The victory allowed the Colts (5-2) to get even in the head-to-head series with Houston (4-3) and gave the defending AFC champions sole possession of the South Division lead for the first time this season.

And even though the Colts were missing All-Pro tight end Dallas Clark, receiver Austin Collie and running back Joseph Addai with injuries, Manning and his teammates didn’t miss a beat.

Manning went 26 of 45 for 268 yards. Hart ran with the same determination he used to become Michigan’s career rushing leader and provided the Colts with a rare ground game, and Tamme, Clark’s replacement, caught six passes for 64 yards.

Reggie Wayne caught a touchdown pass, Manning ran for a first down for the first time in nearly two years, and even became the lead blocker on a first-down catch-and-run by Pierre Garcon in the third quarter.

Indy’s defense put consistent pressure on Houston quarterback Matt Schaub, too.

Schaub struggled horribly in the first half and couldn’t rally the Texans in the second as defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis applied pressure. Indy had three sacks.