The Houston Cougars quietly went about their business the first half of the season, posting six wins against undistinguished opponents and losing to a Texas Tech team that was on the ascent to the top 10.

A road game against Big 12 defending champion Arizona State would provide a clue whether the program’s progress under second-year coach Willie Fritz was real or a mirage. At least that was part of the buildup.

The Cougars held on for a 24-16 win in the desert Saturday night for their first road win against a ranked opponent since 2017 and were rewarded Sunday with a No. 22 ranking in The Associated Press Top 25 poll.

“It says a lot,” Houston quarterback Conner Weigman said. “We just want to keep getting better. Just keep playing good, clean football and we’re going to have a shot in

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