LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE RAGIN’ CAJUNS NOTES:

INSIDE THE SERIES
Series………………………………. UH leads, 6-3
Last Meeting………….W, 31-28 (10/7/06)
In Lafayette……………………. UH leads, 3-1
In Houston …………………….. UH leads, 3-2
Neutral Site………………………………………n/a
Current Streak……………………………UL, W1
Longest Winning Streak………….UH, W6
Last 10 Games……………….. UH leads, 6-3
Biggest Win……………. 14 (21-7; 10/2/48)
Biggest Loss…………… 56 (63-7; 10/3/92)
Most Louisiana Points……. 31 (10/7/06)
Most UH Points……………….. 63 (10/3/92)
Fewest Louisiana Points……0 (9/18/99)
Fewest UH Points….7 (2x, last 10/2/48)
Games Decided by 3 Pts or Less….. 1-0
Games Decided by 7 Pts or Less……..2-2

A LOUISIANA WIN WOULD BE…
• The fourth-straight bowl win for the Ragin’ Cajuns in as many years

• The first win for UL at the Independence Bowl

• The fourth win over Houston and second consecutive

LOUISIANA FACES HOUSTON IN 46TH ANNUAL INDEPENDENCE BOWL
• The Ragin’ Cajuns take part in the fifth-consecutive bowl game as they on Houston at the 46th annual Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl on Dec. 23 in Shreveport.

• The game is the 10th meeting all-time between the two schools with Houston holding a 6-3 advantage.

• The Ragin’ Cajuns won the last meeting, 31-28, on Oct. 7, 2006, in which head coach Michael Desormeaux and defensive coordinator Lamar Morgan were members of the team. In that win, Desormeaux had one rush for 51 yards while Morgan made five tackles.

A LOOK AT THE RAGIN’ CAJUNS
• Louisiana enters the weekend tied for 10th among FBS schools with 15 interceptions on the season. Eleven different Ragin’ Cajuns have recorded a pick this season.

• Louisiana is 23rd nationally and third in the Sun Belt in turnover margin at 0.58. The defense has forced 23 turnovers, which ties for 18th nationally.

• Eric Garror is one of five players in FBS to return two punt returns for touchdowns this season. The senior has three returns for touchdown in his career, which is tied for the school record. The Mobile, Ala., native ranks third in the nation in punt return average at 14.8.

• Bralen Trahan has been a ballhawk for the Ragin’ Cajuns defense as the senior has four interceptions on the season. His four picks are tied for 17th in the FBS.

• For his career, Trahan has 13 interceptions, which ranks second for the most among career active leaders in FBS and ranks fourth all-time in Louisiana history.

• Zi’Yon Hill-Green tied the school record for most career sacks. The New Iberia, Louisiana, native has 21.0 throughout his illustrious career and is tied for 18th among active leaders in the NCAA.

• Eleven Ragin’ Cajuns earned All-Sun Belt honors including first team members Zi’Yon Hill-Green, Bralen Trahan and return specialist Eric Garror.

• Andre Jones, Jourdan Quibodeaux were named to the second team, Michael Jefferson was voted to the third team as Neal Johnson, Johnny Lumpkin, Kris Moncrief and Chris Smith earned honorable mention honors.

TEAM NOTES
• With its dominant win over Texas State to cap off the regular season, the Ragin’ Cajuns earned a berth to their fifth-consecutive bowl game, a school record.

• Louisiana has now played in seven bowl games in the last eight seasons.

• Louisiana’s roster has 94 players on its roster (68.1 percent) who hail from within the Pelican State – the most of any of the five FBS programs in the state (Louisiana, LSU, Louisiana Tech, Tulane, ULM).

• In 2022, Louisiana is 20th nationally and third in the Sun Belt in pass efficiency defense (117.5) and 37th in scoring defense (22.8).

• Louisiana’s 15 interceptions ranks in the top 10 nationally and surpasses last year’s total of 10.

• Eleven different Ragin’ Cajuns have picked off a pass

• The Ragin’ Cajuns have forced 23 turnovers this season, which is tied for 18th nationally.

• Louisiana’s defense has been stingy against the run, allowing 142.2 yards on the ground, which ranks in the top 50 nationally

QUARTERBACK NOTES

10 Ben Wooldridge

• Suffered a torn ACL prior to the Florida State game and will miss the rest of the season. • Tied the school-record for most passing TDs in a game with 5 in the win over Arkansas State (Oct. 22), and added a career-high 316 yards, the most by a Louisiana QB since Levi Lewis threw for 332 against Texas State on Oct. 31, 2020. • Earned Manning Award Star of the Week and Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week honors after his performance against Arkansas State. • Registered a career-high two rushing touchdowns against Troy (Nov. 5). • Tossed three touchdown passes in the win over Georgia Southern (Nov. 10). • Earned his first-career start in the win at Marshall where he was 17-of-29 for 230 yards and a pair of touchdowns. • Set then-career-highs in yards (169) and TDs (2) in Louisiana’s 49-21 win over Eastern Michigan. • The TD passes were his first since throwing a 17-yard scoring pass against Nevada during the 2019 season. • Saw his first action in a Louisiana uniform after playing three series against SLU, finishing 7-for-11 for 68 yards. • Led the Ragin’ Cajuns on a game-tying drive against South Alabama (Oct. 1) where he led the team on a 17-play, 82-yard drive that was capped off by a 1-yard pass to Pearse Migl. • Appeared in five games for Fresno State, going 8-for-16 for 117 yards as a sophomore in 2020. • Played in three games in 2019 for the Bulldogs, going 4-for-6 and throwing a 17-yard touchdown pass.

