Houston wide receiver Bryson Smith, left, celebrates his touchdown with offensive lineman Christian Montano during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Tulane in New Orleans, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
The Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Jalen McCleskey scored on a 53-yard catch-and-run with 3 seconds left, and Tulane rallied from a 21-point deficit to beat Houston 38-31 on Thursday night.
After Houston tied it at 31 with 21 seconds remaining, Tulane appeared to be content to go to overtime, but a fake kneel-down led to an 18-yard run by Amare Jones. One play later, McCleskey made a catch in traffic over the middle, broke a tackle and raced to the end zone.
Houston returned the ensuing kickoff 51 yards, but time expired.
McCleskey finished with four catches for 120 yards and two scores for Tulane (3-1, 1-0 American Athletic Conference), which trailed 28-7 in the second quarter. Justin McMillan completed 7 of 20 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns.
D'Eriq King threw for 229 yards and two scores, and ran for 116 yards and a TD for Houston (1-3, 0-1). King broke former Florida quarterback Tim Tebow's FBS record for the most consecutive games (15) with at least one passing and rushing touchdown.
It was the 21st straight game the Houston defense recorded a turnover, the longest active streak in the country.
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Tulane quarterback Justin McMillan throws a pass during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against Houston in New Orleans, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
The Associated Press
Houston running back Kyle Porter (22) gets away from Tulane safety Macon Clark (37) for a long gain during an NCAA college football game Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019, in New Orleans. (A.J. Sisco/The Advocate via AP)
The Associated Press
Tulane cornerback Thakarius Keyes, left, defends on an incomplete pass to Houston wide receiver Bryson Smith (1) during an NCAA college football game Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019, in New Orleans. (A.J. Sisco/The Advocate via AP)
The Associated Press
Houston coach Dana Holgorsen talks with players from the sideline during the team's NCAA college football game against Tulane on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019, in New Orleans. (A.J. Sisco/The Advocate via AP)
The Associated Press
Houston running back Kyle Porter dives over the pile of defenders, including Tulane linebacker Lawrence Graham (35), defensive end Juan Monjarres (44) and safety Chase Kuerschen (36) for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
The Associated Press
Houston running back Kyle Porter (22) carries against Tulane linebacker Marvin Moody (28) and defensive end Cameron Sample during the first half of an NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
The Associated Press