Brian Hoyer was asked about his Michigan State Spartans good fortune rubbing off on him Sunday.
"The Luck of Sparty, huh?" Hoyer laughed.
He watched the Spartans last-second heroics on a mishandled punt returned for a touchdown in the 27-23 win at Michigan. Hoyer recalled his own win as Spartan quarterback against the Wolverines, also at Michigan.
But on Sunday, Hoyer finally got his first win as a Texan quarterback. After starting Week 1, Hoyer was benched and played only in relief, up until Houston's 31-20 victory over the Jaguars in Week 6.
"Obviously it's huge to get a win on the road, against a division opponent. We knew we were going to come in here and they were coming off a tough loss too," Hoyer said. "They were going to give everything they had and it was definitely challenging."
On Thursday, Bill O'Brien said what he'd like to see out of Hoyer in a perfect world: "no turnovers, good on third down, get us into the right play, good leadership, and just a good, smart football game."
O'Brien got what he asked for. After the game, he said he was pleased with how Hoyer managed the game and the calmness that he displayed.
The seven-year veteran completed 24-of-36 passes (66.7%) for 293 yards, three touchdowns, no interceptions and a 119.3 passer rating. He tied a single-game career-high with three passing touchdowns, while his passer rating was the second-highest mark of his career.
"Hoyer's a leader," DeAndre Hopkins said. "He's a natural born leader."
Hopkins caught two of Hoyer's three touchdowns and eclipsed 100 yards receiving for a fourth-consecutive game. On his first touchdown catch, Hopkins said Hoyer threw the ball where only he could catch it.
Hoyer said he had ample time to throw, finding Hopkins at the back of the endzone. He felt nervous after making the throw because a safety nearly made it over, but he applauded Hopkins on making "a great play."
"It wasn't always pretty but when it counted, we made plays and it was good to have the defense get a touchdown too," Hoyer said. " Total team win, really. Everyone doing their job."
Brian Hoyer was asked about his Michigan State Spartans' good fortune rubbing off on him Sunday.
"The Luck of Sparty, huh?" Hoyer laughed, referring to the school mascot.
From the Jacksonville hotel, Hoyer watched the Spartans last-second heroics on a mishandled punt returned for a touchdown in the 27-23 win at Michigan. Hoyer recalled his own win as Spartan quarterback against the Wolverines, also at Michigan.
But on Sunday, Hoyer finally got his first win as a Texan quarterback. After starting Week 1, Hoyer was benched and played only in relief, up until Houston's 31-20 victory over the Jaguars in Week 6.
"Obviously it's huge to get a win on the road, against a division opponent. We knew we were going to come in here and they were coming off a tough loss too," Hoyer said. "They were going to give everything they had and it was definitely challenging."
On Thursday, Bill O'Brien said what he'd like to see out of Hoyer in a perfect world: "no turnovers, good on third down, get us into the right play, good leadership, and just a good, smart football game."
O'Brien got what he asked for. After the game, he said he was pleased with how Hoyer managed the game and the calmness that he displayed.
The seven-year veteran completed 24-of-36 passes (66.7%) for 293 yards, three touchdowns, no interceptions and a 119.3 passer rating. He tied a single-game career-high with three passing touchdowns, while his passer rating was the second-highest mark of his career.
"Hoyer's a leader," DeAndre Hopkins said. "He's a natural born leader."
Hopkins caught two of Hoyer's three touchdowns and eclipsed 100 yards receiving for a fourth-consecutive game. On his first touchdown catch, Hopkins said Hoyer threw the ball where only he could catch it.
Hoyer said he had ample time to throw, finding Hopkins at the back of the endzone. He felt nervous after making the throw because a safety nearly made it over, but he applauded Hopkins on making "a great play."
"It wasn't always pretty but when it counted, we made plays and it was good to have the defense get a touchdown too," Hoyer said. "Total team win, really. Everyone doing their job."
The Texan improve to 2-4 on the season and travel to Miami in Week 7 to face the Dolphins.