18 Chandler Fields

• Was named the starting quarterback for the 2022 season on August 22 and started the first five games before suffering an injury. • Accumulated 187 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the win against Texas State (Nov. 26). • Tossed for 159 yards and a touchdown to go along with a rushing touchdown at No. 20 Florida State (Nov. 19). • Earned his first career start in a 24-7 win over Southeastern Louisiana completing 65.0 percent of his passes (13-for-20) for 173 yards and a pair of touchdowns. • Was 10-for-20 for 141 yards and three TDs in a 49-21 win over Eastern Michigan. • Set career-bests in attempts (34), completions (20), yards (231) and long pass (50) at ULM (Sept. 24). • Rushed for a 9-yard TD – the first of his career – on Louisiana’s opening drive at ULM. • The 47th-ranked player in Louisiana and the No. 31 pro-style QB in the nation out of high school. • 247Sports Composite three-star recruit.

2 Zeon Chriss

• Appeared in three games against Arkansas State (Oct. 22), at No. 20 Florida State (Nov. 19) and at Texas State (Nov. 26). • Completed five of his six attempts for 84 yards and a touchdown at Texas State (Nov. 26). • Ranked as a three-star prospect and the No. 2 quarterback prospect in the state of Louisiana by 247Sports. • Threw for 2,005 yards and 25 touchdowns while leading Madison Prep to Class 3A state crown as a junior.

RUNNING BACK NOTES

13 Chris Smith

• Earned All-Sun Belt Honorable Mention honors after finishing the regular season as Louisiana’s leading rusher with 580 yards on 112 carries for a 5.2 average. • Rushed for a team-high three touchdowns. • Against South Alabama, Smith rushed for a team-high 108 yards on 12 carries, including a season-long rush of 55 yards. • Earned Preseason First-Team All-Conference honors as an All-Purpose back after earning First Team All-Purpose honors and Third-Team honors as a running back after the 2021 season. • Produced one of the top single-game rushing performances in Louisiana history at Arkansas State last year, rushing for 238 yards on 24 carries and scoring two touchdowns. • His 238 yards were the fifth-most by a Ragin’ Cajun in a game in program history.

23 Terrence Williams

• Earned the start in the win over Arkansas State (Oct. 22) and led the team with 58 yards on 11 carries. • Led Louisiana with 61 yards on 10 carries in a 24-7 win over Southeastern Louisiana in the 2022 opener. • Caught his first career TD pass at Rice on an 11-yard throw from Chandler Fields (Sept. 17).

0 Jacob Kibodi

• Began his Louisiana career at running back and switched to wide receiver before transitioning back to the running back room in 2022. • Rushed for 27 yards on six carries with a long of 11 in Louisiana’s win over Southeastern Louisiana. • Transfer from Texas A&M; his lone career 100-yard rushing game came as a freshman against Louisiana (101 yards) on Sept. 16, 2017.

20 Dre’Lyn Washington

• Led the team with 73 yards on 10 carries and a touchdown at Texas State (Nov. 26). • Ran for a career-high 74 yards on five carries against Georgia Southern (Nov. 10). • Rushed for a team-high 57 yards on 10 carries at No. 20 Florida State (Nov. 19). • Racked up 48 yards on 11 rushes against Arkansas State (Oct. 22).

WIDE RECEIVER NOTES

29 Peter LeBlanc

• Has registered 22 receptions for 174 yards and a touchdown this season. • Hauled in a three-yard touchdown in the win over Texas State (Nov. 26). • Led the team with 37 receptions and ranked second with 417 yards last season.

4 Jacob Bernard

• Registered 11 catches for 191 yards and a pair of touchdowns. • Averaging 17.4 yards per reception. • Hauled in a career-high five receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown in the win over Arkansas State (Oct. 22). • Recorded an 18-yard touchdown reception in the win over Georgia Southern (Nov. 10).

7 John Stephens Jr.

• Ranks third on the team with 237 and has three touchdowns, which is second-most on the team. • Hauled in three passes for 103 yards and a touchdown in the win over Eastern Michigan. • Recorded touchdowns against Southern Miss and Georgia Southern.

6 Errol Rogers Jr.

• Has recorded 18 receptions to go along with 168 yards. • Hauled in 26 passes for 215 yards a year ago as a freshman.

12 Lance Legendre

• Has tallied eight receptions for 109 yards and a touchdown this season. • Hauled in his first-career touchdown on a 37-yard strike from Zeon Chriss against Texas State (Nov. 26).

TIGHT END NOTES

88 Johnny Lumpkin

• Earned All-Sun Belt Conference Honorable Mention honors for the second consecutive year. • Landed on the John Mackey Award Watch List ahead of the 2022 season, the third time in his career he has been named on the list. • Ranks second on the team with three touchdown receptions to go along with his 14 receptions and 129 yards. • Led Louisiana with career-bests in catches (5), yards (72) and touchdowns (2) in a 24-7 win over Southeastern Louisiana.

9 Neal Johnson

• Named to the All-Sun Belt Honorable Mention Team. • Ranks second on the team with 22 receptions and yards with 277. • Has hauled in two touchdowns. • Led all Louisiana tight ends in 2021 with 487 yards on 22 receptions and scored a touchdown.

24 Pearse Migl

• Snagged a 17-yard pass from Chandler Fields on a fourth-and-3 to set up Louisiana’s final touchdown in a 24-7 win over Southeastern Louisiana. • Hauled in the game-tying touchdown against South Alabama with 42 seconds remaining.

