UH’s frustrating and injury-plagued season came to a close with Saturday’s 35-20 loss to Texas Tech at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock.
The Cougars finished the year on a four-game losing streak, ending with a record of 5-7. Expectations were high for UH after going 10-4 last season, but a season-ending injury to star quarterback Case Keenum in the third game left the Cougars with an uphill climb.
Facing a 15-point gap late in the fourth quarter, quarterback David Piland was picked off by D.J. Johnson, shutting the door on the season.
With 10 minutes remaining, Piland threw a 13-yard touchdown to Tyron Carrier on fourth-and-4 to make it 28-20.
On the ensuing possession, the defense could not contain the Tech offense, as the Red Raiders scored on an eight-play, 87-yard drive that took 2:37 off the clock.
The Cougars kept it close in the first half, taking a 21-13 deficit into the locker room at halftime. But the offense came out flat to start the second half.
After a UH punt, the Red Raiders (7-5) scored on an 8-yard pass from quarterback Taylor Potts to Baron Batch with 12:45 left in the third quarter.
The Red Raiders fumbled twice in UH territory, but the Cougars could not capitalize on turnovers.
Wide receiver James Cleveland was suspended for the game for an unspecified team violation – and his presence was missed. The offense produced 585 total yards, but was only 1-of-15 in third-down situations.
Freshman free safety Kent Brooks started in place of Nick Saenz and put forth a productive effort, recording an interception.
Piland completed 32 of 61 throws for 441 yards and two touchdowns with three interceptions. Michael Hayes led the team in rushing with 84 yards.
