With an air of uncertainty surrounding the team, the Cougars were able to answer some questions through a 42-23 win over Tulane, in their first game sans Case Keenum.
Head coach Kevin Sumlin said it was the kind of win that will boost the team’s morale.
“To get through some adversity and win is really what builds confidence,” Sumlin said. “Winning games by large amounts of points, or losing games by a couple touchdowns when you’re not in it at the end really doesn’t create the kind of character that you need.”
Tulane pressured UH by closing the deficit to five points with 9:19 in the fourth quarter. When the offense stalled, it was the defense that tilted the balance in the Cougar’s favor. Two turnovers in the final 10 minutes resulted in 14 points to give the Cougars the edge.
The offense was not the quick-striking, high-flying act fans have grown accustomed to seeing. Instead they pounded the ball on the ground with running back Bryce Beall. Beall was fed the ball 24 times for 131 yards and set a career high with four rushing touchdowns.
In his first start, freshman quarterback Terrance Broadway showed his ability to escape pressure in the pocket, running for 54 yards on 11 attempts, but he also lost two fumbles while doing so. Through the air he was 19 of 28 for 174 yards and an interception.
“It’s a learning experience for everybody,” Sumlin said. “Just like we thought, there was good and bad. I thought he came out and played well at the beginning of the game. I was also excited with how he finished the game.
Beall said he felt Broadway was able to keep his head in the game despite turning the ball over several times, and that him and his teammates must be able to ease some pressure off the freshman.
“He did good, he kept his composure,” Beall said. “We have to do a good job with the o-line and protect him out there.”
Up next for the Cougars is a much-needed bye week. Their next game is an Oct. 9 matchup against SEC opponent Mississippi State at Robertson Stadium.
The week off will give the team extra time to prepare for the game, and assist Broadway with getting more acclimated to the offense. Sumlin said with the hectic series of events the team has faced, he has had little time to observe Mississippi State.
“To be honest, I haven’t seen any film of Mississippi State,” Sumlin said. “My plate has been pretty full this week.”
“The bye week couldn’t come at a better time for us. It’s probably the first break we’ve got in the last couple weeks. We’re 2-0 in our league, we got a bye week to get better and come back with a home game.”
Hopefully Broadway steps it up against Miss St