OFFENSIVE LINE NOTES

53 AJ Gillie

• Veteran of the line with 24 career starts. • Has started in all 12 games this season and started 12 of 14 games at left guard in 2021. • Member of the offensive line last season that ranked fourth in the Sun Belt and tied for 42nd nationally with 1.86 sacks allowed and paved the way for Louisiana’s rushing attack which ranked 40th in the nation with 187.1 yards per game

65 Carlos Rubio

• Has started in 10 games this season • Made two appearances in victories over Ohio (Sept. 16) and Georgia Southern (Sept. 25) before missing the remainder of the 2021 season due to injury. • In 2020, he was a big piece of Louisiana’s offensive line, appearing in 10 games and starting in seven.

73 David Hudson

• Has started in 11 games this season • Started two games last season against Liberty (Nov. 20) and ULM (Nov. 27) and appeared in eight on the year.

50 Nathan Thomas

• Earned first career start at left tackle in Louisiana’s 2022 season-opener against Southeastern Louisiana and has started in every game this season. • Appeared in seven games during the 2021 season.

70 Jax Harrington

• Earned first career start (right guard) in the 2022 opener vs. Southeastern Louisiana and has started in 10 games this season.

51 James Ohonba

• Graduate transfer from Michigan State who has seen action in 11 games this season including one start (vs. Troy).

DEFENSIVE LINE NOTES

4 Zi’Yon Hill-Green

• The elder statesman of the defense with 249 career tackles, 33 TFLs and 21.0 sacks in 62 games played. • Tied for the school record in career sacks with 21.0. • Has 42 tackles with 12.5 TFL and 7.0 sacks in 2022. • Voted to the All-SBC First Team and the PFF College All-Sun Belt Second Team. • Has hurried the quarterback a team-high nine times. • Started 12 games in 2021 and finished fifth on the team with a career-high 59 tackles. • Finished second on Louisiana’s defense with 6.5 sacks and tied for second with 9.5 tackles of loss. • Ranked third on the team and 16th in the Sun Belt conference with 4.5 sacks in 2021. • Submitted a complete performance in the Sun Belt Championship Game against App State with five tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks. • Named to the 2021 Preseason All-Sun Belt Second Team after receiving conference second-team honors in 2020.

91 Sonny Hazard

• Has recorded 24 tackles including 5.5 for loss and 4.0 sacks this season. • Earned a start against South Alabama, the first of his career, and tallied four tackles. • Posted a career-high six tackles in the win at Marshall (Oct. 12). • Registered three tackles and 1.5 sacks in the win over Arkansas State (Oct. 22). • Was credited with six tackles, 2.0 tackles-for-loss and 2.0 sacks in 11 appearances in 2021.

46 Jordan Lawson

• Started in nine games this season before suffering a season-ending injury. • Registered four QB hurries, which ranks third on the team • Recorded 22 tackles to go along with a TFL for -2 yards and 0.5 sacks • Registered a season-high six tackles and a half sack at Rice (Sept. 17). • Hurried the QB twice and had two tackles in the win against Arkansas State (Oct. 22).

LINEBACKER NOTES

43 Jourdan Quibodeaux

• A mainstay on the Louisiana defense, Quibodeaux has started in every this season and leads the team in tackles with 101 to go along with 4.5 TFL and a sack. • Named to the All-SBC Second Team, as voted on by the league’s media and head coaches. • Produced a career-best 14 tackles with a TFL at Rice (Sept. 17). • Matched his career-effort with 14 tackles including a half sack and 1.5 TFL in the win at Marshall (Oct. 12).
• Led the team with nine stops against South Alabama (Oct. 1). • Team-leader in tackles in the win over Arkansas State with eight (Oct. 22). • Registered a team-high 12 tackles at No. 20 Florida State (Nov. 19) • Played in all 13 games and made two starts – against Nicholls (Sept. 11) and Ohio (Sept. 16) — last season. • His father, Dale, was a defensive lineman for Louisiana and was named to the Southland Conference’s 1980’s All-Decade Team.

6 Kris Moncrief

• Named an All-Sun Belt Honorable Mention. • Third on the team in tackles with 67 this season to go along with 5.5 TFL and 2.5 sacks. • Hurried the quarterback six times, which ranks second on the team. • Recorded a career-high 10 tackles at Marshall (Oct. 12) with a sack for seven yard and 2.0 TFL. • Posted a then-career-high seven stops at Rice (Sept. 17). • Matched his career effort with seven tackles against South Alabama (Oct. 1) and registered a 3-yard sack. • Registered his first interception of the season on the opening drive at Southern Miss (Oct. 27). • Appeared in all 14 games in 2021 and produced 31 tackles with 3.5 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks. • Tallied his first career interception with a 67-yard return for a touchdown in a victory over Nicholls (Sept. 11). • Recovered the second fumble of his collegiate tenure in Louisiana’s New Orleans Bowl victory over Marshall (Dec. 18).

29 KC Ossai

• Appeared in all 12 games and is fifth on the team in tackles with 59. • Had nine tackles with a forced fumble against Eastern Michigan (Sept. 10). • Season-high 11 stops at Rice (Sept. 17). • Appeared in 12 games last season and tallied five tackles. • Began playing football at age 7 after immigrating with his family from Nigeria. • Older brother, Joseph Ossai, played football at Texas and is currently a member of the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals.

