Stroud’s run and pass lift Texans past Titans, 26-3

Houston pulls away

C.J. Stroud’s 2-yard touchdown run and 9-yard touchdown pass to Jaylin Noel supplied Houston’s final 14 points Sunday as the visiting Texans beat the Tennessee Titans 26-3. The Texans scored the game’s final 26 points after Tennessee’s opening field goal.

The game was tied 3-3 after the first quarter, and Houston built a 12-3 advantage by halftime. Ka’imi Fairbairn made field goals from 45, 35, 26 and 53 yards. Joey Slye made a 30-yard field goal for Tennessee in the first period.

Stroud directs the offense

Stroud completed 26 of 34 passes for 261 yards and one touchdown for Houston. He added the 2-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter, with Fairbairn’s kick making the score 19-3.

Jaylin Noel’s fourth-quarter touchdown reception from Stroud, followed by another Fairbairn kick, completed the scoring at 26-3. Houston scored seven points in the third quarter and seven in the fourth, while Tennessee was held scoreless in both periods.

Key numbers

Woody Marks led Houston’s rushing effort with 15 carries for 62 yards. Xavier Hutchinson had four receptions for 65 yards.

For Tennessee, Cam Ward went 23 of 36 for 170 yards and one interception. Tony Pollard rushed 14 times for 52 yards, and Wan’Dale Robinson made six receptions for 53 yards.

The teams were tied 3-3 after the opening period; Houston led 12-3 at halftime and 19-3 after three quarters. The game was played Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, at Nissan Stadium, with an announced attendance of 52,097.

Houston moved to 1-4 with the victory, while Tennessee fell to 0-5.

Sources

ESPN