Colts fight back for tough win over Titans

• Colts move to 9-4, setting up showdown next week against AFC-leading Texans, 11-1heading into MNF

INDIANAPOLIS -- On Sunday, they did a great job of making you forget.

The Indianapolis Colts bumbled their way into a 13-point hole at halftime Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium. Egregiously poor pass protection, two interceptions, a defense that allowed the Tennessee Titans' second-year quarterback Jake Locker to go 15-for-20 for 213 yards and a 125.6 passer rating.

It was ugly. Really ugly.

Then, as is their custom during this surprising season, they erased it all. Erased the deficit, took the lead, won the game.

Colts 27, Titans 23.

With the victory, Indianapolis moves to 9-4 on the season. They'll travel to Houston next week to face the AFC-leading Texans, 11-1 heading into Monday night's showdown with the New England Patriots.

Rookie quarterback Andrew Luck guided a 10-play, 45-yard drive in the fourth quarter that resulted in a 53-yard field goal from Adam Vinatieri. On the Titans' ensuing drive, Darius Butler intercepted Locker. Vinatieri tacked on a 40-yarder a few minutes later, and that was the ballgame.

The biggest play came in the third quarter, when Colts cornerback Cassius Vaughn intercepted Locker on the Titans' 3-yard line and returned it quickly into the endzone. It was a game-turning pick that set the tone for the Colt's comeback.

It was the sixth time this season Luck has engineered a winning drive in the fourth quarter or overtime. Additionally, the Colts improve to 8-1 in one-possession games this season.

Luck finished 16-for-34 for 196 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Locker, meanwhile, was 22-for-35 for 262 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Zak Keefer writes for the Indianapolis Star, a Gannett Property.