33 Tyler Guidry

• Appeared in all 12 games and started against South Alabama where he registered a pair of tackles. • Has made 12 stops this season and had a season-high three tackles against Southeastern Louisiana (Sept. 3). • Credited with 14 tackles and 1.0 tackle for loss in 13 appearances in 2021. • Has appeared in 46 games throughout his career with 54 tackles and 4 TFL.

19 AJ Riley

• Has appeared in every game with three starts (Southeastern Louisiana, Rice, GA Southern). • Recorded a career-high six tackles in the 2022 SBC opener at ULM (Sept. 24). • Has tallied 15 tackles this season to go along with a 1.5 TFL. • Recorded 23 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks and a pass breakup in 2021. • Snagged his first career interception in the victory over Liberty (Nov. 20). • Made a season-high five stops against the Colonels. • Tallied two sacks and three tackles against Georgia State (Nov. 4).

DEFENSIVE BACK NOTES

24 Bralen Trahan

• Ranks second on the team with 73 tackles including a tackle for loss, four interceptions, three pass breakup and a fumble recovery. • For his career, Trahan has 13 interceptions, which is second among career active leaders in FBS and ranks fourth all-time in Louisiana history.
• Named to the All-SBC First Team as well as the PFF College All-SBC Third Team. • His four interceptions on the year ranks tied for 18th nationally. • Intercepted his first pass of the season against South Alabama (Oct. 1) and returned it for 46 yards. • Became the first Ragin’ Cajun to record multiple interceptions this season as he picked up a pass on the opening drive of the second half at Marshall (Oct. 12) and returned it 25 yards. • Was second on the team with 12 tackles, a career-high, against the Thundering Herd. • Picked off a pass at the end of the first half in the win over Arkansas State (Oct. 22). • Recovered a fumble and returned it 10 yards at ULM (Sept. 24). • Tabbed a Second Team All-Sun Belt performer and earned Third Team All-America honors from Pro Football Focus after appearing in all 11 games and starting in four starts a season ago. • Ranked fourth on the team in 2020 with 48 total tackles. • Concluded the 2020 season with 13 passes defended and nine pass breakups which ranked fourth and 22nd in the nation, respectively. • Led the team, ranked third in the Sun Belt and eighth nationally with four interceptions in 2020. • His four picks in 2020 were the most in a single season by a Ragin’ Cajun since Sean Thomas in 2013. • For his career, he has appeared in 67 games with 208 tackles, 13 interceptions, 29 pass deflections and six tackles for loss.

7 Eric Garror

• Has started in all 12 games. • Has tallied 26 tackles, two interceptions and six pass breakups. • Had two tackles and an interception in the season-opener against Southeastern Louisiana (Sept. 3). • Tallied a season-high five tackles against South Alabama (Oct. 1). • Picked off a pass at Texas State (Nov. 26) and returned it 43 yards. • Produced 23 tackles, 1.05 tackles for loss and seven breakups in 2021. • Appeared in 62 games in his career with 128 tackles, 3 TFL, 26 pass breakups and nine interceptions.

0 Kam Pedescleaux

• Started in 11 games and ranks fourth on the team with 66 total tackles with 2.5 TFL, an interception, six pass breakups and two forced fumbles. • Named to the PFF College All-Sun Belt First Team. • Recorded his third career interception in Louisiana’s 49-21 win over Eastern Michigan. • Matched his career-high in tackles with nine against Rice (Sept. 17). • In 2021, he ranked seventh on the Louisiana defense with 51 tackles, including 30 solo. • Added 5.0 tackles for loss and two pass breakups. • Has posted 188 tackles, 17 TFL, 16 pass deflections and three interceptions in 53 games played.

21 Trey Amos

• Missed first two games to injury (lower body) before making his debut at Rice (Sept. 17). • Earned starts in the last nine games. • Has registered 32 tackles and seven pass breakups this season. • Recorded a career-high seven tackles in the win at Texas State (Nov. 26). • Returned a blocked PAT for two points at Southern Miss (Oct. 27). • Tallied four tackles in the win at Marshall (Oct. 12). • Last season, tallied 14 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and five pass breakups in 12 appearances.

2 Brandon Bishop

• Credited with 25 tackles, an interception, two pass breakups and one QB hurry while appearing in all 12 games including four starts. • Hauled in a key interception in the third quarter of the 49-21 win over Eastern Michigan. • In 2021, he totaled 30 tackles, 1.0 tackle-for-loss, an interception, the first of his career, and a pass breakup.

13 Amir McDaniel

• Recorded 16 tackles, 1.0 TFL and an interception this season while appearing in all 12 games including two starts. • In first career start, credited with his first career interception, which set up Louisiana’s final touchdown in the fourth quarter of the 24-7 win over Southeastern Louisiana.

SPECIAL TEAMS NOTES

45 Kenneth Almendares

• In 2022, has converted on 15-of-20 attempts (75%) and is 22-of-23 on PATs. • One of eight FBS kickers to make at least three field goals of 50-or-more yards and is just one of two to make every attempt from 50+ yards (min. 3 attempts). • Had a career performance where he made all five field goal attempts against Georgia Southern (Nov. 10), tying the school record. For his efforts, he was named the Sun Belt and Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s Special Teams Player of the Week. • He became the first Ragin’ Cajuns kicker in 33 years to tally five field goals, joining Rafael Septien (Oct. 5, 1974 vs. Lamar) and Mike Lemoine (Sept. 9, 1989 vs. Central Michigan). • Was named the SBC and LSWA’s Special Teams Player of the Week after going 3-for-3 including a career-long 52-yarder at Marshall (Oct. 12). • Drilled a 51-yard field goal against South Alabama (Oct. 1), which was the first 50-yarder made by a UL kicker since Nate Snyder hit a 53-yard field goal against Georgia Southern on Sept. 26, 2020. • Handled Louisiana’s kicking duties for the first four games of the 2021 season before being sidelined for the final 10 games with a lower body injury. • Was 14-for-14 on extra point attempts and 4-for-5 on field goals during the 2021 season.

