Convenience Big Store: Joy for Texans in Jacksonville while Astros' woes continue

Today's starting lineup

Even with 11 projected starters inactive or on injured reserve, the Texans remain close to a sure thing in Jacksonville. Houston resumed its Duval County dominance (one loss there since 2013) by routing the Jaguars for the first win of the season and DeMeco Ryans' head coaching career. Jonathan M. Alexander takes a look at a stunning kickoff-return touchdown by fullback — yes, fullback — Andrew Beck that changed the game. Brooks Kubena delves into the breakout performance for the Texans' offense and quarterback C.J. Stroud. A patchwork offensive line didn't yield a sack while Jimmie Ward's return galvanized the defense. We also have the Week 3 report card and five key individual performances. Please scroll down for more Texans coverage.

However, it wasn't a winning Sunday at Minute Maid Park, where the Astros' recent freefall continued with the lowly Royals capping a sweep in the regular-season home finale. Houston still is in a playoff spot, albeit by the skin of its teeth, and with little margin for error as the Astros begin a critical series tonight in Seattle against the Mariners with a half-game separating the teams.

Old rivals Texas and Texas A&M are the top two teams in our Lone Star State college football rankings. How did UH's performance against Sam Houston grade out? Joseph Duarte checks in with his Cougars report card.

Stat of the day: 1,422. Days since the Texans won a game by 20 or more points. The last time it happened before Sunday was Nov. 3, 2019, a 26-3 win over the Jaguars in London.

Greg Rajan, Texas Sports Nation editor

greg.rajan@houstonchronicle.com

Week 3: Texans 37, Jaguars 17

Houston Texans fullback Andrew Beck (47) returns a kickoff for a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Photo by: Phelan M. Ebenhack, Associated Press

'How the hell did Beck get the ball?'

With one of the most improbable touchdowns you'll see, fullback Andrew Beck propelled Houston to its first win of the season.

Breakout performance: C.J. Stroud makes the key plays to drive the Texans' offense and give Houston its first win of season.
A fine line: Backups, rookies and waiver claims on the Texans' makeshift offensive line delivered sufficient protection for QB C.J. Stroud.
Providing a lift: Veteran safety Jimmie Ward's return gives the Texans' defense a jolt as they shut down the Jaguars.
5 to watch: A look at five key individual performances during Sunday's Texans victory.
Report card: DeMeco Ryans picks up his first win as an NFL head coach in decisive fashion. We grade how the Texans did in the various phases of the game.
Turning point: The Jaguars needed a stop for a chance to get within one score again. C.J. Stroud and Tank Dell made sure that wouldn't happen.
Anatomy of a win: A look at how the Texans broke into the win column for the first time this season.
Game wreckers: A lot of people play NFL survivor contests, but the Texans ended a big chunk of those seasons early Sunday.

Astros / MLB

Houston Astros left fielder Yordan Alvarez walks off the field after striking out to end the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals in a Major League Baseball game on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Houston. The Royals swept the Astros with a 6-5 win.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer

Down to the wire

After a lost homestand, the Astros go on the road for their last six games of the regular season, starting with a critical series beginning tonight in Seattle.

Lost at home: Hunter Brown was hammered for six runs in three innings and the Astros were swept at home by the 100-loss Royals as they finished the season below .500 at Minute Maid Park.
Back in the outfield: Yordan Alvarez returned to left field for his first start there in 10 days but the Astros still don't have clarity on Michael Brantley's status.
On deck: at Mariners: The Astros trek to Seattle for a huge series starting tonight with the teams separated by a half-game for the American League's final wild-card spot.

College Football

WACO, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 23: Jonathon Brooks #24 of the Texas Longhorns give a stiff arm to Mike Smith Jr. #40 of the Baylor Bears in the third quarter at McLane Stadium on September 23, 2023 in Waco, Texas.

Photo by: Tim Warner, Getty Images

Old rivals at the top

Texas and Texas A&M top our Lone Star State college football rankings after lopsided wins over the weekend.

UH report card: Beat reporter Joseph Duarte grades the performances of UH and its coaches in the win over Sam Houston.
Poll shuffle: Texas remained a comfortable third in the Associated Press college football poll as the top five saw a couple changes Sunday.