 8 Longhorns (5-1) got off to a hot start but gave up two late scores in the second quarter before heading into the locker room with a 21-14 lead over Houston on Saturday.

The Cougars (3-3) found a spark at the end of the second quarter, but were ultimately hurt by a brutal start. After jumping out to a 21-0 lead, the Longhorns punted and failed to convert on a fake field goal on back-to-back drives in the second quarter. Both helped result in Houston getting the ball and putting together back-to-back scoring drives.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) makes a reception for a touchdown as Houston Cougars defensive back Brian George (16) defends during the first quarter at TDECU Stadium / © Troy Taormina, USA TODAY

However, Texas got an early cushion thanks to a sharp start from quarterback Quinn Ewers. He finished the first half 16 of 17 passing for 170 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with Adonai Mitchell and Xavier Worthy for a pair of scores.

The Longhorns also got a one-yard rushing touchdown from Savion Red, which gave Texas a 21-0 lead before the Cougars bounced back.

Houston quarterback Donovan Smith, who lead Texas Tech to a win over the Longhorns last season, finished the first half 15 of 21 passing for 164 yards and two touchdowns. He found Matthew Golden and Joseph Manjack IV for the two Houston scores in the second quarter.

Houston will receive the second-half kickoff.