37 Preston Stafford • Grad transfer from LSU who handled extra point and field goal duties in the first two games of the 2022 season. • Has converted on all 15 extra point attempts for the Ragin’ Cajuns and connected on 2 of 3 field goals (36 vs. SLU, 28 vs. ULM).

47 Rhys Byrns

• A First-Team All-Sun Belt Conference selection and named for the second consecutive season to the Ray Guy Award Watch List. • Leads the Sun Belt and ranks 23rd in punting this season with a 44.3 average. • Has booted nine punts 50-or-more yards this season. • Holds a career 43.7 average with a career-long of 74 yards. • Has three punts over 70 yards in his career. • Ranked first in the Sun Belt and 11th in the nation with 46.3 yards per punt average last season.

13 Chris Smith

• A 2022 Preseason First-Team All-Sun Belt Conference selection as an all-purpose back. • Averaging 21.2 yards per kick return on 13 attempts.

7 Eric Garror

• Named to the All-Sun Belt First Team by PFF College and the league’s coaches and media. • One of the nation’s best punt returners as his 14.8 yards per return is the third-best in the nation and is one of four players to return two punt returns for a touchdown. • This season, he has returned 24 punts for 356 yards and two touchdowns. • Named SBC Special Teams Player of the Week (Sept. 5) after scoring on an 83-yard punt return vs. Southeastern Louisiana. • His three career punt returns for a TD ties the school-record set by Todd Scott (1987-90). • Garror’s pair of 83-yard punt returns are tied for the third-longest in school history. • With 698 yards in punt return yards in his career, Garror eclipsed the school-record of 558 set by Scott (1987-90). • Garror holds three (83, 83, 72) of the 11 punt returns of over 70 yards in school history.

HOUSTON COUGARS NOTES:

THE OPENING KICKOFF
• Houston is making its 30th bowl appearance including its 15th in the last 18 seasons (2005-present). The Cougars’ 15 bowl appearances since 2005 leads the state of Texas. The Independence Bowl will be the 19th different bowl in which the Cougars have competed in.

• Houston and Louisiana are meeting for the 10th time in the history of the programs and first since 2006. The Cougars lead the all-time series, 6-3. Houston’s first-ever game took place on Sept. 21, 1946, when the Cougars fell to Louisiana, 13-7, in front of 11,000 spectators At Public School Stadium in Houston.

• The Cougars defeated Auburn, 17-13, a season ago in the Birmingham Bowl, snapping a four-game bowl losing streak. With a win against Louisiana, Houston would register back-to-back bowl victories for the first time since the 2014-15 seasons when it defeated Pittsburgh, 35-34 in the Armed Forces Bowl (Jan. 2, 2015) and #9/8 Florida State, 38-24 in the Peach Bowl (Dec. 31, 2015).

• Houston went 5-2 in its final seven games. During the stretch, Houston hit its stride offensively. The Cougars’ 7.5 yards per play between Games 6-12 were the most in the country for teams across the same timeframe. Houston also led the country in touchdown passes (28) and ranked second in touchdowns (40), second in passing yards (2,652), third in points (291) and fourth in total offense (3,610) in the span.

• Five of Houston’s 12 regular season opponents have been ranked in either the AP Top 25 or the USA Today Sports AFCA Coaches Poll or received votes at some point this season. Eight of Houston’s 12 opponents are bowl bound.

• Five Houston players hail from the state of Louisiana including a pair of defensive linemen in Atlias Bell (New Orleans) who has 37 tackles and six tackles for loss and Sedrick Williams (Houma) who has 19 tackles and six tackles for loss. Team captain and tight end Christian Trahan (Sulphur) has caught 23 passes for 237 yards and three touchdowns.

• The Cougars have had to overcome significant injuries this season. Starters or key contributors who have missed multiple games on defense include linebacker Malik Robinson (10 games), defensive end Derek Parish (8 games), defensive back Alex Hogan (6 games), defensive back Antonio Brooks (5 games), defensive lineman Jamaree Caldwell (4 games), defensive back Hasaan Hypolite (2 games) and linebacker Mannie Nunnery (2 games). Offensively, the Cougars have been without running back Alton McCaskill IV (12 games), wide receiver Joseph Manjack IV (8 games), running back Brandon Campbell (3 games), running back Ta’Zhawn Henry (4 games) and wide receiver Matthew Golden (2 games).

• The Independence Bowl will offer a send-off for standout quarterback Clayton Tune. The senior, who leads The American in career touchdown passes (101), is two touchdown passes shy of Tanner Mordecai’s (SMU, 2021) single-season record (39) and one shy of Demond Ridder (Cincinnati, 2018-21) and Holton Ahlers (ECU, 2018-present) for the league’s career touchdowns responsible for (117) record.

• Friday marks Houston’s final game representing the American Athletic Conference before officially moving into the Big 12 Conference on July 1, 2023. The Cougars are 50-28 all-time in 10 years of league play since joining The American.

• Houston has scored 30+ points in 11 of its 12 games. The Cougars’ 30+ points in 11 games matched Tennessee, UCLA, USC and UTSA for the most nationally during the regular season. Defensively, Houston posted 11 games with 5.0+ tackles for loss which ranked tied for second nationally during the regular season.

