GREENVILLE, N.C. — Case Keenum threw for 399 yards and three touchdowns, and Houston earned its first win against a ranked opponent in a dozen years by beating No. 23 East Carolina 41-24 today.

Patrick Edwards had 11 catches for 146 yards and a touchdown for the Cougars (2-3, 1-0 Conference USA), who had no trouble moving the ball and finished with 621 total yards. Bryce Beall ran for 132 yards and two scores, while Houston's defense didn't allow the Pirates to score an offensive touchdown until midway through the third quarter.

Houston had lost 18 straight games against ranked opponents since a 56-49 overtime win against then-No. 20 Southern Mississippi in November 1996.