college football

Ward rallies Houston to 31-24 win over UCF

Saturday, October 29, 2016

Houston quarterback Greg Ward Jr. throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Central Florida, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016, in Houston.

Central Florida quarterback McKenzie Milton, left, avoids the sack attempt of Houston linebacker Steven Taylor during the second half of an NCAA college football game.

Central Florida quarterback McKenzie Milton, left, avoids the tackle of Houston defensive tackle Ed Oliver during the second half of an NCAA college football game.

Houston cornerback Brandon Wilson, center, celebrates his interception of a Central Florida pass with Terrell Williams, left, and Emeke Egbule (8).

Houston quarterback D'Eriq King (4) breaks the tackle of Central Florida defensive back Kyle Gibson during the second half of an NCAA college football game.

Houston wide receiver Chance Allen, left, attempts to catch a pass as Central Florida defensive back D.J. Killings defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game.

Ward rallies Houston to 31-24 win over UCFHouston quarterback Greg Ward Jr. throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Central Florida, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016, in Houston.

AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Greg Ward Jr. ran for two touchdowns and passed for another in the second half as Houston rallied from a 21-point third-quarter deficit to beat Central Florida 31-24 on Saturday.

The Cougars (7-2, 4-2 American), who were ranked No. 6 before losing two of their previous three games and tumbling out of the rankings, could find themselves back in the Top 25 after their comeback against the Knights (4-4, 2-2).

Matthew Wright's 41-yard field goal gave UCF a 24-3 lead early in the second half before the Cougars' defense stiffened, holding the Knights to minus-5 yards of offense in the third quarter and 29 for the half.

Ward rallied the Cougars with TD runs for 1 and 14 yards and a 6-yard scoring pass to Romello Brooker. Duke Catalon added a 12-yard rushing TD. Two of the scores followed turnovers by UCF, which had four in the second half.

Ward was 26 of 37 for 240 yards but threw three interceptions, all in the first half when UCF took a 21-3 lead on three rushing touchdowns.