TEAM NOTES
• Houston wide receiver Nathaniel Dell has been named a Second Team All-American by several publications including The Athletic and Pro Football Focus. The junior, who has declared for the NFL Draft, leads the nation in receiving touchdowns (15) this season. Dell’s 30 receiving scores since the start of the 2020 season paces the country as does his nine games of 125-plus receiving yards since 2021.

• Houston has scored 10+ points in 110 consecutive games (Sept. 2014-present), which ranks second nationally among active streaks (Alabama, 157). Houston has scored 10+ points in 40 straight non-conference games (Sept. 2014-present) which is 24th nationally.

• The Cougars have won 97 games since the start of the 2011 season, a mark that ranks 22nd nationally and tied for first with TCU and Texas A&M among Texas FBS programs. The Cougars have one more victory than Baylor (96) and 11 more wins than Texas (86).

• Houston’s special teams have been just that. Houston is the only school in the country with a kickoff return touchdown and punt return touchdown in each of the last four seasons (2019-present) with Jayce Rogers (KR at Memphis) and Nathaniel Dell (PR vs. Tulsa) doing so this season. The Cougars are one of four teams nationally ranked inside the Top 20 in both kickoff return and punt return average, joining South Carolina, Oregon State and Kansas State. During the regular season, the Cougars also recovered two onside kicks (Christian Trahan at Memphis; Garrison Vaughn at SMU) off the leg of Kyle Ramsey and ranked 11th in net punting (42.11) thanks to 28-year-old Australian sophomore punter Laine Wilkins.

• After allowing an average of 2.6 sacks per game across their first five games, Houston’s offensive line has permitted just 1.14 per game in the last seven contests. The Cougars limited Temple, which ranked eighth nationally in sacks, to 2.0 on Nov. 12. Houston has not allowed a sack twice in the last five contests. Left tackle Patrick Paul and left guard Cam’Ron Johnson were both named First-Team All-American Athletic Conference. All five starters – Paul (sophomore), Johnson (sophomore), right guard Tyler Johnson (sophomore), center Jack Freeman (junior) and right tackle Lance Robinson (sophomore) are all expected to return in 2023.

• Houston has registered five comeback victories including capturing four wins when trailing at halftime this season. Houston’s deficits in wins have included 14 points at UTSA, 7 points vs. Rice, 16 points at Memphis, 7 points vs. USF and 7 points against Temple. Against Temple, the Cougars drove 71 yards in five plays, using a 44-yard go-ahead touchdown with 40 seconds left to outlast the Owls, 43-36. On Oct. 7 at Memphis, UH became the first FBS program in 130 tries this season to overcome a 19+ point deficit in the fourth quarter.

• Houston wide receiver Matthew Golden has set the Cougars’ true freshman record with seven receiving touchdowns. The Houston native leads the country among true freshmen with four receiving touchdowns of 20+ yards. A season ago, running back Alton McCaskill IV – who missed the 2022 campaign with a torn ACL – set Houston’s rushing touchdowns record (16) for a true freshman.

• Six of Houston’s 12 games have come down to the final drive including a school-record three overtime games. In its opener, Houston’s defense forced an incomplete pass on UTSA’s 2-point opportunity in the third overtime to seal the win. On Sept. 24, Houston locked up a 34-27 win on a Rice incomplete pass on 1st and Goal from the 9-yard line as time expired. The Cougars took a one-point lead with 18 seconds left at Memphis and closed the game on an Atlias Bell sack at the Memphis 38-yard line. On Nov. 12, Matthew Golden hauled in a 44-yard touchdown to put Houston on top with 40 seconds remaining and the defense held Temple on its final opportunity.

• Houston has seen first-hand how small the margin for error is in its losses this season. Texas Tech covered 46 yards in 34 seconds at the end of regulation to set up the game-tying field goal and converted a 4th and 20 during the first overtime of an eventual 33-30 double-overtime victory. Tulane used an 11-play, 75-yard drive, scoring on a fourth down from the 3-yard line with 39 seconds remaining to tie the game during an eventual 27-24 overtime victory. Houston led in four of its five losses including double-digit leads against Kansas (14 points) and Tulsa (11 points).

• Houston’s offense has been hard to stop on third downs. Houston ranks 12th nationally in third down conversions (47.5%) and has converted on 50% of third downs in eight of its 12 games. The Cougars’ 63.6% conversion (7 of 11) vs. South Florida was their best mark in the Head Coach Dana Holgorsen (2019-present) era. Houston converted 42.1% in 2021, 40.0% in 2020 and 34.8% in 2019.

• Houston ranks eighth nationally and first in The American with 7.4 tackles for loss per game. Atlias Bell is the nation’s No. 4 edge defender (90.7) according to PFF. D’Anthony Jones is graded as the nation’s sixth-best edge defender (90.5) and fourth-best pass rusher among edge defenders (92.2) by PFF. Latrell Bankston is No. 14 nationally by pass rush grade (85.1) among interior defenders.

UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON ATHLETICS
• 30 bowl appearances, 20 Olympic Gold medals, 17 NCAA team titles, 6 NCAA Men’s Final Fours, 1 Heisman Trophy

• On Nov. 28, Houston Men’s Basketball reached the #1 spot in both the USA TODAY Sports Coaches poll and Associated Press poll. It marked the first time since March 1983 that the Cougars were ranked No. 1.

• Houston Volleyball reached the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1994 this fall. The Cougars won 20 consecutive matches, winning the American Athletic Conference, while entering the national rankings for the first time since 1994.

