UH unable to complete comeback over Tulane

UH entered Saturday’s Homecoming contest against Tulane in a five-way tie for first place in the American Athletic Conference, but turnovers and penalties negated any chance of extending its three-game win streak, as the Green Wave provided solid quarterback play and bend-but-don’t-break defense to escape with a 31-24 upset victory over the Cougars  at TDECU Stadium.

Sophomore quarterback Greg Ward was under duress all afternoon but often found running lanes to the outside, which led to team-highs in attempts (18) and rushing yards (59) in UH’s 31-24 defeat to Tulane at TDECU Stadium.| Justin Tijerina

UH receiver Steven Dunbar was the intended target on quarterback Greg Ward’s final pass of the night; instead, it led to Ward’s career-high third interception, and Tulane held on for the 31-24 upset victory at TDECU Stadium to snap the Cougars’ three-game win streak. The home team nearly tied the contest after recovering the onside-kick. | Justin Tijerina/The Cougar

Junior receiver Deontay Greenberry hauled in a 9-yard touchdown pass in the right corner of the end zone with 64 seconds left in the fourth quarter to narrow the deficit to a one-possession game against Tulane at TDECU Stadium. Greenberry finished the evening with season-highs in both catches (12) and receiving yards (136). | Justin Tijerina/The Cougar

Tulane defenders were able to keep UH’s Greg Ward in check, sacking the sophomore quarterback three times and intercepting three of his passes, including the game-clincher from cornerback Parry Nickerson. | Justin Tijerina/ The Cougar

Junior safety Adrian McDonald leads the Cougars onto the field against the Green Wave on Homecoming. | Justin Tijerina/The Cougar

Senior receiver Markeith Ambles took his catch off a slant route, evaded a tackler and leaped into the end zone for the Cougars’ 19-yard touchdown in the first quarter to tie the game up at 7 at TDECU Stadium.| Justin Tijerina/The Cougar

After recovering a fumble in the end zone for a Cougars touchdown, junior safety Adrian McDonald returned an interception 37 yards on Tulane’s following possession to set up a 39-yard field goal from Kyle Bullard, which then gave the Cougars a 17-14 halftime lead. | Justin Tijerina/The Cougar

Junior kicker Kyle Bullard (39) celebrates with his teammates after nailing a 39-yard field goal as time expired for a 17-14 halftime lead over Tulane at TDECU Stadium. | Justin Tijerina/The Cougar

Tags: Adrian McDonald, Deontay Greeberry, Greg Ward, Steven Dunbar, UH Cougars, UH Football