• Houston Athletics has won 163 conference titles all-time. The Cougars have won four-plus conference titles in seven straight years – the only school in The American to claim the feat.

A VICTORY WOULD …
• Help Houston reach its eighth victory for the 12th time in the last 17 seasons

• Be Houston’s 98th since the start of the 2011 season

• Move Houston to 13-16-1 all-time in bowl games and be Houston’s second consecutive bowl victory

OFFENSIVE OVERVIEW
Houston’s offense put together another strong season and hit its stride on Oct. 7 at Memphis. During its final seven games, the Cougars led the nation in yards per play (7.5) and touchdown passes (28) and ranked second in touchdowns (40), second in passing yards (2,652), third in points (291) and fourth in total offense (3,610).

QUARTERBACK
• First-Team All-American Athletic Conference quarterback Clayton Tune vaulted his way up Houston’s career leaderboard but did not stop there. The senior signal caller set a new league record for career touchdown passes (101). He is second in Cougar career history in the category as well as second in touchdowns responsible for (116) and is third in passing yards (11,767). This season, Tune is tied for the national lead in touchdown passes (37) and is second in points responsible for per game (21.5) and fifth in passing yards (3,845). • Redshirt freshman Lucas Coley, an Arkansas transfer, appeared in three games, completing all three passes attempted for a total of eight yards.

RUNNING BACK
• Houston turned to a bevy of backs, receiving 100-yard rushing performances from Stacy Sneed, who accomplished the feat twice, and Ta’Zhawn Henry, who rushed for 112 yards and a score against Rice. Redshirt freshman Brandon Campbell appeared in nine games, rushing for 409 yards and four scores. • Sneed registered two 100-yard rushing performances in the final six games including a 143-yard outburst against Temple on Nov. 12. The total was the most for a Houston player since 2017 (177, Duke Catalon vs. SMU). • All three Houston backs rushed for 300+ yards while Kelan Walker proved key in several run-blocking situations, helping the Cougars rank seventh nationally in passing offense (321.1).

TIGHT END
• Senior captain tight end Christian Trahan put together another productive regular season to highlight success by the position. Trahan hauled in 23 receptions for 237 yards, averaging 10.3 yards per catch, alongside three receiving touchdowns. The Sulphur, La., native registered a receiving score in three of Houston’s final four games including six catches for 48 yards in the Cougars’ blowout win at East Carolina. Trahan was instrumental in Houston’s 19-point fourth quarter comeback at Memphis on Oct. 7, posting a season-high 73 receiving yards on five catches. • Redshirt freshman Matt Byrnes also factored in on both offense and special teams. The Chicago native hauled in his first career catch and first career touchdown in Houston’s win at Navy on Oct. 22. On the season, he added a pair of 10-plus yard kickoff returns.

WIDE RECEIVER
• Houston junior wide receiver Nathaniel Dell was among the nation’s elite during the regular season, spotlighting another largely new-look receivers’ room during 2022. Dell finished as the national leader in receiving touchdowns (15) and receiving yards (1,354) for the regular season. The Daytona Beach, Fla., native caught a touchdown in 10 different games, the most for any player during 2022. His 15 touchdown receptions are tied for second in American Athletic Conference single-season history. • Dell was among five different players, including four receivers, who has logged at least one 100-yard receiving game this season. Senior KeSean Carter accomplished the feat twice, coming in consecutive weeks, including a 136-yard receiving outburst at SMU. Freshman Matthew Golden burst onto the scene, setting a Houston true freshman record with seven receiving touchdowns while catching a touchdown in six of Houston’s 12 games. Samuel Brown added 116 receiving yards in Houston’s comeback at Memphis on March 7. • Houston’s wideouts helped the Cougars finish seventh nationally in passing offense (321.1) while ranking eighth in completion percentage (67.4%).

OFFENSIVE LINE
• After running out the same starting lineup in each of its 14 games one season ago, Houston’s new-look offensive line found its groove, led by First-Team All-American Athletic Conference honorees Patrick Paul and Cam’Ron Johnson. • Johnson played 836 snaps for the Cougars, paving the way for three different 100-yard rushers courtesy of quarterback Clayton Tune, running back Stacy Sneed and running back Ta’Zhawn Henry. Paul is graded as the nation’s third-best pass blocker (91.2) among tackles according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). The sophomore played 832 offensive snaps for the Cougars, helping Houston to 30+ points in 11 of 12 games. • Junior Jack Freeman made the transition to center ahead of the season, putting together his best graded campaign according to PFF. Freeman checked in at third among American Athletic Conference centers with a 71.2 run block grade. Sophomore transfer Tyler Johnson started all 12 games at left guard and ranked tied for The American lead among guards with a 90.2 pass block grade across 603 snaps.

DEFENSIVE OVERVIEW
Houston’s defense felt the losses of three 2022 NFL Draft selections and four players from its 2021 season being featured on NFL rosters. Despite an abundance of injuries, the Cougars were once again led up front, ranking ninth nationally in tackles for loss per game (7.4). Four defenders earned All-American Athletic Conference honors.

DEFENSIVE LINE
• Despite the early-season loss of defensive end Derek Parish, Houston’s defensive line was a source of strength, averaging 2.5 sacks per game along with 7.4 tackles per contest. • First-Team All-Conference selection D’Anthony Jones finished the regular season tied for the national lead in forced fumbles (4). His eight forced fumbles since the start of the 2021 season are also tied atop the country. The senior’s 14.0 sacks over the last two seasons pace The American. • Jones is graded as the nation’s fourth-best edge defender (90.8) by PFF. He is also third in pass rush (92.1) at the position. Teammate Atlias Bell was equally as impressive, finishing as the sixth-highest graded edge defender (90.5) nationally while notching 6.0 tackles for loss and 37 tackles. Fellow lineman Nelson Ceaser earned the league’s third-best mark among edge defenders, trailing only Jones and Bell, finishing second on the team with 10.0 tackles for loss. • Houston’s interior defenders did not disappoint. Latrell Bankston finished 14th nationally with an 85.1 pass rush grade, which ranked second in the league. Defender Chidozie Nwankwo was sixth among The American’s interior defenders with a 71.7 grade for run defense while teammate Jamaree Caldwell was recognized as the league’s sixth-best overall interior defender by PFF.

LINEBACKER
• Senior captain Donavan Mutin, dubbed the “Peyton Manning of the Defense,” paced Houston in tackles (79) while adding four breakups and a forced fumble on the season. The Spring, Texas, native produced 10-plus tackles on four occasions including a season-best 13 at Navy on Oct. 22. • Houston’s “Next Man Up” mentality at the position was put to the test with the loss of Malik Robinson to injury. The senior registered 15 tackles through the first two games of the season before being sidelined. • Teammate Mannie Nunnery finished tied for fifth on the team with 38 tackles despite missing two games. The sophomore, who was the national special team’s player of the year a season ago, produced 10 tackles in Houston’s seven-point Bayou Bucket victory against Rice. • Sophomore linebacker and Oklahoma transfer Jamal Morris made an immediate impact, appearing in all 12 games while contributing 34 tackles including 18 solo stops. Fellow transfer Trimarcus Cheeks, who joined Houston from Samford, also added 34 tackles and 18 solo stops, alongside 4.0 tackles for loss.

DEFENSIVE BACK
• Like the linebacking corp., Houston’s defensive backs were tested due to injury during the 2022 season. The Cougars have been without Alex Hogan (6 games) while fellow defensive back Antonio Brooks missed five games before returning in a limited capacity late. • The Cougars were led at cornerback by Second-Team All-American Athletic Conference honoree Art Green. The senior finished fourth on the team with 40 tackles while providing seven pass breakups and two interceptions. Jalen Emery appeared in 11 games during his first season with the program and finished fourth on the squad with six pass breakups. Teammate Jayce Rogers, who earned all-conference honors on special teams, posted 26 solo stops (38 total tackles) and turned in a pair of interceptions. • Senior Gervarrius Owens was also recognized as a Second-Team All-Conference honoree. Owens finished tied for third in The American in passes defended (9), sixth in the league in forced fumbles (2) and 18thin tackles (70). The senior logged 5+ tackles in nine of his 11 games played including nine alongside three breakups against Temple on Nov. 12. Owens was graded as The American’s top safety (85.7) and top cover safety (88.8). • Teammate Thabo Mwaniki finished third on the squad in tackles (48) While adding An interception and forced fumble. Team captain Hasaan Hypolite appeared in 10 games for the Cougars, adding 32 stops.

SPECIAL TEAMS OVERVIEW
Houston’s special teams turned in a strong season despite the losses of a pair of all-time program greats in placekicker Dalton Witherspoon and kick/punt return extraordinaire Marcus Jones following the 2021 season.

PLACEKICKER
• Houston’s heated competition at kicker continued into the regular season with sophomore Kyle Ramsey and senior Bubba Baxa splitting kickoff, field goal and extra-point duties. Ramsey helped the Cougars convert a pair of onside kicks and converted all 36 extra-point opportunities. After kicking one field goal through the first 11 games – a 24-yard make at Navy on Oct. 22 – Ramsey converted 3 of 4 field goals in the finale against Tulsa including making a 42-yard field goal. Baxa made 9 of 14 field goals and attempted 64 kickoffs while converted 17 of 18 Extra-points. Baxa drilled a 35-yard field goal with 26 seconds remaining at UTSA to give Houston a 3-point lead as part of an eventual 37-35 victory.

PUNTER
• Laine Wilkins followed up a sensational 2021 campaign with a strong sophomore season. The 28-year-old Australian helped the Cougars rank 21st nationally in punt return defense (3.92) while booting the ball 37 times for 1,649 yards resulting in a career-best 44.6 average entering the bowl game. Wilkins downed nine punts inside the 20-yard line and logged nine punts of 50-plus yards.

PUNT/KICK RETURNER
• Despite the loss of return specialist Marcus Jones to the NFL, the Cougars remained steady on kick and punt return. The Cougars are the only program nationally to have returned a punt and kickoff for a touchdown in four straight seasons (2019-present). • Honorable Mention All-Conference honoree Jayce Rogers took a punt back 100 yards for a touchdown to help spark Houston’s 19-point comeback at Memphis on Oct. 7. The return was his first on the season while the touchdown return was just the second for an American Athletic Conference player on the season at that time. Rogers finished third in The American in kickoff return yardage (396). • After having two punt return touchdowns called back due to penalty on the season, Houston junior wide receiver Nathaniel Dell made one count in the regular season finale against Tulsa. Dell returned a 68-yard punt for a touchdown. Alongside a receiving score in the game, Dell became the seventh player nationally on the season with both a punt return touchdown and receiving touchdown in a single game. • The Cougars also turned to wide receiver Peyton Sawyer for return duty. The junior finished eighth in the conference with 293 return yards highlighted by a 35-yard kickoff return against Temple on Nov. 12.